Legislative Update: May 30, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

The 2025 legislative session concluded late on May 19th, and I want to share where things stand and what comes next for our state.

With the Minnesota House evenly divided at 67-67, we knew this session would require meaningful collaboration to deliver the investments Minnesotans deserve. And while we made progress on several key priorities, some important work remains unfinished.

In the final days of session, we passed a number of budget bills, including critical investments in veterans’ programs, agriculture, housing, judiciary and public safety, as well as initiatives from the Minnesota Legacy Amendment. We also approved a bill addressing pension reform and a package of human services policy provisions. Additionally, the House passed a bill to extend unemployment insurance for workers impacted by mass layoffs in the iron ore mining industry and hourly school workers who feed, transport, and care for our kids. 

While many budget bills did pass on time, about ten did not. This means a special session will be needed, which we anticipate starting soon. As we look to a short special session to finish the remaining important pieces, I remain committed to representing our community’s priorities and ensuring we move forward with a balanced, responsible budget that reflects Minnesota values. Thank you for staying engaged, whether it be phone calls, emails, or visits to the Capitol.

Protecting Policies that Help Working Families

This session, we protected our major policy wins from 2023, including those that help working families achieve economic security. Minnesotans believe in caring for one another, but right now, most workers in our state — and across the country — don’t have access to paid time to care for themself or a family member. That’s about to change in Minnesota! Starting January 1, 2026, our new Paid Family & Medical Leave program will allow workers to take time off to recover from a serious health condition, welcome a new child, care for a loved one, or navigate personal safety challenges – all without having to sacrifice their economic security.

Republican efforts to roll back Minnesota’s universal school meals program did not move forward. I’m glad to report that our final budget agreement protects free breakfast and lunch for all students. This program is helping kids stay focused in the classroom and easing financial pressure on families across the state.

Responding to Trump’s Reckless Budget

Recently, Donald Trump and U.S. House Republicans passed a budget bill that makes devastating cuts to working families, both in Minnesota and across the country. We know that this administration has no interest in lowering costs, instead focusing their energy on prioritizing tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations at the expense of healthcare, food assistance, and basic dignity for millions of Americans.

So many constituents and members of the public are asking me about how the proposed federal budget could affect us. 

Here’s what’s at stake with Trump’s Big, Bad Bill:

• Healthcare coverage slashed: Millions will face higher premiums, deductibles, and copays. Hospitals are at risk of closing, and nursing homes could be forced to shut their doors.
• Food assistance gutted: The GOP Tax Scam takes food off the tables of children, seniors, and veterans — punishing the most vulnerable while rewarding the ultra-wealthy.
• Takes money from working families: The bill would block as many as 20 million children in working families from receiving the full $2,500 Child Tax Credit. These are parents working hard in vital but underpaid jobs — truck drivers, cooks, janitors — and in Minnesota alone, 260,000 children would be impacted.”

This federal assault on everyday people makes it even more critical that the state legislature steps up. It’s more important than ever to fight for a state budget that invests in people, not corporations.

Graduation Rates Reach All-Time High 

Graduation rates have reached a historic high! When we invest in our kids, we see results. Minnesota still has a long way to go to return to our nation-leading education outcomes, but this is an encouraging start. I'll continue to invest in our youth and public education, let's keep up this good progress! 

Keep in Touch

If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, you can contact me by email at rep.liz.reyer@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-4128. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.  

Sincerely,  

Liz Reyer  

State Representative