Friends and neighbors,
This year, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. As we approach Memorial Day, we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy did not come without sacrifice. We honor the brave men and women who put country before self and gave their lives defending the liberties we hold dear.
Because of them, we have the privilege of calling America and Minnesota home.
Just before midnight on Sunday, May 17, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned the 2026 legislative session. The following day, the Senate reconvened to hear farewell speeches from our 16 retiring members, including Senator Jeremy Miller, who offered a message worth reflecting on:
“The bottom line is this: partisanship leads to polarization. Polarization leads to a dysfunctional government. And a dysfunctional government loses the trust of the people… Minnesotans want their elected officials working together and getting things done.”
Senator Miller’s words capture what many Minnesotans are feeling today.
Many families are struggling because of partisan policies passed during the 2023–2024 session, when Democrats controlled all levels of state government. During that time, the $19 billion surplus was fully spent, government spending increased by roughly 40%, and approximately $10 billion in new taxes and fees were imposed.
Minnesotans are now living with the consequences of those decisions.
Since the Minnesota House is now tied, the Senate Republican Caucus is the only minority caucus in our state government. Consequently, Senate Republican voices and votes were often overlooked by the Senate majority and Governor Walz. Yet despite that imbalance, we continued working this session to deliver relief for Minnesotans and push for accountability for taxpayers.
Because of the tie in the House, Republicans secured tax relief measures. This includes addressing the high cost of vehicle tab fees by reversing the 2023 Democrat increases, returning rates to 2022 levels in 2027. It also provides relief for homeowners by increasing funding for the homestead tax refund program by an additional $125 million to assist with property tax relief.
While these are meaningful steps, one-time relief alone is not enough. Minnesota families need permanent tax relief, and my Republican colleagues and I will keep working to make life more affordable.
Republicans also focused this session on addressing Minnesota’s fraud crisis.
Billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars have been lost through fraud and waste in state programs—money that belongs to Minnesotans. Just think of what those dollars could have done for communities in District 23 and across the state, as well as other critical needs such as childcare, services for seniors and Minnesotans with disabilities, and many other priorities.
Because of these failures, fraud prevention and accountability remained a top priority this session. The final agreement includes stronger oversight mechanisms, the creation of an independent Office of Inspector General, investments in modern fraud-detection tools, and improved efforts to recover stolen taxpayer dollars.
I supported a proposal to impose a 100% penalty on funds obtained through fraud, with those recovered dollars directed into a dedicated account for income tax relief. We also unanimously approved more than $25 million to modernize outdated human services systems with new technology designed to detect suspicious activity and help prevent future fraud.
It is also important to acknowledge the disappointments of this session.
Minnesota’s business climate continues to suffer under the weight of mandates, taxes, and regulations. Businesses continue to raise concerns, and many are choosing to expand outside Minnesota instead of here at home. That means fewer jobs, less investment, and higher costs over time.
Additionally, Democrats did not advance voter ID and provisional ballot reforms despite broad public support. On protecting girls’ sports, they again voted against protections amid ongoing Title IX compliance concerns that could put federal school funding at risk. And on taxes, they supported additional fees on Minnesota families, businesses, and farmers at a time when many are already feeling financial pressure.
As Senator Miller reminded us, uncontrolled partisanship and polarization erode trust and make it harder to get things done. Minnesotans deserve leaders who put aside politics and focus on what really matters.
As this session wraps up and Memorial Day comes near, we are reminded that the freedoms we debate and the laws we pass exist because of great sacrifice. We honor those who gave their lives serving our country, and we do our best to carry their legacy forward with gratitude and responsibility.
Sincerely,
Gene