Minnesota State Representative Jeff Witte shared a legislative update on Apr. 10, addressing recent developments at the Capitol as the session enters its final six weeks.
Witte discussed key issues currently before lawmakers, including a proposed wealth tax and efforts to preserve girls’ sports in Minnesota. He said these topics are important for families, small businesses, and student-athletes across the state.
In his update, Witte described House File 4616, introduced by Tax Committee Chair Rep. Aisha Gomez, which would impose a new annual 1% tax on wealth over $10 million. He said this tax would apply broadly to assets such as real estate and equipment and could impact family farms and small businesses due to complex asset valuations each year. “Simply put, this is an appraisal-and-audit tax,” Witte said. He also noted that land values alone could bring many family farms above the threshold for taxation.
Witte also addressed legislative efforts regarding athletic competition for biological females in Minnesota schools. He referenced three proposals intended to preserve fair opportunities for female athletes that were blocked during debate in the House of Representatives. “One of the bills we pushed, the Preserving Girls’ Sports Act (H.F. 12), is about as straightforward as it gets: girls’ sports should be for girls,” he said.
He raised concerns about recent legal interpretations following a Minnesota Supreme Court decision related to public accommodation discrimination in school athletics and cited examples where male-born athletes competed in female events.
Witte highlighted his personal connection to high school athletics through his daughters’ participation in soccer and lacrosse and stated his commitment to supporting fairness for female athletes: “You have my word: I will keep fighting to restore fairness and protect opportunities for girls throughout our state.”
