Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, We’re officially in the home stretch! After returning to the Capitol this week, the House is shifting into high gear to finish strong before our May 19 adjournment deadline. With less than five weeks left in the 2025 session, the pace is picking up—and fast! Committee negotiations have wrapped up, and now we’re turning our attention to voting on omnibus bills on the House floor. From the budget to key policy decisions, this final push is where all the behind-the-scenes work comes to life. I’m focused on making sure we pass a responsible, balanced budget and move forward with solutions that truly serve the people of Minnesota. Let’s get it done! Minnesotans Footing the Bill for Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs for Immigrants Here IllegallyThe Democrats’ expansion of taxpayer-funded healthcare to cover immigrants here illegally has spiraled into a budget disaster—and Minnesotans are stuck with the bill. The Minnesota Department of Health recently revealed that 17,396 immigrants who are here illegally are now enrolled in MinnesotaCare. That’s more than double the original estimate of 7,700 from just a year ago. When Democrats expanded MinnesotaCare to offer free healthcare to this group, they projected a $196 million cost over four years. Fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed to $550 million—and it's still climbing. What’s worse? These shocking enrollment numbers were kept hidden from the public, only surfacing after repeated prodding from House Republicans. And here’s the kicker: Unlike other MinnesotaCare enrollees, immigrants here illegally aren’t eligible for federal matching funds. Normally, the feds pick up 90% of the tab, with the state covering just 10%. But in this case, Minnesota taxpayers are picking up 100% of the cost. This comes at a time when our state is facing a $6 billion budget deficit. Families across Minnesota are already feeling the sting of rising costs, and critical services like ambulance care, rural hospitals, and emergency services are on the line. But instead of focusing on these urgent needs, the state is pouring more than half a billion dollars into healthcare for individuals who are here in violation of federal law. House Republicans are committed to restoring fiscal sanity at the Capitol. It’s time to put Minnesota taxpayers first and ensure our healthcare dollars are spent where they’re truly needed—on Minnesotans who need it most. Teaming Up for a Legislative Update! This week, I had the pleasure of teaming up with Representative Krista Knudsen (R-Lake Shore) to film a quick legislative update for all of you! It’s always great to connect and share what’s happening at the Capitol, and we wanted to make sure you’re up to speed on our current concerns and priorities. We had a great time chatting through the key issues we’re working on right now, and we’re excited to keep you informed as things move forward. Click here to watch the update and hear all about what’s happening at the Capitol and how we’re advocating for what matters most to Minnesotans! It’s always a joy to bring you into the process and keep you involved—thanks for tuning in! Addressing Concerns About Rising Property TaxesMany of you have reached out to express your frustration with rising property taxes, and I hear you. The truth is, decisions made at the state level are making it harder for counties and school districts to maintain essential services without relying on local tax hikes. Here’s what’s happening: Governor Walz’s proposed budget shifts over $1.5 billion in health and human services costs from the state to counties.
This shift leaves local governments scrambling to make up the difference, often turning to property tax increases to fill the gap.
At the same time, the state has passed more than 65 unfunded mandates on school districts just in the past year, all while cutting funding for critical school services. The bottom line is this: families in our area are the ones footing the bill—whether it’s higher school levies or increased county taxes to maintain essential programs like disability services and senior care. County officials across Minnesota are raising concerns, warning that the Governor’s plan could lead to double-digit property tax increases. That’s simply not sustainable for working families, seniors on fixed incomes, or small business owners who are already struggling to make ends meet. Rest assured, I’m working hard to reprioritize our state budget to ensure we can maintain the services that matter most while keeping Minnesota affordable for everyone. Together, we can find solutions that work for all of us. Looking Ahead!As always, I’m here to serve you and make sure your voice is heard loud and clear at the Capitol. If you ever have questions, concerns, or just want to chat about what’s happening in St. Paul, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can call my office at 651-296-6829 or send me an email at rep.jim.joy@house.mn.gov—I’d love to hear from you. Stay connected and follow along for updates on Facebook here! Wishing you a fantastic weekend!  Representative Jim Joy Minnesota House of Representatives, District 4B |