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Novotny




*May 2, 2025*






Legislative Update
1

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We’re in the final stretch here at the Capitol, and the pace is picking up fast. It’s been a full week of long floor sessions, focused discussions, and a lot of late nights as we work through the major omnibus bills that help guide our state’s priorities.

Last Friday, we passed our Public Safety Omnibus Bill [ [link removed] ] with strong bipartisan support. As Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, and as a retired peace officer and former Sheriffs Sergeant, this one hit close to home. I’ve worn the badge, and I know just how important it is to have the tools, training, and support to do the job right. This bill puts real resources into the hands of those who keep our communities safe—and it was encouraging to see lawmakers from both sides of the aisle come together on it.

Then on Monday, we passed our Higher Education Omnibus Bill [ [link removed] ]. This bill is about investing in Minnesota’s teachers and students to build a stronger workforce for tomorrow. From technical training to university support, it’s a step forward in helping young people succeed. In order to backfill the initial $239 million shortfall in the state grant program as best as we could, we made various cuts, redistributions to a variety of programs, and a few policy changes. House Republicans fought hard to reduce unnecessary programs, ensuring that taxpayer dollars were spent responsibly. As a result, we were able to save $179 million in government funding to help reduce our state deficit.

With just over two weeks to go until the May 19 adjournment deadline, we’re continuing to move through each major budget bill, one by one. I remain focused on delivering a responsible, balanced budget and making sure Minnesotans’ needs—not partisan politics—are at the heart of every vote we take.

Let’s finish strong!

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The Truth Matters—And Minnesotans Deserve It

When public trust is shaken, it’s our duty to get answers — no matter how uncomfortable they may be. The Feeding Our Future scandal rocked Minnesota, but new revelations this week suggest the story may be far from over. What we uncovered this week during the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee hearing [ [link removed] ] cannot be ignored. Newly released audio recordings [ [link removed] ] suggest that Attorney General Keith Ellison may have known far more about the Feeding Our Future scandal [ [link removed] ] than he’s led the public to believe. In these recordings, he’s heard expressing sympathy for businesses under investigation—some of which were later indicted for their role in the largest case of fraud in Minnesota’s history. Even more troubling, he offered to pressure state agencies on their behalf. This is not what leadership looks like. This is not what accountability sounds like.

We’ve also learned that while his office claimed it helped "jumpstart" the investigation in 2022, Ellison told others in 2021 he had no knowledge of the scandal. But audio from that same year paints a very different picture.

The people of Minnesota deserve honest answers—not spin, not excuses. When public officials blur the line between justice and political favoritism, trust in our institutions erodes. And once trust is broken, it’s hard to rebuild.

I didn’t come to the Capitol to play politics—I came to serve with integrity, just as I did in uniform. I will keep fighting for transparency, accountability, and the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be for those in power. Because at the end of the day, it’s your money, your government, and your right to demand better.

We owe you nothing less.

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Protecting Counties from State Overreach

Governor Walz’s DHS budget proposal should raise red flags for anyone who cares about local control and responsible leadership.

Back in February, county commissioners across the state sounded the alarm: the Governor’s plan would shift $460 million in costs from the state onto local governments. That means counties—many already operating on tight budgets—would be forced to either cut essential services or raise property taxes on Minnesotans.

The consequences are real. Some counties in Greater Minnesota are facing potential property tax increases of up to 9% just to keep up. This isn’t theoretical—it’s real money coming out of your pocket because of a decision made at the Capitol.

The state’s job is to lead wisely—not to pass the buck and leave local communities to clean up the mess. This cost shift is unfair, unsustainable, and wrong.

House Republicans are standing with our counties and doing everything we can to stop this from moving forward. But we need Minnesotans to stay engaged and continue speaking up.

Greater Minnesota shouldn’t be left holding the bag. We can—and must—do better!

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Looking Ahead!

As always, the voices of the people I represent are what guide me here at the Capitol. When state decisions threaten to burden our local governments or raise costs for hardworking families, I take that personally—because I know who pays the price. Your concerns aren’t just heard; they’re what fuel my fight for smarter, more responsible leadership.

If you have thoughts to share, questions about legislation, or stories about how these issues impact you or your community, I hope you’ll reach out. My door is always open, and I’m here to listen.

You can contact my office by phone or email anytime, and for the latest updates, be sure to follow my Facebook page [ [link removed] ].

It’s an honor to serve District 30B, and I’ll keep working every day to protect our local values and push back against harmful mandates from the top. Together, we can build a stronger future—one that puts Minnesotans first.

Sincerely,

Representative Paul Novotny

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 30B











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2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
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Saint Paul, MN 55155
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