SE Minnesota News

The recent legislative session in Minnesota was marked by significant events, including the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. State Rep. Steven Jacob (R-Plainview) addressed these incidents, stating, "The most devastating news should be addressed first. The assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette are unbelievable, senseless atrocities committed by a madman that are unacceptable in our world. The political arena is never a place for violence; it is a place to share ideas and work out your differences. I continue to pray for their families, and hope you are as well."

Shortly before the attack, lawmakers concluded a special session to finalize parts of the state budget that were not approved during the regular session. According to Rep. Jacob, "House Democrats sat out for nearly a month at the start of session after they lost the majority, which is a top reason the legislature failed to finish its work on time."

Jacob highlighted that the new budget features what he called "the largest cut to government spending in state history." He said it eliminates almost half of the projected budget deficit from previous increases in government size and taxes two years ago. He added that no family in Minnesota will face an increase in sales or income tax.

Another law passed ends free health insurance for adult undocumented immigrants after enrollment figures exceeded projections and costs reached at least $550 million. Jacob noted, "We also passed a new law that ends free health insurance for adult illegal aliens. Projected costs skyrocketed for this Democrat brainchild after enrollment nearly tripled above estimates. With taxpayers paying out – at a minimum - $550 million for this program, changes had to be made. Thankfully, they were."

Efforts to address fraud within state government also advanced during this session. Rep. Jacob stated, "Fraud within state government was finally given the legislative attention it deserves, but not without a struggle. The Walz administration and his legislative supporters have been extremely slow in recognizing this taxpayer theft occurring on their watch. Recently, U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said Minnesota government fraud could exceed more than $1 billion, so clearly there’s more work to be done."

Rep. Jacob continues his legislative duties despite the end of session through service on several committees: Agriculture Finance and Policy; Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy; Human Services Finance and Policy; Rules and Legislative Administration; Legislative Audit Commission; Subcommittee on Minnesota Water Policy; and Clean Water Council.

Reflecting on his experience as both a farmer and former Winona County Board member, Jacob said serving on agriculture- and environment-related committees aligns with district needs: "As a farmer, I believe serving on the ag and environment committees dovetails well in our district." He also commented on stopping proposals that would have shifted regulatory costs onto counties: "Having served on the Winona County Board for 10 years, I was also able to provide input as to how passing state regulatory costs onto our counties would be detrimental to local property taxpayers. By the end of session, we had stopped numerous of these proposals from becoming law."