St. Paul Reporter

Over the past two weeks, the Minnesota House has been engaged in negotiations and voting on major budget and policy bills. Some of these bills have already passed, while others remain under discussion.

Minnesota State Representative Ben Bakeberg outlined the legislative process for constituents, explaining that individual bills are first introduced and heard in their respective committees. Committee chairs then combine selected bills into larger omnibus bills. Although Bakeberg prefers single-subject bills for transparency, he noted that time constraints—compounded by a three-week session delay due to disagreements among Democrats over House structure—have made this difficult.

Once each chamber passes its own version of a budget bill, lawmakers from both chambers meet in conference committee to negotiate the final version. The agreed-upon bill then returns to both chambers for a final vote.

Bakeberg stated, "So far, many of the large budget bills moving through the Legislature include provisions we’re proud of. But the reality is, we’re just one half of one branch of state government. That means we don’t get everything we want, and Democrat-backed provisions will be part of these bills too."

He added, "Even so, we’ve held the line on key priorities. We’ve kept our commitment to fiscal responsibility and fought for common-sense spending that protects Minnesota’s long-term financial future. After years of one-party control and unchecked spending, the state is feeling the consequences: budget shortfalls, rising costs, and growing uncertainty. While we can’t undo the damage overnight, we’ve started laying the foundation for sustainable budgeting that avoids the boom-and-bust cycle Minnesotans have become all too familiar with."

Bakeberg emphasized efforts to address wasteful spending and keep district priorities at the forefront. He reported supporting all current major budget bills except for the Housing Bill due to concerns about language limiting local control—a principle he said he has long supported.

"I spoke earlier this year about my concern over the language in this legislation and unfortunately that language did not improve," Bakeberg said. "In its current form, I have concerns about how the bills limit local control: a principle I have long championed in both my legislative efforts and the bills I’ve authored. I believe cities should have the authority to determine how best to utilize their properties, rather than having decisions made by bureaucrats in St. Paul."

He also mentioned reaching out to constituents for feedback on housing legislation and sharing those concerns with colleagues. While recognizing Minnesota's serious housing needs, Bakeberg expressed his commitment to finding solutions that maintain local decision-making authority.

Regarding education policy proposals affecting homeschool families in Minnesota, Bakeberg clarified his stance against new restrictions or oversight measures.

"I want to be absolutely clear: I do not support any effort to impose new restrictions, mandates, or unnecessary oversight on homeschooling," he said.

Referring specifically to a Senate amendment proposing additional reporting requirements for homeschool families—which he described as burdensome—Bakeberg assured constituents that such provisions lack support among Republican House members.

"Thankfully, that provision has zero support in the Republican House, and as long as Republicans have a seat at the table, we will continue to stand against it," Bakeberg stated.

He continued: "Just as we’re committed to local control in housing, I’m equally committed to protecting your freedom as homeschooling families to make decisions without unnecessary government interference. Homeschool parents are doing incredible work educating their children and deserve the freedom to do so without interference from politicians in St. Paul. I will continue fighting to protect your parental rights and ensure any final education bill respects your role as your child’s first and most important teacher."

Bakeberg encouraged constituents to continue sharing their perspectives or contacting him directly with questions or concerns.