Minnesota’s 2021 Legislative Session officially began January 5 with me and 133 other state representatives being sworn into office.

I look forward to getting to work on passing a new, two-year state budget and fighting to end the peacetime emergency. It’s time to allow Minnesota businesses to safely reopen so that we can bring our economy roaring back. With a budget deficit, there is no reason to raise taxes and further harm Minnesotans that have been struggling through the Governor’s devastating shutdowns. Government needs to share in the sacrifice, that’s why I will work to cut wasteful spending and streamline our budget.

Most of my work during the first months of session will take place in House committees. For the 2021-2022 legislative biennium, I have been appointed to serve on the following committees:

• Human Services Finance and Policy;
• Judiciary Finance and Policy;
• Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy.

I encourage area residents to contact me if they have any legislative questions, concerns, or ideas. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4237. I can also be contacted via email at rep.paul.novotny@house.mn, or via U.S. Mail at 301 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.