News Release
Rep. Stier Reflects on 2025 Session: Wins in Pensions, Frustration Over Oversight Blocked
St. Paul, MN - As the 2025 legislative session comes to a close, Representative Terry Stier reflects on the progress made and the challenges ahead. While meaningful improvements to teacher and public safety pensions were secured, efforts to establish an independent Office of Inspector General (OIG) to oversee government spending were blocked by House Democrats in the final hour.
“The OIG would serve as a watchdog, independent from all branches of government, protecting hardworking Minnesota taxpayers by investigating fraud and overseeing state spending,” said Rep. Stier. “Unfortunately, Democrats refused to support this critical accountability measure. This obstruction threatens to keep the gravy train rolling for special interests at taxpayer expense.”
The session ended without resolving many pressing issues, setting the stage for an upcoming special session at a date yet to be determined. Rep. Stier points to Democratic delays and absenteeism during the regular session as the cause, warning that the added cost of a special session will fall on taxpayers.
Despite these frustrations, Rep. Stier is proud of the pension reforms achieved this year, including legislation to stop abuse in police and fire duty disability benefits, faster cost-of-living increases for retired public safety officers, and improvements to teacher pensions.
“I fought hard to protect and improve benefits for those who protect our communities and educate our children,” Stier said. “I will continue working to hold government accountable and deliver real results for Minnesota families.”
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