ST. PAUL – Minnesota’s 2026 legislative session began Tuesday and Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville, said it’s good to be back at the Capitol working for District 30A residents as the legislature addresses major issues in the coming months. Hudson also said the partisan politics in St. Paul – with a tied House, Democrats holding a one-seat Senate majority and no looming budget deadline to force action – may make it difficult to accomplish meaningful work. “There are important issues we should be tackling this year – starting with Minnesota’s ongoing fraud problem,” Hudson said. “Whether it’s the ongoing fraud or the lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities, the sloppy rollout of paid family medical leave, the political opportunism that those issues present is likely to get in the way being productive this session. “That’s disappointing, because there are areas where we could make progress. Supplemental budget items, federal conformity updates, family law adjustments to ensure fairness between parents sharing custody, improvements to criminal statutes to strengthen public safety, and thoughtful education policy reforms all present opportunities for bipartisan agreement. However, that becomes harder given the level of animosity that's been fostered by reckless rhetoric.” Hudson said House Republicans recently shared a list of overarching priorities for the 2026 legislative session. They include: - Stop the Fraud
- Make Minnesota Affordable
- Make Minnesota Safe
- Raise Standards, Reduce Mandates
- Make Minnesota Competitive
- Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans
Hudson continues serving as co-vice chair of the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee and also remains a member of committees on fraud, public safety and education finance. He said he welcomes correspondence throughout the session and encourages District 30A residents to call (651) 296-1534 or email rep.walter.hudson@house.mn.gov to get in touch. The legislature is scheduled to adjourn May 17. -30- |