Rep. Jim Joy: Budget Deal Cuts Spending, Focuses on Fiscal Responsibility in Session’s Final Weeks

Representative Jim Joy (R–District 4B) says the 2025 legislative session is entering its final phase, with just weeks remaining to pass key finance bills and wrap up the year’s work at the Capitol.
In his latest update, Joy noted that all policy bills have now cleared their committees, and lawmakers are now preparing for the final budget deadline on Friday, April 11. This marks the last opportunity for finance bills to move forward before floor votes begin.
Joy pointed to a recent bipartisan budget deal as a major step forward. The agreement includes a $3.9 billion spending reduction, the largest in Minnesota history, and brings the projected state deficit down from $6 billion to about $2.2 billion.
“Counties, cities, and schools are already feeling the strain of reckless spending,” Joy said. “This agreement puts us back on track.”
Joy emphasized that while the new budget framework isn’t perfect, it’s a meaningful compromise in a divided House, where each party holds 67 seats. He says the priority now is to protect essential services while avoiding further tax hikes and financial pressure on communities.
He’s urging constituents to stay involved