Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, We’re officially in the home stretch, and things are moving at full speed here at the Capitol! After diving back into action this week, the House has shifted into high gear to wrap things up before our May 19 adjournment. With less than five weeks left in the 2025 session, it’s all hands on deck! Committee work is officially behind us, and now it’s time for the main event—floor votes on our omnibus bills. This is where all the behind-the-scenes work, late-night negotiations, and endless cups of coffee finally come together. I’m laser-focused on pushing for a responsible, balanced budget and finding solutions that will truly benefit Minnesotans. Today, the Public Safety Committee passed its omnibus bill off the House floor, and I’m proud of the progress we’re making to improve safety and justice in our communities. Looking ahead, our Taxes Omnibus Bill is scheduled to be voted on May 7th—a big moment for our state’s fiscal future. I am so grateful to have been able to serve on both of these amazing committees this year. The collaboration from both sides of the aisle has been truly inspiring, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done together to do good for the state of Minnesota. As always, thank you for your continued support—let’s keep pushing forward and making this session one to remember! Investing in Safer Communities: A Meaningful Visit to the State of the State I was deeply honored to welcome Valarie Castile and her brother Clarence as my guests to the Governor’s State of the State address. Their presence was more than symbolic—it was a powerful reminder of why we must continue to prioritize meaningful reforms and investments in public safety. Valarie is the mother of Philando Castile, whose tragic death shook our state and sparked a vital national conversation about justice, accountability, and the role of law enforcement in our communities. Her continued advocacy, strength, and grace are nothing short of inspiring. Together, we are working on legislation that would secure state funding for critical law enforcement training in honor of Philando’s legacy. This training isn’t just a checkbox—it’s an essential tool to ensure officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and understanding they need to serve and protect all Minnesotans effectively. These programs focus on de-escalation, cultural competency, mental health response, and other essential areas that are vital for modern policing. This initiative is both practical and deeply needed. Without this funding, many police departments—especially in Greater Minnesota—would struggle to access the training their officers need to meet today’s complex challenges. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction would be felt across our state. I’m incredibly grateful to Valarie and Clarence for their continued partnership and unwavering commitment to making our communities safer and more compassionate. I look forward to working side by side with them—and with all of you—to advance this critical work. When we lead with compassion, accountability, and collaboration, we can make a lasting difference.  A Thoughtful Look at Minnesota’s Healthcare ExpansionAs we continue to navigate Minnesota’s budget challenges, I think it’s important to have a candid conversation about the expansion of taxpayer-funded healthcare, especially when it comes to covering individuals who are here without legal documentation. The latest data from the Minnesota Department of Health shows that 17,396 individuals who are here illegally are now enrolled in MinnesotaCare. That’s more than double the original estimate of 7,700 from just last year. When the expansion was first discussed, the cost was projected at $196 million over four years. But now, that number has soared to $550 million—and it’s still climbing. What’s even more concerning is that these enrollment numbers weren’t made public right away. They only came to light after repeated questions from House Republicans, which raises concerns about transparency. Here’s another important point: unlike other MinnesotaCare enrollees, individuals who are here illegally don’t qualify for federal matching funds. Normally, the feds cover 90% of the costs, with the state picking up 10%. But in this case, Minnesota taxpayers are covering 100% of the cost. All of this is happening at a time when Minnesota is facing a $6 billion budget deficit. Families across the state are already feeling the pinch from rising costs, and critical services—like ambulance care, rural hospitals, and emergency services—are at risk. But instead of focusing on these urgent needs, the state is putting more than half a billion dollars into healthcare for individuals who are in the country without legal authorization. House Republicans are focused on making sure we get our fiscal house in order and that our healthcare dollars are spent where they’re needed most—on Minnesotans who are struggling and deserve help. It’s time to make sure that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and goes to the people who truly need it. This is a tough conversation, but it’s one we need to have to make sure we’re prioritizing the needs of Minnesotans and using our resources responsibly. A Wild Start—and a Wild Win! We kicked off Thursday morning at the Capitol in true State of Hockey fashion! In honor of the Minnesota Wild’s home playoff game, we were treated to a powerful performance of the National Anthem by John DeCausmeaker, the incredible voice behind the Wild’s anthem at the Xcel. The energy was electric and set the perfect tone for the day. And the best part? The Wild brought home the win! It was a great day from start to finish—full of pride, playoff vibes, and a reminder of just how special Minnesota hockey really is. GO WILD! You can view his rendition [HERE]. Snap, Crackle, Capitol! What’s better than starting your day with a hearty bowl of cereal? Doing it with your colleagues at the Capitol! Tuesday morning’s “Cereal Day” was an absolute blast—complete with crunchy bites, great laughs, and meaningful conversations over milk. A big shoutout to my co-hosts Representative Jim Nash, Speaker Lisa Demuth, and Representative Keith Allen for helping keep this fun tradition alive and delicious. From Lucky Charms to Raisin Bran, there was something for everyone (no judgment if you went back for seconds!). And of course, major thanks to my friends at Hy-Vee—for being the ultimate go-to spot for milk. Seriously, it doesn’t get more wholesome than this. Can’t wait to do it again next year!  Earth Day Shoutout: Clean Lakes, Clear Conscience Happy (belated) Earth Day, Minnesota! While every day is a good day to take care of our planet, Tuesday gave us an extra reason to celebrate the natural beauty that makes our state so special—from the piney woods up north to the frozen lakes we love to fish on. That’s why I teamed up with Rep. Andrew Myers (R-Minnetonka) to co-author House File 1120, launching the “Keep it Clean” program! This bill is all about protecting our lakes during winter activities—because even ice deserves a little TLC. What does it do? Think: sanitary dump stations, clean-up support, and public education campaigns to prevent trash from piling up on (and under) our frozen waterways. It’s practical, it's purposeful, and it keeps Minnesota looking—and feeling—like home. So whether you planted a tree, picked up a wrapper, or just recycled your coffee cup on Earth Day, thank you! Here’s to cleaner lakes, greener futures, and policies that leave no trace—except the good kind. Stay Connected!As we head into the final few weeks of session, your thoughts, questions, and ideas are more important than ever! These last few weeks are when the real work happens—and your input is what keeps me motivated and focused on what matters most to you. Whether you’re curious about the bills we’re working on or have something else on your mind, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to listen and to work on solutions that reflect your priorities. You can always connect with me by phone or email at rep.jeff.witte@house.mn.gov. It’s truly an honor to represent you at the Capitol, and together, we’re building a brighter future for Minnesota—one idea, one conversation at a time. Take care, and let's finish strong! Representative Jeff Witte
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 57B |