St. Cloud Sun

Minnesota State Representative Paul Novotny provided an update on recent legislative activity as the session nears its end. Lawmakers are working through major omnibus bills, with floor sessions extending late into the night.

Novotny highlighted the passage of the Public Safety Omnibus Bill, which received bipartisan support. He noted his background as a retired peace officer and former Sheriffs Sergeant, stating, "I’ve worn the badge, and I know just how important it is to have the tools, training, and support to do the job right. This bill puts real resources into the hands of those who keep our communities safe—and it was encouraging to see lawmakers from both sides of the aisle come together on it."

The Higher Education Omnibus Bill also passed earlier in the week. According to Novotny, this legislation aims to invest in teachers and students across Minnesota by supporting technical training and universities. The bill included cuts and redistributions to address a $239 million shortfall in the state grant program. Novotny stated that House Republicans worked to reduce unnecessary programs, resulting in $179 million in government savings to help decrease the state deficit.

With just over two weeks remaining before adjournment on May 19, legislators continue to review budget bills. Novotny emphasized his commitment to a balanced budget focused on Minnesotans’ needs: "I remain focused on delivering a responsible, balanced budget and making sure Minnesotans’ needs—not partisan politics—are at the heart of every vote we take."

Addressing recent developments related to fraud prevention oversight, Novotny referenced new information regarding the Feeding Our Future scandal. He said: "When public trust is shaken, it’s our duty to get answers — no matter how uncomfortable they may be. The Feeding Our Future scandal rocked Minnesota, but new revelations this week suggest the story may be far from over." He added that audio recordings suggest Attorney General Keith Ellison had more knowledge about the case than previously disclosed: "Newly released audio recordings suggest that Attorney General Keith Ellison may have known far more about the Feeding Our Future scandal than he’s led the public to believe. In these recordings, he’s heard expressing sympathy for businesses under investigation—some of which were later indicted for their role in the largest case of fraud in Minnesota’s history. Even more troubling, he offered to pressure state agencies on their behalf. This is not what leadership looks like. This is not what accountability sounds like."

Novotny continued: "We’ve also learned that while his office claimed it helped 'jumpstart' the investigation in 2022, Ellison told others in 2021 he had no knowledge of the scandal. But audio from that same year paints a very different picture." He stressed that Minnesotans deserve clear answers from public officials: "The people of Minnesota deserve honest answers—not spin, not excuses. When public officials blur the line between justice and political favoritism, trust in our institutions erodes. And once trust is broken, it’s hard to rebuild."

On fiscal policy concerns, Novotny criticized Governor Walz’s Department of Human Services (DHS) budget proposal for shifting $460 million in costs from state government onto local governments—a move flagged by county commissioners earlier this year as likely leading counties either to cut services or raise property taxes for residents (https://www.minnpost.com/state-government/2024/02/minnesota-counties-say-walz-budget-plan-could-raise-property-taxes-across-the-state/). Some counties could face property tax increases up to 9% as a result.

Novotny stated: "Governor Walz’s DHS budget proposal should raise red flags for anyone who cares about local control and responsible leadership... The consequences are real. Some counties in Greater Minnesota are facing potential property tax increases of up to 9% just to keep up." He added: "The state’s job is to lead wisely—not to pass the buck and leave local communities to clean up the mess. This cost shift is unfair, unsustainable, and wrong."

He affirmed Republican efforts against these measures: "House Republicans are standing with our counties and doing everything we can to stop this from moving forward." Novotny encouraged constituents’ continued engagement.

Concluding his update, Novotny reaffirmed his commitment to representing District 30B: "As always, the voices of the people I represent are what guide me here at the Capitol... Your concerns aren’t just heard; they’re what fuel my fight for smarter, more responsible leadership." He invited constituents with questions or concerns about legislation or community impact issues to contact his office.

Novotny closed by saying he will continue working daily “to protect our local values and push back against harmful mandates from the top,” emphasizing a focus on putting Minnesotans first.