Hello from St. Paul,
The 2026 legislative session has come to a close. We had a large number of proposals approved during the final week of session, and numerous bipartisan accomplishments are worth highlighting.
NORTH ZUMBRO SANITARY SEWER DISTRICT FUNDING
Good news! An approved capital investment proposal this session included $12 million for the North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District. This plan will provide a centrally located wastewater facility in Zumbrota, lowering costs for all involved and better protecting our environment. Residents in Goodhue, Zumbrota, Wanamingo, Pine Island and the Prairie Island Indian Community will all benefit from the project.
In 2023, I was able to help secure $10 million towards the project’s cost. The participating communities will also need to contribute 50% of the project’s cost, so while all funding is not yet accounted for, we are nearing the point where hopefully they will be able to begin chipping in and the project can get off the ground.
COUNTIES TO RECEIVE TECHNOLOGY MODERNIZATION
This session, the State is finally providing some long-overdue investments to help counties modernize the technology systems used to administer human services programs. The upgrades are intended to improve efficiency, strengthen security protections, and enhance eligibility verification. In addition, newly approved welfare reforms will require able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid benefits to work, participate in job training, or pursue education to maintain eligibility.
Before becoming your state representative, I served as a Winona County Commissioner for ten years, so I have been advocating for these updates for roughly 14 years. This is a huge win for the state and counties. County employees are spending far too much time with outdated tools. This new technology will not only free them up to do other things, but will also help ferret out fraud, which is currently being covered up due to old technology. Providing accountability and transparency with these needed changes is a win-win.
TAX RELIEF HEADED TO MINNESOTANS
Proposals were approved this week that will deliver $400 million in tax relief to Minnesotans. $125 million will be provided in property tax cuts, and another $250 million will be allocated as a one-time vehicle tab fee reduction.
PREVENTING FRAUD
To address growing concerns over fraud and misuse of taxpayer dollars, lawmakers approved the creation of an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) tasked with investigating state agencies, grant recipients, and contractors involved in fraud or other criminal misuse of public funds. In addition, approved welfare reforms will require able-bodied adults receiving Medicaid benefits to work, participate in job training, or pursue education to maintain eligibility.
STOPPING “NONSENSE” BILLS
A tied House meant anything that was going to move forward had to be bipartisan. There were several bills that were brought forward, but failed, due to the House being in a tie. I call them “nonsense” proposals, because I think they’d be nonsensical for the residents in our district.
Among those that did not move forward: climate change legislation that will cost families an additional $7,000 a year, a statewide ban on common handguns and hunting rifles, and quintupling your car tab fees.
PLEASE CONTACT ME!
Serving as your state representative is a job I take seriously. I value your input and encourage you to reach out any time with your legislative questions and concerns. Even though session is over, I can always be reached at rep.steven.jacob@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651.296.2273. I look forward to hearing from you!