Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, Happy Valentine's Day! The legislative session is now in full swing, and House Republicans have just wrapped up our first full week in the majority since 2018. It’s an exciting time as we hit the ground running, pushing forward key legislation that will make a real difference for Minnesotans. From tax relief to public safety and infrastructure improvements, we’re focused on delivering results that put the needs of our communities first. This week, I had the opportunity to meet with local leaders, law enforcement, and advocates who are working hard to make our state a better place. Their insights and dedication continue to inspire the work we do at the Capitol. There’s a lot happening, and I’m excited to keep you updated every step of the way. Thank you for your continued support—I look forward to working together to build a stronger, more prosperous Minnesota! Introducing HF 5: A Bold Step Towards Fairer Taxes and Transportation Funding I am excited to introduce House File 5, a bill that’s not just about numbers and formulas—it’s about creating a fairer tax system that truly supports Minnesota families and communities. This bill is a direct response to the growing need for tax relief and smarter transportation funding, and I’m proud to champion it. Here’s why this bill matters: Social Security Tax Relief: For too long, Minnesota seniors have had to pay taxes on their Social Security benefits. That’s just not right. H.F. 5 removes all Social Security benefits from the state income tax, providing a much-needed financial break to those who’ve worked hard their entire lives. It’s about time we ensure our seniors can enjoy their retirement without that added financial burden. Protecting Minnesotans from Hidden Tax Increases: We’re putting an end to automatic, indexed increases in the motor fuels tax. No more surprise hikes at the pump. The bill also repeals the retail delivery fee, giving consumers a break while ensuring we can still fund necessary transportation improvements. Reimagining Transportation Funding: This bill takes a fresh approach to how we allocate transportation funds. By reallocating revenue from motor vehicle rental taxes and adjusting the distribution of regional transportation sales taxes, we’re ensuring that all parts of Minnesota—urban and rural alike—benefit from a more balanced system. This is how we create lasting infrastructure improvements that serve every corner of our state. Smart, Data-Driven Decision Making: I’ve directed the Department of Public Safety to perform a deep dive into the motor vehicle registration tax, exploring its impact on taxpayers and how Minnesota stacks up against neighboring states. It’s time we make decisions based on data that reflect the real needs of our citizens, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. This bill is about building a brighter, more prosperous future for every Minnesotan. By providing tax relief to seniors, protecting consumers from hidden costs, and ensuring that our transportation funds are used in the most efficient way possible, House File 5 is a bold step forward for our state. I’m excited to keep fighting for these common-sense changes, and I can’t wait to see how this legislation transforms Minnesota for the better. Stay tuned—this is just the beginning! You can watch my full bill introduction here. Honoring Our Sheriffs: A Visit from Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander It was a pleasure to welcome Becker County Sheriff Todd Glander to the Capitol for Sheriff’s Day! Our sheriffs play an essential role in keeping our communities safe, and it was great to connect and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing law enforcement today. I’m incredibly grateful for the dedication and hard work of our sheriffs, who serve on the front lines to protect and support Minnesotans every day. Public safety remains a top priority, and I look forward to continuing to support policies that ensure our law enforcement officers have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs effectively. Thank you, Sheriff Glander, and to all our sheriffs across the state for your commitment to keeping our communities safe! Celebrating Homeschool Day on the Hill It was a privilege to meet with families during Homeschool Day on the Hill to discuss important legislative issues affecting Minnesota’s homeschool community. Hearing directly from parents and students about their experiences and priorities is invaluable as we work to ensure families have the freedom and resources they need to choose the best education for their children. A special thank you to the Carlson family for taking the time to visit and share their perspectives. Your passion and dedication to homeschooling are truly inspiring! I will continue to advocate for policies that protect parental rights and support educational choice for all Minnesota families. Working Together for Moorhead: A Great Conversation with Mayor Shelly Carlson It was a pleasure to meet with Mayor Shelly Carlson of Moorhead to discuss how we can work together to support the city and its residents. From infrastructure to economic development, Moorhead is a thriving community with big opportunities ahead, and I appreciate Mayor Carlson’s leadership and dedication to ensuring the city continues to grow and prosper. Collaborating with local leaders is key to crafting policies that truly make a difference, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to hear directly from Mayor Carlson about the needs and priorities of Moorhead. I look forward to continuing our work together to support the city and build a stronger future for the entire region! |