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Friends and neighbors,

The fall season is here, both literally and in our political landscape. As we transition into this new season, it is an ideal time to evaluate whether the policies enacted by the state government over the past two springs are delivering the results that Minnesotans truly want.

You might have come across a recent article by Alpha News featuring Representative Gene Pelowski, a long-time Democrat member who highlights the importance of having a balanced legislature. He cautions that single-party Democratic control is posing significant challenges and emphasizes the need for diverse voices in our political conversations.

Unfortunately, the policies planted by Democrats over the past two years are taking root, causing Minnesota to mirror California with concerning social, financial, and economic circumstances that jeopardize our state’s future.

Looking back at Democratic leadership over the last two legislative sessions, I am reminded of their promises to make life more affordable. They assured us that our $19 billion surplus would be used to eliminate the Social Security tax for all seniors and provide $2,000 in tax rebates for families. However, they spent all $19 billion, causing a staggering 40% increase in government spending and an additional $10 billion in taxes. Democrat one-party rule resulted in our state budget ballooning to $72 billion for the two-year biennium.

Government is increasing way too much, way too fast.

Additionally, a troubling trend has emerged: the needs of those here illegally are being prioritized over U.S. citizens. Democrats passed legislation requiring taxpayers to pay for free college, health care and other welfare benefits for illegal immigrants. This includes a policy where non-citizens can apply for a Minnesota driver’s license, mirroring that of legal residents. I find this particularly concerning because it makes law enforcement more difficult and our elections less secure.

We should not make our state an even more inviting place to escape the consequences of violating immigration law.

Another problem with Democrats controlling all of government is its negative impact on our business owners and entrepreneurs. With many of our state’s businesses still in recovery mode from the pandemic, we should be doing all we can to help them flourish. Yet under their trifecta leadership, Minnesota small businesses are now facing the same burdensome mandates as large corporations. This is leading many to struggle, close or relocate to neighboring states.

A one-size-fits-all, forced government mandate approach does not work for Minnesota businesses.

Democrats are also turning a blind eye to the needs of our Minnesota schools. Public schools may now receive more funding, but they are also grappling with many new unfunded mandates, leaving them short on resources. As a result, some of our students are not receiving the quality education they deserve.

Our local school districts need the flexibility to prioritize their individual concerns.

But instead of supporting our Minnesota families, schools, farmers and businesses, Democrats are using their one-party rule to push their divisive social agenda. They passed extreme, out-of-the-mainstream abortion policies, with no protections for the mother or baby at any stage. We are also witnessing Democrats pass increasingly radical policies, like adding transgender therapies, even for minors, to taxpayer-financed health plans for the needy.

Further, at the end of the 2024 legislative session, we saw another shocking display of one-party rule. In the final minutes of session, members in the Democrat trifecta abused their power to pass a 1,400-page mega omnibus bill. This bill was created and passed without public or legislative review. The Democrats and their actions prioritized politics over their “One Minnesota” promise.

This is not the transparency, accountability and working together across the aisle that Minnesotans are asking for.

The issues stemming from this one-party rule are numerous, and the lack of balance is evident. Rep. Pelowski served for decades and witnessed the changes within his party and the deterioration of relationships between Democrats and Republicans.

Good leadership is sorely missing in St. Paul.

My hope is that those of us who serve as the voice of the people will prioritize the needs of our community over party interests. Together, we can work toward a better future for all Minnesotans.