Dear Neighbors,
Welcome to day 18 of the House DFL shutdown. That's right, it has been almost three weeks since House Democrats shunned the Constitution and refused to show up to work. On Monday, Sec. of State Steve Simon overstepped his authority by interfering from the Executive Branch, attempting to block the right of House members to compel absent Democrat members.
Although this ruling might seem procedurally significant, it doesn’t change our mission. From day one, House Republicans have been here in St. Paul ready to serve you, rolling up our sleeves to tackle the issues that matter most to Minnesotans.
We have been waiting patiently for our Democratic colleagues to join us, but we cannot afford to waste any more time—especially as we face the critical task of passing the state’s essential budget.
The responsibility now lies solely with House Democrats to determine whether we can meet this important deadline. Despite this, our priorities remain strong. We are still meeting each day and doing the groundwork to prepare for our Democrat colleagues to join us. We will continue working day in and day out to crack down on fraud, improve Minnesota’s public safety, and strengthening our education system. These are vital efforts we’ve been advancing all along—efforts that were unfortunately delayed due to this lawsuit.
It’s deeply disappointing that things were allowed to reach this point, but rest assured House Republicans remain committed in our mission to serve you and deliver results.
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As your representative, I am excited to share our latest legislative initiative—the "Make Minnesota Safe" plan. This comprehensive proposal is designed to:
- Strengthen law enforcement.
- Hold violent offenders accountable.
- Increase transparency within the criminal justice system.
Our plan includes 13 key provisions, such as:
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Mandatory minimum sentences for first-degree sex trafficking.
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Harsher penalties for assaulting peace officers.
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Stricter consequences for trespassing on or damaging critical infrastructure.
We are also working to improve public access to prosecutors’ charging decisions and court sentencing departures. By implementing these reforms, we aim to empower law enforcement, prioritize victims’ rights, and restore trust in the justice system.
Transparency in how the justice system operates is crucial for building trust, and this proposal will help ensure that Minnesotans know how their system is working and where improvements are needed. Together, we can make Minnesota a safer place for all!
You can watch the full press conference here.
The work at the Capitol is just beginning, and your input is essential in shaping Minnesota’s future. I value your feedback, thoughts, and concerns. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the legislation I’m working on, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can contact my office by phone or email—I’m here to listen and serve you.
Thank you for the privilege of representing District 30B. Together, we’ll continue working toward a safer, stronger Minnesota for everyone.
Warm regards,
Representative Paul Novotny
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30B
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