Friends and neighbors,
The 2026 legislative session will kick off on February 17. Minnesota operates on a two-year budget cycle, meaning the legislature passes a balanced state budget during odd-numbered years. The following even-numbered year, like 2026, focuses primarily on bonding (capital investment) and policy. This structure allows the state to alternate between setting the budget and making long-term investments in infrastructure and reform.
To understand where we are today, it’s important to look back. During the 2023-2024 budget cycle, under total Democrat control, state spending increased by nearly 40%. Lawmakers spent the entire $19 billion surplus and raised taxes and fees by $10 billion. Those decisions have consequences, and projected statutory deficits forced the state to make cuts last year.
Today, the enacted 2026-27 budget stands at about $66 billion – roughly $6 billion less than the 2023-2024 budget. While the current biennium shows a modest surplus, long-term projections point to a multi-billion-dollar shortfall if spending is not reined in.
As we enter this non-budget session, the focus turns to bonding. These investments fund critical infrastructure projects across the state. In District 23, priorities include improvements in wastewater facilities, drinking water systems, the Hwy. 218 corridor utilities, and contamination remediation, the Minnesota Bioimaging Center at the Hormel Institute and other needed projects throughout the district. This year, a key priority for me is advancing a responsible bonding bill to strengthen core infrastructure.
Another top priority must be investigating the fraud and corruption that occurred within state programs under the Walz administration and holding those responsible accountable. Billions of taxpayer dollars meant to help the disabled, elderly, families with children, and other vulnerable Minnesotans were misused. Minnesotans deserve transparency, accountability, and confidence that their hard-earned tax dollars are being used as intended.
I continue to hear from constituents about the growing number of unfunded state mandates placed on cities, counties, schools, businesses, and farmers. These mandates drive up property taxes, make it harder to balance local budgets, and create real hardship for Minnesotans. Many of these one-size-fits-all mandates became law during the 2023-2024 session, when Democrats had full control of the legislature. Government should partner with local governments, schools, businesses, and farmers to find practical solutions. I am hopeful that this session, legislators will make improvements to some of these mandates.
During the interim, I visited counties in the district and saw firsthand the outdated IT systems used to administer many state programs. I was shocked by how old and inefficient these systems are, especially knowing a $19 billion surplus was once available but not used to modernize them. It’s time to update these systems and make state programs more efficient.
We will also likely debate about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE was created after the 9/11 attacks with bipartisan support. It has been used by every presidential administration since. Historically, ICE relied on cooperation with state and local law enforcement, with many arrests handled in jails rather than on the streets. Now that ICE is led by Tom Homan, I’m hoping for better cooperation all around.
The Biden administration’s past border policies and local sanctuary city approaches strain federal immigration enforcement and have heightened tensions. Collaboration among all levels of law enforcement is critical to protecting public safety. At the same time, federal officers must act within the Constitution and the rule of law, and any abuse of authority must be held accountable.
Protecting civil liberties is equally important. The right to protest is a cornerstone of our constitutional republic, and peaceful demonstrations should be supported. Minnesota law is clear that protests cannot interfere with public safety or the rights of others (Minn. Stat. § 609.50). Freedom of speech and public safety go hand in hand and must be upheld together.
Minnesota faces serious challenges, but this session is an opportunity to restore fiscal discipline, hold government accountable, and focus on the priorities that matter most to Minnesota families.
Sincerely,
Gene