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Dear Neighbor,
Thursday was a great day at the Capitol: After 23 days of House Democrats not showing up for work in the 2025 session, they finally came to work and we officially came to order as a body.
Republicans sit at a 67-66 majority in the House, pending the outcome of a special election in March. Democrats finally agreed to terms on how the House should be set up and here are the main points:
- There will be a Republican Speaker of the House for the first time in six years. As Speaker, Rep. Lisa Demuth will be the second-most powerful elected official in Minnesota.
- Republicans will chair the new House committee we established to investigate fraud in state government programs for two years and have a 5-3 voting margin over Democrats.
- Republicans have committee chairmanships and majorities on all committees for the entire five-week period leading up to the March 11 special election in District 40B (Roseville).
- We will return to a split committee roster and co-chairs IF the Roseville seat returns to Democrats.
- Even if the House returns to an even 67-67 split, Rep. Demuth remains the sole Speaker of the House.
I’m so happy that my good friend, Rep. Demuth from Cold Spring, will be our House Speaker for the full two years of this biennium. That’s a big win for Minnesotans across the state because not only is she an A+ leader, but she will restore balance at the Capitol, which we’ve been missing with one-party control the last two years.
It’s exciting to finally get down to official business helping the people of Minnesota. I’ve shared information regarding the six priority pillars House Republicans established with the people of our state. It’s time to really dig in on those!
Here’s a look at the latest on a top-priority issue:
Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans
The House Republicans’ Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans package is designed to prioritize Minnesota citizens in state-aid programs, while also end current policies which allow immigrants who are violent offenders to remain in Minnesota. House Republicans conducted a press conference to share more about this proposal, including the two main features:
- Ensuring state-funded benefits go to legal residents: This measure prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving state-funded financial aid, grants, subsidies, or other taxpayer-funded assistance, including programs such as the North Star Promise college tuition program and MinnesotaCare.
- Banning sanctuary cities and strengthening immigration enforcement: This legislation prevents local and state government entities from enacting policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. It also mandates reporting illegal immigrants arrested for violent crimes to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ensuring that criminals who are here unlawfully are held accountable.
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Meetings galore
In addition to doing my work at the Capitol, I continue meeting with constituents back home and in St. Paul. Here’s a look at just some of late:
KSNI radio show back home
 Center For Energy & Environment
 WJON legislative update
 Chamber of Commerce Legislative conversation with President Julie Lunning
 ABATE office visit
 Black Entrepreneurs Day with Sheletta
 Annual Dairy Legislators Banquet
 MN Optometrists from home visit
 Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at [email protected]. I am here to serve you!
Bernie
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