Republican lawmakers in Minnesota are expressing outrage after it was revealed that Governor Tim Walz spent $430,000 in taxpayer funds preparing for a congressional hearing on sanctuary city policies.
According to invoices obtained by the Star Tribune, Walz’s office enlisted the services of global law firm K&L Gates between April 10 and June 12 to help prepare for his mid-June testimony before the GOP-led House Oversight Committee—which scrutinized “sanctuary city” practices by Democratic governors.
How the Costs Added Up
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- In May alone, the legal fees totaled approximately $232,000, with an average rate of $516 per hour.
- Over the full period, total spending reached $430,000, covered by a transfer from Minnesota’s general fund.
A spokesperson explained that though Minnesota’s Attorney General provided initial counsel, K&L Gates was hired due to the “specialized nature” of congressional hearings.
GOP Lawmakers Sound the Alarm
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- Rep. Jim Nash (R‑Waconia), a member of the Legislative Advisory Commission, called the expenditure “exorbitant.” He noted that Minnesota’s Attorney General “was in Congress with Walz” and could have sufficed.
- Rep. Harry Niska (R‑St. Paul) described the expenses as “PR consulting”, questioning why Walz needed intensive prep when he previously served in Congress. Niska argued the taxpayer-funded work seemed tied more to national ambitions than state necessity.
Governor’s Office Fires Back
Rather than justifying the expense, the governor’s team blamed Republicans for staging the hearing as political theater.
Spokesperson Teddy Tschann called it a “planned political stunt on the taxpayer dime“, claiming GOP members prioritized performance over substance.
Governor Walz himself said the hearing was not worth the time or cost and described it as a “grandstanding” effort that uncovered nothing new.
Not the First Time This Happened
This isn’t an isolated incident.
Earlier in 2025:
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu reportedly paid up to $650,000 to prepare for a congressional immigration hearing.
- The City of Denver spent $250,000 for similar legal support for Mayor Mike Johnston.
These cases raise broader questions about when it is appropriate for taxpayer funds to be used for political defense.
What It Means for Minnesota Taxpayers
With the Legislative Advisory Commission overseeing the spending, legislators like Nash and Niska intend to investigate further
Minnesotans are watching closely, asking:
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- Should outside law firms be used when in-house counsel exists?
- Is this a preparatory expense or a political campaign maneuver?
- How much taxpayer money is too much?
Governor Walz’s contentious congressional testimony has sparked heated debate—not just about sanctuary policies, but about responsible use of taxpayer dollars. As the state investigates further, one thing is clear: Minnesotans want transparency and accountability when public funds are sent outside traditional channels.
