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Minnesota State Representative Terry Stier (R-Cleveland) has voiced concerns about a recent decision by the Minnesota House to address a $12.6 million budget shortfall in the Department of Corrections (DOC) for 2023. Stier, who reviewed the bill in committee, voted against it on the House floor.

Stier questioned both the source of the overspending and the approach taken to resolve it. "The DOC overspent its 2023 budget by more than $12 million, and now that money is being taken from the Public Safety budget for 2025-2026. That’s not sustainable. What happens if they overspend by $50 million next year?" he said.

He noted that while DOC attributed the shortfall to employee wages and overtime, he remains skeptical given reported recruitment and retention issues last year. "But if they were having recruitment and retention issues, like we heard last year, there should have been vacant positions, which usually means lower payroll, not higher. Maybe my math is off, but I’m going to keep digging," Stier stated.

Stier also raised questions about whether funds could be reallocated from other agencies that may have come in under budget rather than using future public safety funds. "Did any other agency come in under budget? If so, could we shift money to cover the shortfall instead of raiding future public safety funds? Especially since training programs are already underfunded as it is," he asked.

He described ongoing legislative activity as intense despite limited visible progress on bills: "Around here, it might look like we’re not doing much, just hearing the occasional bill. But behind the scenes, it’s full steam ahead. Conference committees are negotiating, leadership is hashing out deals, and members are working on getting their bills into the final omnibus packages."

Stier also mentioned preparations for a possible special session due to unresolved legislative issues causing division among lawmakers: "Members are already writing bills and trying to build bipartisan support. That’s easier said than done, especially with two issues currently splitting the Legislature: Both are deal-breakers for many of us."

He emphasized his willingness to work toward compromise but remained firm on protecting constituents' interests: "I’m willing to dig in and work toward a real solution and find areas to compromise. But if 'compromise' means everyday Minnesotans get stuck with the bill again, I’ll continue to push back."

Stier reassured constituents of his availability despite commitments at the Capitol: "While my work in St. Paul has kept me from being in the district as much as I’d like, I’m always available by phone or email. And if something urgent comes up in 22B, I’ll be there. Period."

Reflecting on his experiences at the Capitol and values rooted in his district community, Stier concluded: "Navigating life at the Capitol isn’t easy. Trust is hard to build...I do my best to keep an open mind, but when it goes against common sense, I have to stand my ground...That’s the kind of Minnesota we need to get back to and that’s the kind of Minnesota I’m working towards."