Since 1972, the Legislative Evaluation Assembly of Minnesota (LEA)–a non-partisan and non-profit organization–has informed Minnesota citizens of important legislation and the voting performance of each state legislator. Recently, LEA put out its 2023 Report on the Minnesota Legislature, which scores key votes on the “American founding principles of self-evident truths and inalienable rights.”

This year’s report rates the votes of all 201 legislators on 23 selected bills, calling “particular attention to the many reckless, unsustainable and unwise decisions of the 2023 session.” With a voting performance of 100 percent, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) is one of the 10 state legislators recognized by LEA as a 2023 honoree.

“The 2023 legislative session was an immensely partisan and expensive session for Minnesotans,” Rasmusson said. “As Democrats forced their extreme agenda into law, I stood up for our Greater Minnesota values and pushed back against their big government spending. I remain committed to backing policies that protect our fundamental rights, make life more affordable, and support opportunities in rural communities.”

Specifically, LEA’s annual report on voting performance often focuses on legislative and constitutional processes. This holds true in the 2023 Report, which illustrates the lack of citizen input and accountability in the recent session. This includes omnibus bills that left conference committee with controversial provisions–such as the gas tax increase indexed to inflation–that were not passed in the original floor versions by either legislative body.

“The Legislative Evaluation Assembly keeps a high bar, and Senator Rasmusson is one of those rare honorees that actually achieves a 100 percent score,” LEA President Done Lee said. “We are very pleased to honor him and his work as a Senator.”

The 2023 Report on the Minnesota Legislature also calls attention to heavy tax and fee increases passed this year. Despite a surplus of $18 billion, the ruling majority increased government spending by 38 percent, further burdening Minnesota taxpayers and businesses. This includes payroll taxes to fund a government-mandated paid employee leave, a gas tax increase indexed to inflation, a retail delivery fee, and increased license tab fees.

“While Minnesotans struggled with inflation, COVID disruptions, education failures, higher crime, and economic anxiety, the voters elected our governor and legislators according to their promises to cut taxes and provide $2000 rebates from a huge surplus. Instead, the Legislators used the surplus to increase state government by over 35 percent and raised numerous taxes,” said Lee.

For more information and to view the full 2023 Report on the Minnesota Legislature, please visit lea-mn.org.