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Novotny




*March 7, 2025*






Legislative Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We’re now five weeks into the House Republican majority, and the energy at the Capitol is incredible! This week has been packed with committee hearings, meetings, and the introduction of strong legislation that will make a real difference for Minnesotans. With the special election on March 11 approaching, House Republicans remain focused and optimistic, working hard every day to pass meaningful policies that benefit "all" Minnesotans.

Now, let’s dive into some of the highlights from this week!

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Minnesota’s Budget Forecast

Minnesota’s latest budget forecast confirms what many of us have been warning about—reckless government spending is unsustainable, and now, Minnesotans are left footing the bill. The updated projection shows a shrinking surplus and an alarming $5.995 billion deficit looming in the FY 2028-29 biennium, nearly a billion dollars worse than previously expected. Simply put, the spending spree at the Capitol is catching up with us, and if we don’t change course, taxpayers will be the ones paying the price.

This is exactly why House Republicans are fighting for fiscal responsibility. Government should live within its means—just like Minnesota families do every day. Instead of growing government and ballooning budgets, we should be working to provide permanent tax relief, rein in wasteful spending, and ensure that our economy remains strong for years to come.

Minnesotans deserve leadership that plans for the future instead of spending recklessly today and hoping for the best tomorrow. I’ll continue advocating for smart, responsible budgeting that prioritizes taxpayers—not more government overreach.

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House Democrats Block Preserving Girls' Sports Act
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On Monday, I stood with my Republican colleagues to fight for something that should be simple common sense: keeping girls' sports fair and safe. *House File 12* [ [link removed] ], also referred to as the Preserving Girls' Sports Act would have ensured that only biological females compete in girls' athletics—protecting the opportunities, scholarships, and hard-fought progress that women have made in sports over the years.

Unfortunately, every single House Democrat voted against the bill, allowing biological males to continue competing against young girls. It’s frustrating, to say the least. Title IX was designed to give female athletes a fair shot, and letting males compete in girls’ sports completely undermines that.

Before the vote, we heard testimonies from female athletes and parents who have seen firsthand how unfair and even dangerous this situation has become. One high school student testified about breaking her wrist while competing against a biological male. That’s not just unfair—that’s a serious safety issue.

Earlier in the day, Riley Gaines, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, joined us on the Capitol steps. She’s been traveling the country advocating for this issue because, like so many of us, she knows what’s at stake. She worked her entire life to compete at the highest levels, only to have to tie for first place with a biological male—and then watch as he was the one who got to take home the trophy.

It’s beyond disappointing that this bill didn’t pass, but let me be clear: this battle isn’t over. We’re going to keep fighting for fairness, safety, and common sense. Girls deserve a level playing field, and House Republicans will not stop fighting until girls have the fair competition they deserve.

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A Productive Evening Discussing Childcare Solutions
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On Tuesday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the "Let's Talk about Childcare" roundtable, hosted by the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce. This event was truly insightful, as we had the opportunity to come together with local families and childcare providers to discuss the challenges our community faces when it comes to childcare.

Hearing parents and providers share their stories really emphasized just how important it is to find solutions that make childcare more affordable, provide better wages for those who care for our children, and strike the right balance with regulations. These are not just policy issues, they are real-life struggles that affect families across Minnesota every day.

I’m so grateful to the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing this event and to everyone who participated. Your stories and ideas are invaluable as we work together to make sure our kids have the best possible start in life and our childcare providers receive the support they deserve. 

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Supporting HF13: Advocating for Victims' Rights

As a retired police sergeant, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges law enforcement officers and victims face in high-pressure situations. That’s why I’m proud to support *House File 13* [ [link removed] ], a bill introduced by Representative Matt Bliss (R-Pennington). This bill would eliminate the current requirement for a person to retreat before using reasonable force in self-defense, making it easier for individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones when facing an immediate threat.

Right now, Minnesota law says you must try to retreat, if possible, before using force. HF13 would change that, allowing people to stand their ground when they’re confronted with danger. This is especially important in situations where retreating just isn’t a viable option.

Supporting victims’ rights is something I care deeply about. As someone who’s spent years in law enforcement, I know how crucial it is to have laws that allow individuals to defend themselves when needed, without unnecessary obstacles.

I’m confident that HF13 is a step in the right direction to empower Minnesotans to protect themselves and their families. It’s a commonsense bill, and I’ll be fighting for it because the right to defend yourself should always be a top priority. I hope my Democrat colleagues will join me in advocating for the safety and well-being of citizens across Minnesota.

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Catching Up with the Sherburne County Conservation District
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This week, I had the pleasure of chatting with the folks at the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District [ [link removed] ], and let me tell you—it’s always great to chat with people who are so devoted to keeping our natural resources in top shape. These are the folks working behind the scenes to protect our land, water, and wildlife, and their dedication to conservation is truly inspiring.

We talked about everything from water management to habitat restoration, and of course, their annual tree sale—where you can snag some great trees for your property. They also provide landowners with technical and financial assistance, equipment rentals, and even forest health consultations—talk about a one-stop shop for conservation efforts!

As always, it was a pleasure connecting with them and learning more about how we can work together to keep Sherburne County’s natural resources thriving. Huge thanks to the team for all they do—I look forward to supporting their efforts here in St. Paul!

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Stay Connected

As always, your thoughts and concerns are at the heart of the work I do here at the Capitol. Whether you have questions about the legislation I’m working on or want to share what’s on your mind, my door is always open—I’m here to listen and serve.

You can reach my office by phone or email, and for real-time updates on the latest from the Capitol, be sure to follow my Facebook page here [ [link removed] ].

It’s a privilege to represent District 30B, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight for our shared values. Together, we’ll continue working toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Minnesota.

Sincerely,

Representative Paul Novotny

"Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30B"











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2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.4237







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