Session Begins: We Demand Our Money Back!

February 18, 2026

Session Has Begun

Friends and Neighbors,

The 2026 Legislative Session kicked off on Tuesday, and I am back in St. Paul working on your behalf to ensure accountability for the fraud that has occurred under DFL governance. We demand our money back!

With the United States Treasury Department engaged in prosecuting criminals and recouping our stolen tax dollars that have been sent overseas, positive progress is being made, but I remain immensely concerned by the actions of the Walz Administration, who have continued to send money to people that have been convicted of fraud. 

Despite the waste and fraud, Minnesota currently has a budget surplus during the 2026-2027 biennium, meaning you and I have been overtaxed and we must return the money back to you.

Cut Taxes Now

Minnesota ranks 44th out of 50 states for tax competitiveness, according to TaxFoundation.org. The last thing that we need to do, is spend more of our money to grow government. Minnesota currently has approximately $5 Billion on the bottom line, and our money is currently sitting in state coffers, rather than stimulating the economy and making life more affordable for Minnesotans. Given that the state budget is already in place for this biennium, our priority must be to pass a tax rebate to get the money back in the hands of the people. I will be advocating for such a rebate this year. 

I will also be introducing legislation for a property tax rebate, following the news at the end of last year that said, across the state, there will be a roughly $1 Billion property tax increase that we will all feel. We have seen our property taxes climb year over year, pushing citizens, especially our retirees on fixed incomes, out of their homes. The time is now for action on property tax relief. 

Fraud Accountability

With the lack of meaningful action by the Walz Administration to stop fraud, hold fraudsters accountable, and protect the public's money, House Republicans will continue to advocate for an Office of the Inspector General bill this session. 

The Inspector General will have broad authority in prosecuting fraud and will have the power to act outside of the desires of the Governor. Establishing an Office of the Inspector General is imperative for deterring future fraud.

We will likewise be introducing a bill that provides more restrictive oversight and accountability for negligent state employees. If an employee of Delta allowed a Dreamliner Jet to be stolen, they would be fired and likely prosecuted. The same should be the case for state employees who grossly mismanage our money. The passage of state employee accountability measures would go a long way in reestablishing public trust in government.

Keep an eye out for more updates, as Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison are scheduled to testify before the United States House Oversight Committee in Washington DC on March 4th. Their testimony will be under oath. We, the people, deserve the truth.

Recent Town Hall

I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended my recent town hall – we had the largest turnout of any of the dozens of town halls that I have hosted while serving you.

I had a wonderful time getting to know you all, answering questions, and hearing your top legislative priorities for the upcoming year.

I look forward to holding many similar events going forward, and I am grateful to live in a country where everyone shares the ability to have our voices heard. Participation like this on the local level is critical for us and the future of our constitutional republic. 

Stay Up-to-Date

Follow me on Twitter @ImSchultz and check out my official Facebook Page for daily updates on the important issues at the capitol.