Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, It’s been three whole weeks since our official May 19th adjournment deadline, and to be honest—I’m getting frustrated. And I’m not the only one! My House Republican colleagues and I have been working around the clock, showing up for negotiations, ironing out policy language, and doing the job we were elected to do. But while we were here putting in the work over the weekend, Governor Tim Walz was off campaigning in South Carolina. Yep—you read that right. Instead of staying in-state to help move us toward a deal, he was out on the national stage telling his party to “be a little meaner” and take a more aggressive stance against President Trump. You can watch it here for yourself:
Governor Walz in South Carolina His exact words? “Maybe it's time for us to be a little meaner, a little bit more fierce, because we have to ferociously push back on this.”
Frankly, this kind of rhetoric helps no one—especially not Minnesotans who are waiting on a finished budget, a safer state, and some accountability. Representative Max Rymer (R- North Branch) put it best in his post on X:
“If Walz runs for re-election, his entire 3rd term will instantly be devoted to running for President. Given our spending, fraud, crime problems—how’s that remotely acceptable?” This is no time for presidential politics. Minnesotans deserve a Governor who’s fully present and ready to lead—not someone auditioning for a national spotlight. I know you're tired of the games. So am I. Our communities are counting on us to finish the job—with transparency, focus, and real leadership. While some are chasing headlines, I’ll continue doing what I was elected to do: fight for you, show up every day, and push for solutions that put Minnesotans first. As always, I’m here to listen, answer your questions, and keep you in the loop. Let’s keep holding our leaders accountable—together. Sincerely,  Representative Jim Joy Minnesota House of Representatives, District 4B |