Friends and neighbors,
As we begin the second month of the 2025 legislative session, the Senate is actively working to address the issues facing Minnesotans. However, every single Democrat in the House of Representatives continues to refuse to show up for work, stalling progress on important legislative matters. This behavior is completely unacceptable and freezes the progress of work that needs to be accomplished.
I will continue to share updates as session progresses, so stay tuned!
Putting Minnesotans First
Senate Republicans recently outlined our priorities for this session. My colleagues and I will focus this year on putting the needs of “Minnesotans First.” In the coming months, Senate Republicans will introduce legislation that addresses the following key priorities:
- Helping Minnesotans with the high cost of living
- Reining in runaway wasteful spending and stopping tax increases
- Holding government accountable for waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer resources
- Keeping our communities safe
- Putting students first, strengthening families, and protecting children
I invite you to read more about our Minnesotans First agenda!
Increasing voter turnout for local elections
Last week, in the Senate Elections Committee, I presented my legislation, SF 634, to require local elections to be held in even-numbered years.
We heard last year that it is very expensive for school districts and cities to hold elections not in conjunction with state elections. This change would help save cities, towns, and school districts money by aligning their local elections with our state elections. This shift would not only be cost-effective, but it would also help increase voter turnout.
Under this legislation, local governments would have until July 1, 2025, to create a plan for the transition, with the change taking effect in 2026.
I invite you to watch my bill presentation and learn more!
Senate Republicans move to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell
On Monday, Senate Republicans moved to expel Senator Nicole Mitchell (DFL-Woodbury) from the Senate.
As you will recall, Mitchell was arrested at her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes last spring and subsequently charged with first-degree felony burglary. Her trial was set to begin on January 27, but she requested a delay until the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session, allowing her to continue serving as a senator while her legal case is pending.
Last year, the motion to expel Mitchell failed on a party-line vote. Mitchell retained her voting privileges on the floor and cast the deciding vote on nearly every piece of legislation during the 2024 session. After the 2024 session was concluded, Governor Tim Walz, DFL Party Chair Ken Martin, and four Senate Democrats publicly said that Mitchell should resign.
However, every single Senate Democrat voted to protect Mitchell, prioritizing her vote over the gravity of the situation.
Contact My Office
I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. You can contact my office at Sen.Cal.Bahr@mnsenate.gov or 651-296-3219.
Choose Freedom,
Cal
Minnesota Senate, District 31