Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, Well—we’re officially past the May 19th adjournment deadline, and like many of you, I’m frustrated. This whole mess could have been avoided. Democrats sat out for 23 days at the start of session, and now here we are: headed into a special session just to finish work that should’ve been done weeks ago. Let’s be honest—this session has been one of the most irresponsible and out-of-touch I’ve seen. The governor’s budget was loaded with unfunded mandates that would crush local governments and force double-digit property tax hikes on hardworking Minnesotans. It’s unfair. It’s unsustainable. And I’ve been pushing back hard. As someone who’s served in local government, I’ve lived this. When the state punts the responsibility, your city is left holding the bag. That means cutting basic services or raising your taxes just to keep things running. That’s not “shared responsibility.” That’s dumping the problem in your lap and walking away. So, what have I been doing about it? As Co-Vice Chair of the Taxes Committee, I haven’t just been burning the midnight oil—I’ve been going toe-to-toe with some of the most reckless budgeting I’ve seen. While others played political games, I’ve been in the trenches fighting to protect your paycheck, your property, and your peace of mind. Every bloated proposal, every tax hike scheme, every backdoor deal—I’ve stood firm and pushed back. On the Transportation and State Government Committees, I’ve made it my mission to ensure that every single dollar is spent wisely. That means fixing potholes, not padding payrolls. It means funding infrastructure—not inflating bureaucracy. Minnesotans work too hard to have their money wasted by a government that’s forgotten who it works for. And now, as we barrel toward a special session thanks to 23 days of delay from the other side, I’m showing up ready to fight like never before. I want a final budget that respects your sacrifices, restores fiscal sanity, and actually delivers results—not excuses. I didn’t run to take selfies on the House floor or chase headlines. I ran to serve my district, to be your voice, and to hold the line when it matters most. So thank you—for your trust, your support, and your grit. You’re why I fight. And I won’t stop until we finish the job—and finish it right. Sincerely,  Representative Jim Joy Minnesota House of Representatives, District 4B |