Legislative Update
This time last year we had a 17.5 billion dollar surplus and yet after nearly 10 billion in new taxes the Democrats? budget is projected to face around 2 billion in deficit in the next biennium. This out-of-control spending includes raising transportation costs in motor vehicle sales tax and registration, as well as over $700 million for a new office building for the House members. The spending in Saint Paul has gotten completely out of hand.
On January 1st the Democrat?s Red Flag law went into effect with some of the documents necessary to restore a Minnesotan?s right to a firearm after being reported were not even ready for the law. Republican Leader Lisa Demuth released this statement chiding this careless rollout of this law. You can view the original statement here.
This law is an affront to due process and does nothing to address the alleged safety risk ? the individual. Every American is entitled to due process, as guaranteed by the Constitution. This new Extreme Risk Protection Order was just one aspect of the Democrats' radical gun control agenda that they hurriedly passed in the last session. They also enacted Universal Background Checks, which will create strict and impractical obstacles for law-abiding Minnesotans who are attempting to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Bringing attention to the scourge of child sexual assault will continue to be one of my top priorities. With cases right here in the Bemidji area this is a problem across the state and country that receives regrettably too little attention. Raising awareness is crucial to dispel societal stigma, and encourages survivors to come forward and seek support. Increased awareness also facilitates the implementation of preventive measures, such as educational programs, community outreach, and legislative changes, to better protect children and hold perpetrators accountable. Ultimately, prioritizing the recognition and prevention of child sexual abuse is essential for fostering a society that prioritizes the well-being and safety of its youngest members.
We need to bring balance back to the Minnesota Legislature and I pray that in the next year we will be able to do just that. Thank you for trusting me to represent you for these eight years. Please reach out with any legislative concerns or ideas you wish to share.
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