Weber looks back at career as his final legislation session concludes

District 21 Sen. Bill Weber, a Luverne Republican, wrapped up his final legislative session late Sunday. On Monday, he reflected on the time he has spent as a lawmaker in St. Paul.

"It is a strange feeling," he said. "You know, after 14 years, it sort of becomes a part of you. I think it's time. Quite frankly, it's different today than it was 14 years ago, and I don't necessarily think it's for the better.

"We see people to the extremes on both sides that are coming into the process, and they have just as much right as anybody else," Weber continued. "But there was a point in time in which there was a respect for the minority caucus that, in many instances, doesn't exist today. And there was an effort to work together more than either bulldoze everything through that you want or stand there and howl at the moon because you're not getting anything."

As for his initial thoughts on the just completed session, Weber said:

"The tax bill was disappointing from the standpoint that there were a number of things that did not get included," he said. "The DFL House Chair of the tax committee refused to allow local sales taxes for 30-some communities across the state. I think that's unfortunate because in many of those instances, they are utilizing those funds to provide improvements that otherwise the community cannot afford."

We'll have of more Weber's thoughts on the 2026 session on Tuesday.