Hello from the State Capitol,
The 2026 session has ended. While lawmakers did approve some good legislation, the process we take to bring these bills forward on the final days of session is a disservice to all the citizens of Minnesota.
THE GOOD
Tax relief – after an all Democrat-led state government in the House, Senate, and governor’s office wasted an $18 billion surplus, raised taxes by $10 billion and grew government spending by 40%, Minnesota families deserved meaningful relief, and some will get it.
$400 million in tax relief was approved on the final day of session, including $125 million in property tax cuts and $250 million in car tab fee reductions. While this agreement is a step in the right direction, I remain disappointed that we weren’t able to deliver more relief and to more people - and that these measures are only temporary rather than permanent.
Fraud - The creation of an independent Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is the highlight of our fraud prevention accomplishments. The office will investigate state agencies, grant recipients, and contractors suspected of fraud or criminal misuse of public funds. 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.
Protecting your 2nd Amendment freedoms – House Democrats were focused on attacking the rights of law-abiding gun owners this session. More than 20 bills that ignored the 2nd Amendment were considered. This included legislation that would have created the most extreme anti-gun legislation in the country, where very common handguns and hunting rifles would have been outlawed.
House Democrats knew the bill wasn’t going anywhere, but still chose to play theatrics instead of doing the real work of the people. To be clear, if Democrats regain power in Minnesota government – this kind of nonsense will be their top priority.
I’m very pleased every House Republican stood tall and voted in favor protecting the 2nd Amendment.
THE BAD
The end of session process – How legislation comes forward at the end of every session is just unacceptable. A handful of people get together in a room, decide on what’s going in a bill, and then it is thrown on lawmakers’ desks and we are told to vote on it. Some of these bills are 100 pages long or more and we have less than an hour to try and make sense of it.
I can’t vote in favor of something like this. We literally can’t explain everything that’s good or bad in the bill because we don’t know everything that’s in it. I owe it to my constituents to know what is in each bill and why I may be voting to support it. It’s not too much to ask.
MOVING FORWARD
I am looking forward to meeting with area residents over the next few months to share some of the Capitol happenings that took place over the past two years and to hear their questions and concerns. While we will not have session again this year, I am always available. Reach out anytime at rep.drew.roach@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651.296.1069.
In liberty,
Drew