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*December 6, 2024
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Legislative Update

Deficit

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope it was a chance to spend time with loved ones, reflect, and recharge as we approach the end of the year.

This week, an important development occurred at the Capitol with the release of Minnesota Management and Budget’s (MMB) annual November forecast. This report is crucial for shaping legislative spending decisions and priorities in the upcoming session.

Unfortunately, the news from MMB is concerning: Minnesota faces a projected $5.1 billion deficit over the next four years. This alarming deficit highlights the long-term impact of unchecked spending. Just two years ago, Minnesota had a record $18 billion surplus. That surplus has been entirely spent, and now we are left with a significant shortfall.

House Republicans repeatedly cautioned against the DFL’s unsustainable fiscal approach, which included $11 billion in new taxes and a 38% increase in the state budget. Now, with a tied House, Republicans have an opportunity to push for responsible solutions. I will fight to reduce wasteful spending, protect taxpayers, and restore fiscal responsibility. Raising taxes is not the answer—we must focus on smarter, more efficient spending while cutting out waste, fraud, and abuse.

In terms of leadership, the House remains tied at 67-67, with two court cases still pending. I'm proud to announce that I was elected to serve as Republican Caucus Whip, as well as the incoming Chair of the State Government Committee. Committees will operate with co-chairs from both parties, and discussions are ongoing about how leadership powers will be shared. I am optimistic that Republicans will be a strong voice for balance and accountability when the session begins on January 14.

I also want to bring attention to a troubling decision made during this week’s House Rules Committee meeting. The DFL majority voted to use $10,000 in taxpayer funds to pay for private legal expenses incurred by one of their members, Representative Bianca Virnig.

Rep. Virnig, who joined the House after a 2023 special election, was involved in a private labor dispute with her employer over reduced work hours. Although she reached a settlement, the specifics—including the settlement amount—were not disclosed to the committee. Neither Rep. Virnig nor her legal counsel appeared to answer questions or explain why taxpayer money should cover her legal costs, despite the fact that the House was not a party to the dispute.

Despite these unanswered questions, the DFL majority voted to approve the $10,000 payment using public funds, and I proudly voted against this resolution. This misuse of taxpayer money is unacceptable. Legislators should not expect Minnesotans to cover their private legal bills.

When session begins, House Republicans will work to ensure accountability, transparency, and better stewardship of your tax dollars. I remain committed to fighting for fiscal responsibility and standing up for Minnesota taxpayers.

Thank you for staying engaged. I’ll continue to share updates as we approach what will surely be a historic 2025 Legislative Session.







Please Contact Me

Please feel free to reach out to my office if there is any way I can be of assistance. My phone number is 651-296-4282, I am here to serve you!

Have a great weekend!

Jim











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349 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.4282







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