Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, We’re now in the home stretch of the 2025 legislative session, with our final deadline quickly approaching on Monday, May 19. Things are moving fast here at the Capitol, and the bulk of the work is happening behind the scenes in conference committees. I’m proud to share that after some tough conversations among the four caucus leaders and Governor Walz, we’ve reached a budget agreement that’s truly historic. This deal delivers the largest government spending cut in state history—a bold and necessary step to ease the financial strain on Minnesota families who are feeling the pinch from rising costs and economic uncertainty. But this agreement is about more than just balancing the budget — it reflects a meaningful compromise between parties. It’s about focusing on what truly matters: supporting hardworking families, providing our kids with a quality education, investing in public safety, and protecting the programs that help our seniors live with dignity and respect. If you want to hear directly from the leaders who made this happen, I encourage you to watch the press conference [here]. That said, the work isn’t finished. The days ahead will be just as critical as those behind us. We’ll be working around the clock through Monday, putting in long hours and tough conversations to finalize the session and deliver real, tangible results. It’s a race against the clock, but I’m confident that with dedication and teamwork, we will finish strong. I also want to take a moment to thank you for staying engaged throughout this process. Your voice, concerns, and support keep me grounded and focused on the job. Representing you is an honor and a responsibility I take very seriously, and I’m always looking for opportunities to listen, learn, and better understand the needs of the people I serve. As we push toward the finish line, let’s remember that every effort we make here at the Capitol is aimed at building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Minnesota for all of us. Together, we can make that vision a reality. Thank you for trusting me to represent you. Let’s finish this session strong—together! Honoring Our Heroes During National Police Week As a retired police officer, National Police Week means a lot to me. It’s not just a day to remember—it’s a time to really reflect on the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who wear the badge, especially those who never came home. During my years in law enforcement, I saw firsthand the quiet strength and courage it takes to do this job. Being a police officer isn’t just work—it’s a commitment to putting others first, sometimes at a great personal cost. This week, we honor those who answered that call with everything they had. Across Minnesota and the country, officers, families, and communities are coming together to remember the fallen. Whether at the Peace Officers Memorial or in quiet moments with colleagues and loved ones, each name on that wall reminds us of a life dedicated to service and the impact their loss has on all of us. To the families who’ve lost someone in the line of duty—I want you to know that we see you, we grieve with you, and we hold your loved ones close in our hearts. Their sacrifice is not forgotten. Their legacy lives on in all of us who continue the work with honor and pride. To my fellow officers—retired and active—thank you for your service and dedication. Your hard work and sacrifice don’t go unnoticed. This National Police Week, let’s all take a moment to remember what it really takes to keep our communities safe, and to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who gave everything. To see how we honored our fallen officers this week, you can watch our memorial tribute clip [here].  We also had the privilege of passing an official House resolution officially recognizing May 15 as Peace Officer Memorial Day and May 11–17 as National Police Week. This wasn’t just procedural—it was heartfelt. It was about pausing, as a legislature and as a state, to say thank you to the brave men and women who protect and serve our communities, and to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. There was a deep sense of respect on the House floor as we stood together in gratitude—for the officers still on duty, for those we've lost, and for the families who carry their memory every single day. If you’d like to see that moment for yourself, you can watch the House resolution clip [here]. It’s a powerful tribute, and I encourage you to take a few minutes to watch. Honored to Take Part in Conference Committee for House File 2130I’m truly honored to have been one of just three Republican members chosen to serve on the conference committee for House File 2130, a bill I co-authored and am proud to stand behind. If you’re not familiar, a conference committee is a small group—three members from the House and three from the Senate, split evenly between parties—who come together to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill. It’s a critical step to make sure the final legislation is something both sides can agree on and that truly serves the people of Minnesota. House File 2130 addresses serious public safety concerns around repeat impaired driving. The bill updates driver’s license revocation rules, extends ignition interlock device requirements, strengthens penalties for those who drive without the required devices, and improves treatment and rehabilitation programs. It also streamlines processes related to impounded license plates and temporary licenses, adds judicial review for license extensions, and enhances penalties for criminal vehicular homicide offenders. This legislation was introduced in response to the tragic Park Tavern incident, where a repeat offender’s impaired driving caused devastating consequences. Driving is a privilege, not a right, and our bill ensures that those with multiple DWI offenses demonstrate real behavioral change before getting back behind the wheel. Longer interlock periods hold offenders accountable and provide greater peace of mind for law enforcement and the public. No one should have to fear that a night out could end in tragedy because someone slipped through the cracks. This bill is about accountability, consistency, and saving lives. Serving on this committee was another opportunity to help shape meaningful legislation that keeps our communities safer. The committee has approved the bill, and it will now head back to the House floor for a final vote before becoming law. As Session Comes to a Close, My Door Stays OpenAs we head into the final stretch of the legislative session, things are moving quickly—but I’m staying focused on what matters most: working hard for our district and for all of Minnesota. These last few days are when the important decisions get made, and I’m committed to making sure the results reflect what our community needs and values. It’s a privilege to serve you, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together so far. Let’s keep pushing to finish this session strong—for our families, neighbors, and the future of our state. Take care, Representative Jeff Witte Minnesota House of Representatives, District 57B |