Legislative Update from Rep. Mike Freiberg

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Legislative Update from Rep. Mike Freiberg

Neighbors,   

Yesterday, Congress voted to end the ban on mining near the Boundary Waters.

The Biden Administration placed a 20-year ban on mining near the Boundary Waters in 2023. Trump's Congress chose lobbyists over constituents — again — and ended the moratorium 17 years early. The Minnesota Legislature needs to pass the Boundary Waters Permanent Protection Bill (HF 309), which would prohibit sulfide-ore copper mining operations on state lands in the Boundary Waters watershed. I am a proud coauthor of this important legislation. 

While we’ve been able to block Minnesota Republicans from passing bad bills at the state level, they continue to stand in the way of progress. Before the legislative break, DFLers brought three common-sense bills forward — two on gun safety and one to keep ICE out of schools without a judicial warrant. Instead of honest debate, the other side simply blocked us.  

Last night, they voted against a bill that would remove co-pays for children’s mental health services. For months, Republicans have refused to support gun violence prevention measures under the guise of mental health support being the sole answer. Last night proved that their words were empty. 

Despite these blockades, there have been moments of levity. Even in the worst moments, House members are really trying to remember each other’s humanity. It’s hard to work with people who you can’t crack a joke with once in a while. We had one of those moments in the Tax Committee this week, when a bipartisan crew accidentally coordinated suit colors. I had to snag a quick pic of the group (featuring a photo bomb from a powder blue suit. I’ll forgive it!) 

Last week, the Minnesota House passed two of my bills. One clarifies existing statute on foreclosure proceedings, ensuring that homeowners can postpone a mortgage foreclosure sale and receive more time to come up with owed payments. The bill builds on work from last year and makes sure Minnesotans get a bit more breathing room when faced with foreclosure — something that can leave families without a place to live. Minnesotans are already facing a housing crisis. As lawmakers, it’s essential that we find ways to keep Minnesotans in their homes.

The other bill was a “mini-bus” Elections Committee package of bipartisan proposals, including updates to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner board, requested changes to the Rochester School Board elections system, and requiring candidates for Three Rivers Parks Commissioner to file a statement of economic interest like nearly all other state level candidates for office in Minnesota do. 

Saving HCMC 

As we dive into the final stretch of the legislative session, a significant amount of my attention is on Hennepin County Medical Center and how devastating losing it would be on our community. The Tax Committee is working on a proposal to save HCMC. The bill would repurpose and extend the existing 0.15% ballpark sales tax to a 1-cent sales tax and dedicate the majority of these funds to HCMC’s health care operations and facilities. The measure would generate approximately $342 million per year in revenue for HCMC, with additional funds directed to North Memorial Hospital right here in Robbinsdale. You can watch my remarks on the bill here. 

2026 Constituent Survey

As we approach the end of the legislative session, my DFL colleagues and I are also looking to the future. What issues matter most to you and your family? What challenges are you facing, and what’s going well? What priorities do you want to see lawmakers take on? 

Please take a few minutes to complete our 2026 Constituent Survey. Your voice plays an important role in our work to improve the lives of Minnesotans. I appreciate your input and insight. 

Adopt me! 

This week’s adoptable dog is Oso, a 7-year-old male pitbull and terrier mix available for adoption at the Golden Valley Humane Society! Oso is an energetic, good boy who loves fetch and toys. Oso needs to find a home without other dogs to be his best self. 

Oso's adoption fee has been reduced thanks to a grant from the ASPCA! This grant supports animals that have been in our care longer than most, giving them a little extra visibility and a better chance at finding the loving home they deserve. 

You can learn more about Oso here! 

Stay Connected

To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. 

You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page. 

To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4176, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe. 

It is an honor to continue to serve you.  

In solidarity,  

Rep. Mike Freiberg