Legislative Update
Friends,
As we enter the third week of negotiations at the Capitol, we are now 15 days past the constitutional end of the 2025 legislative session and there’s still no scheduled date for a special session to begin. You might be tired of hearing about the DFL’s boycott at the start of the year, when rank-and-file House members refused to show up for the first 23 days.
But this is the reality of what that political theater has caused: months later, legislators like me have had little say in the final negotiations, and important bills are being shaped behind closed doors. The Legislature failed to finish its work on time, and now Minnesotans are paying the price through a process that lacks transparency and accountability. When the bills finally hit the House floor, I’ll be there, ready to dig into the details and do what’s best for our district.
Let’s take a closer look at one of the bills being discussed: the Environment Bill. There are several parts of this bill I strongly support. For example:
- Statewide Rifle Zone: This provision eliminates the shotgun-only zone for deer hunting and makes the entire state a rifle zone. Counties could still opt out if they choose.
- Continuous Bass Season: This bill would make Minnesota’s bass season continuous.
- DNR Oversight: It requires the Department of Natural Resources to submit a report to the Legislature detailing how it plans to implement spending from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENTRF). This is a much-needed accountability measure.
However, there are some areas of concern as well. The bill:
- Increases the invasive species surcharge, shifting from a flat $10.60 fee to a new structure based on the size, type, and use of watercraft.
- Raises water-use permit and appropriation application fees.
- Adds new full-time state employees. Even if well-intentioned, this ultimately expands state government.
- Spends roughly $60 million over the base budget, which almost certainly translates to higher taxes.
So, here's the challenge. This bill includes some positive reforms, but the increased spending, added employees, and fee hikes go against the commitments I made to you when I ran for office. I promised not to support growing government or raising taxes, and I intend to keep that promise.
I believe we can revisit the rifle zone and bass season in standalone legislation that doesn’t include unnecessary spending increases. For that reason, I plan to vote no on the Environment Bill in its current form. I understand this may not be a popular vote, but I believe it’s the right one if I’m going to keep my promise to you.
Once we’re back at the Capitol, I’ll continue reviewing every bill in detail. If I vote no, it’s because the bill grows government, increases taxes, or includes provisions I simply cannot support. Free healthcare for illegal immigrants is one of them.
Thank you for staying engaged. Please feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. I’m always here to listen.
Have a great week,
Terry Stier