06/02/2026
A few weeks ago, we reached the end of the legislative session, and with it, you will hear both sides claim victory and promise they delivered on their agenda. I have no interest in selling partisan talking points.
THE GOOD
No doubt, some good things were accomplished.
Tax Relief — We lowered car tab fees for one year, starting January 1, 2027. Democrats raised them in 2023, and Minnesotans have been angry ever since. This tax cut will save Minnesota drivers a total of $250 million.
Fraud — We passed a new independent anti-fraud department solely dedicated to stopping fraud. It won’t completely solve the Democrats’ and Walz administration’s fraud crisis, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Property Taxes — We delivered a small measure of property tax relief. Homeowners making less than $143,000 per year will qualify for a one-time $173 tax credit through the Department of Revenue.
Youth Online Safety — We strengthened protections for children online by requiring big social media platforms to make their apps less addictive for minors and giving parents more control over their kids’ accounts. The bill requires age verification and parental consent before children 15 and younger can create or maintain a social media account.
THE BAD
Overall, I believe the people of Senate District 29 are worse off because of this year’s legislature.
Bonding — Lawmakers borrowed more than $1.2 billion and squandered much of it on frivolous special-interest projects, while reallocating hundreds of millions of dollars toward priorities that do little to help greater Minnesota.
Omnibus Bills — In the final days (and even final hours) of session, Democrats rushed through thousands of pages of massive omnibus bills. The Minnesota Constitution clearly requires that every bill address a single subject, but this practice continues. Laws from previous omnibus bills have even been struck down in court for violating this rule.
Government Overreach — Buried within these bills were crushing regulations and harmful policies, including cuts to disability services and new oppressive regulations on in-home daycares.
I leave my first legislative session disheartened by the broken process and deep partisan divide. Yet I remain hopeful that Minnesotans will elect strong leaders this fall who are willing to prioritize the needs of our communities over special interests and govern with integrity and accountability.
