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*December 10, 2025*






Koznick Connection

Friends, 

As snow begins to fall and the Christmas season approaches, I wanted to share a near year-end update on what’s happening at the Capitol.

 

Blue Line Extension Boondoggle 2.0:

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Last Tuesday, I welcomed members of the House Transportation Committee, representatives from Hennepin County, local residents, and business owners to a listening session on the proposed Blue Line light rail extension.

The message was clear and consistent: *this project raises serious concerns about cost, safety, and its long-term impact on our communities.*

With projected costs exceeding *$3.2 billion*, there is significant uncertainty about whether the promised benefits will materialize. Constituents raised concerns about cost overruns and delays, safety, increased traffic, and major disruptions—particularly to struggling Black-owned businesses. Many also warned the project could divide communities rather than connect them.

There are better options. Bus rapid transit and other flexible solutions can provide *safer, faster, and more affordable service while being far less intrusive.* We should focus on transportation investments that unite communities—not divide them—and that deliver real value in a responsible and realistic way.

We owe it to taxpayers, small businesses, and families to make infrastructure decisions rooted in data, accountability, and respect for the communities most affected.

"Related coverage:"


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*KSTP:* "Vocal opposition to $3B Blue Line Extension amplified at lawmaker’s listening session" [ [link removed] ]


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*KARE 11:* "North Minneapolis businesses fear disruption of Blue Line extension" [ [link removed] ]

 

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Minnesota’s Budget Forecast: 

The state recently released its November budget forecast, and while the short-term numbers may appear positive, the long-term outlook raises serious concerns.

In the current budget period, Minnesota has *$2.4 billion more than projected in spending.* We need tax reform, refunds, and spending reductions.  

Despite overcollection, Minnesota faces a *structural deficit*, meaning ongoing spending continues to outpace ongoing revenue. Under current law and spending levels, the 2028–29 biennium is projected to have a significant budget shortfall.

Last session, under a split House with Republican leadership, we enacted the largest spending reduction in state history—cutting the projected deficit nearly in half. Even with that progress, this forecast makes it clear more work must be done.

By 2028–29, Minnesota is expected to face a *negative balance approaching $3 billion* before any new spending or tax relief is considered.

You have heard me say it before,* Minnesota has a taxing and spending problem, *and it’s compounded by persistent fraud and weak oversight. Now, *Minnesota also has a major fraud problem! *

Restoring fiscal discipline and accountability must be a top priority in the next session—because I know our families and businesses cannot continue to shoulder these economic burdens. To me, it’s immoral to not reduce the tax burdens, to not reduce the waste and to not stop the fraud. 

With Republican leadership and majorities, I will continue fighting for responsible budgeting that* protects taxpayers, yet preserves essential services, and avoids shifting costs to counties and cities*—costs that inevitably show up as higher property taxes.

 

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Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season. I look forward to seeing many of you soon.

Keep the Faith and Be Merry, 

  

"Representative Jon Koznick" 

"House Transportation Committee Chair" 

"House District 57A" 











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