Articles
Legislative Update: Precinct Caucuses
I am reaching out to inform you that precinct caucuses are coming up and will be taking place next Tuesday, February 3rd…
SNAP & County Program Town Hall
Please join me and Commissioner Karla Bigham in a Town Hall to discuss details on SNAP benefit distributions and other Washington County programs. We will be covering how State and County Governments work together and how actions or inactions at the Federal and State levels affect services and property taxes….
Merry Christmas
As Christmas Day arrives and the year draws to a close, I want to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
This time of year reminds us of the importance of faith, family, and community. These are the values that guide so many of us here in our district. Whether you are celebrating traditions, spending time with family around the table, or serving others in need, I hope this season brings you joy and blessings…
Interim Update – November Budget Forecast
Last week, the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget (MMB) released the November budget forecast. I want to share a brief overview of what it means for our state and for you…
Happy Thanksgiving
I want to wish you and your family a happy Thanksgiving. This is a special time to slow down, enjoy the company of loved ones, and appreciate the blessings in our lives. I’m thankful for the chance to serve our communities and for the many people who make this district such a great place to call home. Happy Thanksgiving!
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with folks and visit the wonderful…
Interim Update
In the weeks since the heartbreaking tragedy at Annunciation, Minnesotans have been left saddened, distraught, angry, and searching for answers. Families are grieving loved ones, survivors are working through unimaginable trauma, and entire communities are heartbroken. We all share in their pain, and we all want to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again.
Moments like this demand real leadership. Minnesotans deserve solutions that…
Links to Local Food Shelves
On this page, you will find links to local food shelves, please let us know if you have any questions…
Interim Update
I hope you’re enjoying these last weeks of summer and finding time to make the most of our beautiful communities here in our district. Since the special session wrapped up in June, I’ve stayed busy connecting with residents, attending local events, and listening to the issues that matter most to families and businesses across our area.
While legislative session may be over, the work of representing our district never stops…
AI Doesn’t Care About Pay and Benefits
Lately, local TV news and newspapers have been ramping up coverage of Paid Family and Medical Leave, better known as PFML. The new law, passed under full Democrat control, provides paid leave for employees who are ill, caring for someone with an illness, welcoming a new child, or deploying for military service…
Town Hall This Saturday – June 28, 2025
In light of everything our Capitol community has been through over the past week, I want to thank you for your continued support and engagement. These moments remind us just how important it is to stay connected, listen to one another, and work together toward a better future…
Legislative Update – June 11th, 2025
As my first session as your State Representative comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me and for all the ways you’ve helped shape my work at the Capitol.
From day one, my mission has been clear: fight for our communities, protect our shared values, and deliver results for the people of Washington County. I’m proud to report that we’ve made meaningful progress together…
RELEASE: Rep. Johnson Raises Concerns Over Transportation Agreement That Cuts Millions from Local Counties
St. Paul, MN – As a special session looms in St. Paul, Rep. Wayne Johnson (R–Cottage Grove) is raising serious concerns about a change in the state’s transportation funding agreement that will divert millions of dollars away from metro counties, including more than $7 million…
Legislative Update – June 2nd, 2025
It’s been a little while since my last update, mainly because there hasn’t been much new to report. When the regular session adjourned on May 19, several key budget bills were still unresolved. Since then, legislative working groups have been meeting regularly to hammer out the remaining details and reach final agreements…
Legislative Update – May 16th, 2025
We’re entering the final stretch of the 2025 legislative session, with the official end date set for May 19. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been moving quickly to pass major bills through the House. So far, we’ve approved legislation on Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Environment, Health, Higher Education, Housing, Human Services, Legacy, Public Safety and Judiciary, State Government and Elections, Transportation, Workforce, and Veterans…
Legislative Update – May 2nd, 2025
It’s been a busy week at the Capitol as we’ve moved forward on several important bills aimed at improving the lives of everyday Minnesotans. Whether it’s making college more affordable, fixing our roads, supporting veterans, or ensuring fair elections, we’ve worked hard to pass smart, balanced policies that put our communities first.
Below are some of the highlights from this week’s floor votes…
Legislative Update – April 25th, 2025
I hope you and your loved ones had a joyful and meaningful Easter. As we return to work at the Capitol, we’re entering what’s known as “omnibus season,” when the Legislature begins to pass major budget bills that cover specific committee areas of state government.
This week, the House passed the Agriculture bill, and…
Legislative Update – April 18th, 2025
As families across Minnesota gather to celebrate Easter and Passover, I want to wish you a joyful and meaningful holiday. This season reminds us of the power of renewal, the importance of faith and tradition, and the blessings of time spent with loved ones. May your weekend be filled with peace, hope, and time to reflect on what matters most…
Legislative Update – April 11th, 2025
As we head into Legislative Spring Break, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made over the past few weeks. The pace at the Capitol has picked up as we near the end of session, with committees finalizing their budget bills and key proposals moving forward…
Legislative Update – April 4th, 2025
We’ve been hard at work at the Capitol as the House Republican and Democrat caucuses have finally agreed to a set of budget targets. These targets represent the largest reduction to a budget deficit in state history, cutting the $6 billion deficit down to $2.226 billion…
Legislative Update – March 21st, 2025
This past week at the Capitol has been a busy one as we continue working on legislation to support law enforcement, improve waste management, and return taxpayer dollars where they belong—back to you. Here’s an update on the bills I’ve been focused on to make Minnesota safer, more efficient, and more accountable to the people.
Legislative Update – March 14th, 2025
We’re almost halfway through the legislative session, and our pace has not slowed down as we attempt to make up for the month we lost earlier this year. My focus remains on making Minnesota a better place to live, work, and raise a family…
Legislative Update – March 7th, 2025
One of the most rewarding parts of this job is working on the issues you told me matter most. Whether it was at the doors during the campaign or in conversations over the past year, one thing was clear: Minnesotans want a government that respects their hard-earned money, prioritizes common sense, and delivers real results. That’s why I’m working hard to bring those values to the Capitol this session.
Legislative Update – February 21st, 2025
As we move forward in the legislative session, my focus remains on fighting for fairness, strengthening our communities, and protecting small businesses from unnecessary burdens. After weeks of delays, the Legislature is finally moving at full speed, and while the pace has picked up, my commitment to thoughtful, common-sense policymaking has not wavered…
Legislative Update – February 7th, 2025
After nearly four weeks of delays, the Minnesota House has finally reached an agreement that will allow legislative work to move forward. This agreement ensures that the House will be able to conduct official business, pass a state budget, and address key issues facing Minnesotans.
Legislative Update – January 31st, 2025
As we approach nearly three weeks of a legislative standstill, it’s becoming clear that this delay has real consequences for Minnesotans. While House Republicans are at the Capitol every day, meeting with stakeholders, refining legislation, and preparing for when work can resume, we cannot formally advance policies…
Legislative Update – January 24th, 2025
It is with great excitement and gratitude that I write to you as your new state representative. Serving the people of District 41A is truly an honor, and I am committed to representing your values and priorities at the Capitol. I look forward to being your voice on the issues that matter most to you, your family, and our community.
RELEASE: Rep. Wayne Johnson Raises Concerns Over Governor Walz’s Budget Proposal
St. Paul, MN – Representative Wayne Johnson (R-Cottage Grove) expressed strong concerns today regarding Governor Tim Walz’s recently proposed budget, calling it “short-sighted” and “lacking the foresight needed to address Minnesota’s long-term needs.”
Budget surpluses would be returned to taxpayers under proposed constitutional amendment
“Give it back” was a popular refrain on the campaign trail in recent years when projections showed the state of Minnesota running a sometimes sizable budget surplus. But counterarguments often said that such surpluses afforded opportunities to reinvest in areas that had previously suffered from budget shortfalls. And then there were those in the middle, who believed saving for a rainy day would be prudent.
Wayne Johnson Sworn-In to First Term as State Representative for District 41A
SAINT PAUL, MN – Representative Wayne Johnson (R-Cottage Grove) took the oath of office to begin his first term Tuesday at the beginning of the 2025 legislative session. Johnson will represent District 41A which includes Afton, Baytown Township, Denmark Township, Grant, Lake Elmo, Lake St. Croix Beach, Lakeland, Lakeland Shores, St. Mary’s Point, West Lakeland Township, and northern Cottage Grove.