Dear Neighbors, Recently, Governor Walz and leadership in the House and Senate announced a budget framework for the end of the legislative session. This agreement largely set the framework for specific budget areas. But the deal also includes specific agreements on policy issues that Republicans have demanded as the price of passing a state budget and not shutting down the state government. Going into this legislative session with a tied GOP-DFL House, I have been laser-focused on protecting the historic progress we made over the last few years from the Republican attempts to take rights and benefits away from people. I’m glad to say the bipartisan leadership agreement protects many of those wins - Universal School Meals, reproductive freedom, gun violence prevention measures, clean energy goals, voting rights, Earned Sick & Safe Time, wage theft protections, and Paid Family & Medical Leave, just to name a few. However, Republicans made it clear that they would hold the state budget hostage unless their demand to strip healthcare access for our undocumented neighbors was met. They would risk a government shutdown, along with all the services Minnesotans rely on, to take health care away from people and make life more difficult and deadly for some of our neighbors. The compromise reached by state leaders would strip MinnesotaCare, a health care program for Minnesotans with low incomes, from undocumented adults, leaving children still eligible. I want to be extremely clear: An agreement that betrays our immigrant neighbors and capitulates to the Minnesota Republicans’ immoral attempts to scapegoat immigrants is unacceptable, and I will vote against any provision that strips away MinnesotaCare coverage from any Minnesotan. You can watch our People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus Press Conference, where DFLers and community leaders laid out the facts and strongly stood in support of our neighbors who are being threatened. Meeting with our Community Standing up for Healthcare RightsI stood alongside colleagues, advocates, and community partners to oppose a deeply harmful decision to strip MinnesotaCare coverage from undocumented adults. This move is a shameful betrayal of a community we once honored as essential workers during the pandemic—individuals who showed up for us in a time of crisis and now face being shut out of life-saving healthcare. This decision has immediate, devastating consequences: people currently receiving treatment for cancer, diabetes, kidney failure, and other serious conditions could lose access to the care that keeps them alive. Let me be clear—our undocumented neighbors are not our enemy. They are not the cause of our economic challenges. They are part of our communities, our workforce, and our future. This is not “free healthcare,” as some have misleadingly claimed. Undocumented Minnesotans contribute over $220 million in taxes each year. Under this plan, they would also pay premiums and copays—just like every other MinnesotaCare enrollee. Support for this coverage spans the healthcare system: doctors, nurses, hospitals, insurers, labor unions, and faith leaders all recognize that access to care is a moral and practical imperative. The only opposition has come from Republican lawmakers—driven not by policy, but by the politics of fear, division, and xenophobia. The fight is far from over. We will continue to stand up for healthcare justice—for all Minnesotans, not just the ones Republicans deem deserving.  Hmong American DayLast week marked Hmong American Day, and my heart was filled with memories of my late grandfather, Colonel Nhia Xou Yang, later known as Reverend Jonah Xu Yang. His bravery, alongside the courageous service of other SGU soldiers during the Secret War, paved the path that allows me to serve at the Capitol. We are all beneficiaries of their courage and sacrifice, and I am forever grateful for 50 years of liberty, freedom, and democracy, and will do everything I can to preserve it.   St. Paul Saints Celebrate 50 Years of the Hmong Diaspora I had the joy of throwing out the first pitch at the St. Paul Saints game as they celebrated 50 years of the Hmong Diaspora. What a night! From incredible cultural performances to a Hmong artist singing the National Anthem, and a Hmong community member leading "Take Me Out to the Ball Game", it was a beautiful celebration of heritage and pride. A huge thanks to the Saints for honoring the Hmong community and recognizing the important role they play in Minnesota’s story. In times like these, when our immigrant communities are facing real challenges, moments like this remind us how strong and connected we truly are.  Celebrating Ordinary Magic with Wilder FoundationWhat a truly inspiring evening at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s Ordinary Magic celebration! Together, we helped raise over $385,000 to support the vital work Wilder does for families across our community. These funds will go directly toward expanding access to life-changing mental health services, housing support, leadership development, and community-driven research—making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. There’s no better way to spend an evening than coming together with friends, family, and community to do good and spark change. I’m grateful to be part of it.  Community Updates Honoring the Work of the National Kidney Foundation of MinnesotaThe National Kidney Foundation of Minnesota holds a special place in my heart. As someone living with chronic kidney disease, I’m deeply grateful for the Foundation’s life-saving work. Their outreach in underserved communities, commitment to education and support, and tireless policy advocacy make a real and lasting impact across our state. It was an honor to attend their recent celebration with my family. Thank you to Board Member Shirly Yang for the kind invitation and for your leadership in this important work.  Tax Fairness Is a Reflection of Our ValuesI’ve always believed that our tax policies are more than just numbers on a page—they reflect who we are fighting for. A fair and just budget should never be balanced on the backs of working families or our most vulnerable neighbors. This isn't just a federal issue—it’s right here in Minnesota. That’s why I proudly stand with our allies in opposing tax breaks for millionaires and large corporations. We must prioritize everyday Minnesotans, not those already at the top.  Stay ConnectedPlease continue to reach out to my office at 651-296-8799 or rep.kaohly.her@house.mn.gov, and you’ll hear back from me or my Legislative Assistant, Emma. I always appreciate hearing from you! You can also follow along on my official Facebook page, and subscribe to these regular emails if you haven’t already. Thank you again for the incredible honor of representing our community! Sincerely, Kaohly Vang Her |