From Rep. Paul Novotny <[email protected]>
Subject Legislative Update from Rep. Paul Novotny
Date January 28, 2026 7:15 PM
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Novotny




*January 28, 2026*






Legislative Update

Friends and neighbors,

We are just a little over two weeks away from the start of the 2026 legislative session. Normally, since this isn’t a budget year, it would be a quieter session. However, if you’ve been following the news—or haven't been living under a rock—you know that within the first month, our session priorities were already shaped by the chaos erupting in the streets of Minneapolis.

It is encouraging that President Trump spoke with Governor Walz on Monday to begin working on a plan to lower tensions in Minneapolis. That said, it shouldn’t take a personal call from the President for Minnesota leadership to recognize the consequences of their actions. House Republicans have been urging the Walz administration and House Democrats to tone down harmful and inflationary rhetoric since the very beginning of ICE’s presence in Minnesota.

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Words Matter—Holding the Walz Administration Accountable

Last week, my colleagues and I sent a letter to Governor Walz, Attorney General Ellison, Mayor Frey, and Mayor Her, urging them to tone down their incredibly harmful rhetoric and start putting public safety first.

For eight weeks, Minnesotans have watched the situation in the Twin Cities escalate, and they are rightfully concerned. When state leadership refuses to cooperate with federal law enforcement—and instead chooses defiance and inflammatory messaging—it creates confusion, chaos, and real danger on our streets. This is not theoretical: violent criminals with long records have been arrested in recent weeks who should never have been free to harm our communities in the first place.

By ignoring ICE detainers and blocking lawful coordination between agencies, state leadership is forcing dangerous arrests to happen in neighborhoods instead of secure jail settings. That puts law enforcement officers, bystanders, and families at risk—*and it’s entirely avoidable.* Other states have chosen cooperation and calm, and they are seeing safer, more orderly outcomes. Minnesota deserves no less.

Words matter. When elected officials use rhetoric that inflames tensions or undermines law enforcement, agitators feel emboldened. We’ve seen the consequences play out in protests turning violent, communities on edge, schools going into lockdowns, and businesses forced to close their doors. That is not leadership—and it is not acceptable.

Our message was simple: stop the political posturing, restore cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement, and clearly condemn violence and interference with lawful public safety efforts. Minnesotans deserve leaders who are focused on de-escalation, accountability, and keeping families safe.

*Public safety should never be partisan. It should always be the priority.*

Letter (1)letter (2)LetterLetter
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Precinct Caucuses, Feb. 3!
Precinct Caucus

Our government works best when citizens are informed and engaged! Precinct caucuses are one of the easiest ways to get involved and make your voice heard. This year’s precinct caucuses will be held on February 3. Learn more and find your caucus location [here] [ [link removed] ].

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A Community Rising to Meet the Moment

On the night of January 21, our community came together in a way that spoke volumes to what Minnesota is all about.A missing 7-year-old Zimmerman child [ [link removed] ] was safely recovered thanks to the tireless efforts of the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, local and neighboring law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency responders, and hundreds of volunteers from the community.

Having spent years in law enforcement myself, I can tell you there’s nothing more meaningful than seeing an entire community rise to meet the moment. When neighbors step up for one another, when volunteers and first responders put aside everything else to help a child in need, it’s a powerful reminder of the trust, courage, and compassion that keep our communities safe. At one point, the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office reported having* “more volunteers than we need,”* and the Zimmerman/Livonia Fire District canvassed every feasible area with hundreds of helpers.

One volunteer captured the spirit of the rescue perfectly:

"“We didn’t need to know her. As responders, parents, and neighbors, we refused to stop until she was found.”"

This effort was more than finding a missing child—it was about a community coming together, showing care, and protecting one of its own. Moments like this remind all of us, especially those who serve in law enforcement, why the work matters. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, courage in the face of uncertainty, and a shared commitment to keeping our children and families safe.

As we inch closer to the start of the 2026 legislative session, I hope moments like these stay with you—they are grounding reminders of what truly matters. The news and media can feel overwhelming most days, but when we remember the reality of real lives, the courage of our neighbors, and the privilege of living in such a great American state, we emerge stronger. Please continue to advocate for yourself and your community, and know that I am ready to get back to work for you and the incredible people of Minnesota.

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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