Legislative Update - Fall Newsletter

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope the colder fall temperatures are treating you well. As we dip below freezing, it’s a good reminder that Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule is in effect, which ensures all Minnesotans stay warm and are protected from utility service shut-offs. 

To protect your service from disconnection, you must make and keep a reasonable payment plan that you and your utility provider agree on. You can set up a payment plan any time during the rule season (October 1 to April 30). Call your natural gas, electric, municipal utility, or electric cooperative for more information, or contact the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office at consumer.puc@state.mn.us or call 651-296-0406, 1-800-657-3782.  

Investing in Duluth’s Infrastructure  

The House Capital Investment Committee just wrapped up their statewide infrastructure tour, visiting projects vying for investment in next year’s Capital Investment Bill. I was honored to welcome my colleagues to Duluth earlier in the fall, when we toured crucial local projects that would improve our community’s economic vitality, public accessibility, housing support services, and so much more.  

Sites we visited included Parking Lot D (a proposed site for redevelopment), the dated elevators at the St. Louis County Courthouse, a behind the scenes tour of needed updates to the DECC, and the amazing work being done at Union Gospel Mission. Our community is asking the state to be a partner in building a better Duluth, and I’m looking forward to fighting for these projects that benefit our entire region. 

While these projects look to the future, we also got to celebrate the opening of an incredible piece of local infrastructure this fall - the Twin Ports Interchange. This interchange is a fantastic example of all levels of government working together to build something that matters. I was able to speak at the opening of this project, where I was able to thank the men and women of labor that made it all possible.  

Next session, I’ll be working to ensure Duluth has more ribbon cuttings in the near future.  

Truth in Taxation  

If you’re a homeowner, by the time you read this, you should have received your county truth-in-taxation notice, or should receive it shortly. If you’re like me, you were shocked by the increased property taxes you’re facing. At a time of economic uncertainty and rising costs, we need to focus on affordability.

Unfortunately, President Trump and his Republican allies are more focused on delivering tax breaks for billionaires than giving the middle class an opportunity to thrive. His short-sighted cuts and disinvestment in critical federal services like SNAP are shifting more responsibilities onto our state and local governments.

There are existing state programs that can help lessen the blow of rising property taxes. While many are familiar with property tax refunds, Minnesota also has a deferral program for senior citizens, and a market value exclusion for properties classified as a homestead. You can find more programs and resources at the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s webpage.  

Stay Connected

Before we know it, the 2026 Legislative Session will be upon us. I’ll head back to the Minnesota House in February, meaning now is a great time to touch base on the issues that matter most to you. You can always reach me at rep.pete.johnson@house.mn.gov or (651) 296-4246. You’ll either hear back from me, or our Legislative Assistant, Faith.

Lastly, in this season of thanks, I want to thank you for the honor of representing our community in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This year has been filled with incredible highs and lows, but your support and dedication to our community is really what makes this work so special.

I wish you and yours a very happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,      

Pete Johnson  

State Representative