Dear Neighbor,
Lots of ground to cover today, so let’s get right to it:
Fraud
A bill to create an independent Office of the Inspector General to help crack down on Minnesota’s rampant fraud problem continues to suffer delays caused by partisan gamesmanship in a House that’s split 67-67.
A bill to create a new OIG passed the Senate 60–7 on an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote last spring, but was ultimately blocked in the House before session adjourned. We’ve been working to move this legislation through the House again this year, but the former majority has prevented it from advancing at least four separate times.
The bottom line is the legislature should advance a practical, common-sense package of fraud prevention and accountability reforms. We need a “real” OIG, not a watered-down version that lacks independence and the teeth of law enforcement.
Second Amendment
House Democrats and the governor this week put out proposals that would add new restrictions on responsible gun owners while doing little to target violent criminals.
Their proposals to ban commonly owned firearms, require gun insurance, and pile on new regulations won’t deter those who already ignore the law. The better approach would be to fully prosecute repeat offenders, back our law enforcement officers, and address serious mental-health issues to reduce violent crime. I strongly support the Second Amendment and oppose efforts that chip away at the rights of those who cherish their rights and abide by the law.
Two-line fishing
I am co-authoring a bill that looks to help anglers have more success and attract more young people to the sport by allowing two lines for all fish. Limits, of course, would remain in place.
The DNR indicates the average age of anglers is increasing in Minnesota, with older people showing more stable participation than younger generations. This bill could help parents and grandparents get kids out on the water for some healthy activities, and also help Minnesota maintain its proud tradition as a fishing hotbed even as people’s interests evolve in this era of technology.
On a separate fishing note, the DNR has proposed reducing the statewide daily and possession limit for walleye from six to four fish, effective March 1, 2027. The rule maintains the current restriction of allowing only one walleye over 20 inches in possession. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted by the DNR through March 5. Visit www.dnr.state.mn.us for more.
Local faces in St. Paul
Great team at the Capitol discussing some of the legislative priorities that they have at MSOP In Moose Lake.
Thank you Krista and Keith for coming down to the Capitol from Carlton County. Thank you for representing your businesses as well as the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association.
Great having Liam Reeves at the Capitol from Carlton County serving as a high school page. He’s a young man that brings joy wherever he goes!
Affordable energy
Energy has been a big part of the discussions here at the Capitol for the last handful of years as we make decisions on our state’s long-term power plan. Our priority needs to be providing access to affordable energy on a reliable grid as our energy demands increase.
Minnesota has put itself on a bit of an island with its metro-centric energy policies that include a nuclear moratorium prohibiting utilities from expanding nuclear power within the state. We need to start looking at what nuclear technology would mean to ratepayers here in Minnesota as a carbon-free option. It may not always be the cheapest, but it is base load energy that is carbon-free and helps diversify our grid to avoid power shortages. This isn’t necessarily about building giant factories on a hill with stacks to the sky. It’s more about smaller-scale nuclear power which might, for example, produce 100 megawatts of portable power.
Modern technology is evolving every day and we should make sure Minnesota can play a part and be part of that next generation of nuclear power in an overall attempt to deliver affordable, reliable energy.
Economic forecast
Later today, we are scheduled to receive an updated economic forecast for our state. You may remember that Minnesota Management and Budget’s most recent full forecast in December showed a serious structural imbalance, including a projected $3 billion shortfall in 2028–29. And there was an important warning: if the current $2.5 billion surplus is spent, that future deficit grows to $5.4 billion.
This gloomy outlook is, in large part, a consequence of decisions made under one-party control last biennium. That’s when the $18 billion surplus was spent, taxes were raised by $10 billion, and state spending increased by 40 percent. Without House Republicans pushing for a historic spending reduction last session, the projected deficit would be even larger today.
That’s all for now from the House as we look to wrap up a rather busy week. Have a good weekend and watch for more soon.
Sincerely,
Jeff