Rep. Josh Heintzeman Announces Priorities as 2026 Legislative Session Begins

February 20, 2026

St. Paul – Representative Josh Heintzeman (R–Nisswa) today outlined his priorities as the Minnesota Legislature begins the 2026 session, focusing on improving government accountability, strengthening Minnesota’s competitiveness, and delivering practical results for families and communities.

Rep. Heintzeman will continue serving as Co-Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee and as a member of the Legacy Finance Committee, Ways and Means Committee, and Commerce Finance and Policy Committee.

As Environment Committee Co-Chair, Rep. Heintzeman led legislative efforts last session to improve Minnesota’s environmental permitting process by increasing efficiency and reducing delays while maintaining strong environmental standards. Governor Walz’s recent executive order directing agencies to streamline permitting timelines builds on those reforms and reinforces the need for a more predictable and efficient system.

“Permitting reform has been a priority because Minnesotans deserve a process that protects our natural resources while allowing responsible projects to move forward,” said Rep. Heintzeman. “Last session we made important progress through legislation, and continued administrative action helps ensure those reforms are fully implemented.”

As the session begins, Rep. Heintzeman and House Republicans will continue advancing priorities centered around six key pillars:

  • Make Minnesota Affordable
  • Stop the Fraud
  • Raise Standards, Reduce Mandates
  • Minnesota Tax Dollars for Minnesotans
  • Make Minnesota Safe
  • Make Minnesota Competitive

“There is significant work ahead, and I look forward to continuing to deliver practical solutions that move Minnesota forward,” Heintzeman said.