Legislative Update: May 20, 2026

Dear Neighbors,

The 2026 legislative session has concluded, and House DFLers worked hard to respond to the challenges our communities are facing. Due to the nature of a tied House, any legislation needed bipartisan support - and there are some good things we passed with bipartisan support, like toughening penalties for impersonating a police officer, banning nudification technology, and strengthening the ability of agencies to stop payments to program participants when fraud is suspected. 

We also had some gridlock, and the last 72 hours were particularly difficult and frustrating. 

House Republicans refused to take a vote on a comprehensive package of legislation that would reduce gun violence in Minnesota. Having already passed the Senate, this bill needed just one House Republican vote to become law. Rather than risk that happening in a simple up or down vote, Speaker Demuth pretended the bill didn’t even exist and outright refused to schedule a vote on the House chamber floor. House Democrats made a motion to vote on the legislation, with my colleagues and I standing up to share the ways gun violence has impacted every corner of the state. We’ve all been touched in some way. After hours of sharing tragic stories underlining the urgency of this legislation, Republicans continued to block a vote on this bill. 

We had more than enough time and public opinion for Republicans to do the right thing. Once again, they cowarded to the gun lobby and special interests.

Their cowardice wasn’t an isolated incident. All session, the Republicans blocked legislation to combat ICE, even after some of those same Republicans sent a letter to Kristi Noem to limit ICE’s activity near Minnesota’s schools. They were willing to send letters for political cover, but unwilling to use their actual legislative power to protect our communities and keep our kids safe.

I cannot understand how anyone could look at the chaos, fear, and violence caused by Operation Metro Surge and conclude that it was acceptable. I know some of my Republican colleagues in private have said that what the federal government did was wrong and that Operation Metro Surge crossed a line. Yet, when forced to choose between standing with Minnesotans or standing with President Trump, they chose Trump.

That is cowardice. It is a dereliction of duty.

When Republicans had the opportunity to show Minnesotans who they are and what they stand for, every single House Republican blocked ICE legislation. Thankfully, we were able to pass $40 million in emergency rental assistance, which I’ll go in more detail below.

HCMC Saved

Legislative leaders reached a bipartisan supplemental budget agreement that takes important steps to strengthen Minnesota’s health care system and ensure the long-term stability of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). 

This agreement reflects the values Minnesotans expect, and we’re reinforcing fiscal stability while delivering historic, bipartisan support for HCMC, a cornerstone of our health care system and a vital safety net for families across the region.

HCMC serves patients from every corner of Minnesota, providing critical care and specialized services that keep our entire health care system strong. Ensuring its long-term health is essential not only for Hennepin County but for communities statewide.

Minnesota always believed in a strong, reliable health care safety net. This agreement reaffirms that commitment and ensures that every Minnesotan can continue to get the care they need, when they need it.

$11 Million Investments in our Community

The House passed a capital investment and bonding bill that delivers major investments for Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center.

We got $7.5 million for the Northwest Regional Athletic Facility in Brooklyn Park, helping expand recreational opportunities and create a regional destination for youth sports, community events, and economic activity. The bill also provides $400,000 for the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota Community Center in Brooklyn Park, supporting a vital cultural and community hub.

In Brooklyn Center, the bonding bill invests $3 million in Opportunity Site Public Infrastructure, helping prepare the area for future redevelopment, housing, and economic growth opportunities.

From economic development and community infrastructure to recreational opportunities and cultural spaces, these investments deliver meaningful resources that will benefit families across Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center for years to come.

Housing Bill Passes - $40 Million in Emergency Rental Assistance

The House passed the bipartisan housing conference committee report, investing over $165 million to help Minnesotans with the ever-rising housing costs and expanding affordable housing opportunities across the state. The legislation invests $40 million in emergency rental assistance, providing support to the thousands of Minnesotans facing housing insecurity and the impacts of the ICE invasion.

Too many Minnesotans are being priced out of stable housing and homeownership. This legislation takes important steps to help families stay in their homes, build more affordable housing, and support communities across Minnesota.

The legislation also includes stronger transparency and oversight measures to ensure housing dollars are being spent effectively and responsibly.

At a time when evictions and housing insecurity are rising, these investments will help more Minnesotans access safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Stay in Touch

Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn.gov or please contact my Legislative Assistant, Isabel, at Isabel.Anderson@house.mn.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here. 

Sincerely,

Rep. Samantha Vang

651-296-3709

rep.samantha.vang@house.mn.gov