Friends and neighbors,

We are all aware of the rising inflation rates, spike in crime in our communities, and effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on students. That is why my Senate Republican colleagues and I focused this session on passing substantial legislation to address these critical issues and help Minnesota be on the ‘Right Track’.

To keep our communities safe, we prioritized public safety to address the surge in violent crimes. The Senate Republicans’ comprehensive public safety bill included vital support for law enforcement recruitment and retention. It also toughened penalties for criminal activity and increased transparency and accountability in judicial and prosecutorial actions

We also fought to help Minnesotans afford everyday life by introducing the Biggest Tax Cut Ever! that would have cut the lowest income tax rate and fully repealed the tax on Social Security benefits. With the massive budget surplus, this legislative session served as the opportune time to stop taxing our senior twice.

Additionally, Senate Republicans introduced the Parent’s Bill of Rights and funding for literacy that would have brought more transparency and accountability in schools, while reversing the state’s declining literacy rates with proven, scientific methods of instruction. With 40% of students unable to read at grade level, I believe it’s imperative we get back to the basics and invest in programs to raise reading scores.

The session largely stayed focused on those three topics, but the crisis facing nursing homes and long-term care centers was an issue that couldn’t be forgotten. To address this emergency situation, the Senate Republican nursing home rescue package would have provided much needed funding for staff, recruitment, and training.

However, the 2022 legislative session closed without the passage of these major bills – even though they were passed by the Republican Majority in the Senate. Since the DFL Majority in the House did not agree to the language in our bills, conference committees were formed to work out the differences. 

Throughout negotiations, Senate Republicans provided offers that were aligned with the terms of the leadership agreement that was released on May 16, 2022. Our proposals were within the budget agreement set and released to the public for review and dropped controversial policy items. Democrats, however, frequently sent offers that were over the agreed-upon budget target or introduced new, controversial policy items. Their position on public safety, supporting unproven non-profits instead of support for law enforcement officers, was a stance my Senate Republicans and I were unable to support.

Further, in the last 48 hours available to pass bills, the governor interfered with the Senate-House agreement on State Government, effectively killing the bill. As chair of this committee, I fought hard this session for a significant state government bill to ensure transparency and increase participation in the election process. However, when an agreed upon deal was struck by me and the conferees of the state government legislation, Governor Tim Walz and his administration stepped into negotiations and blocked agreements from closing. 

It’s evident that the governor was not interested in passing a deal that would have greatly benefited all Minnesotans. And now, the governor is the only person who can call a special session and bring these bills to the finish line.

The session still saw several important bipartisan success stories. The Legislature passed key legislation to repay and refill the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and provide bonus checks to frontline workers. We also passed a reinsurance extension to keep health care costs low, improve access, and stabilize the insurance market. Further, a budget bill for Veterans was finalized and included funding for three vets’ homes and bonuses for veterans in the War on Terror. Finally, a significant Agriculture, Broadband, and Drought relief bill was also passed to assist farmers and greater Minnesotans.  

Senate Republicans will continue to fight to improve the lives of Minnesotans and help our state be on the right track. It has been the greatest privilege to serve as your State Senator and represent our community in the Legislature. 

Contact me

As always, if you have questions or concerns on our state budget or any legislative topic, feel free to contact me any time. You can call me at 651-296-5655 or send me an email at sen.mary.kiffmeyer@senate.mn. It is a privilege to serve as your state senator.

Sincerely,

Mary