Dear Neighbors and Friends,
On Monday, the House of Representatives adjourned the 2025 legislative session, successfully passing a state budget for the next two years. We began the day at 10 a.m. and didn't gavel out until just before 11 p.m. We passed the remaining budget bills for Commerce, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Children and Families, Higher Education, Human Services, K-12 Education, Taxes, and Transportation.
In a tied House, it was difficult for many bills to pass, which is why I am grateful that two of my bills were included in the final budget. My bill requiring free water at ticketed events with more than 100 attendees and a tree planting initiative were both incorporated. These measures will protect public health at large gatherings while expanding our urban tree canopy, creating safer and healthier environments that benefit our district and all Minnesotans for generations to come.
Throughout this session, it became increasingly clear that the GOP was focused on repealing existing programs and reducing services for Minnesotans while providing unnecessary tax cuts for millionaires. This approach creates divisions among hardworking Minnesotans who are struggling economically and facing significant barriers to economic advancement. From targeting our LGBTQ+ community members to reducing vital funding for vulnerable individuals living with disabilities and cutting support for those who care for our aging population, these policy decisions have not served to improve the lives of Minnesotans.
The most concerning action taken this session was the threat to shut down the government—potentially laying off thousands of Minnesotans—in order to eliminate healthcare coverage for our undocumented neighbors. I am disheartened the bill passed. I vociferously opposed this cruel legislation. Watch my floor remarks here.
Each time such decisions are made, it reinforces the perception that certain communities' needs are not prioritized. Our communities deserve legislators who will distinguish between genuine fiscal responsibility and policies that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.
Our medical community—including mental health providers, trauma units, and frontline healthcare workers—has expressed deep concern about the consequences of eliminating healthcare coverage. These policy decisions have real-world implications that extend far beyond legislative chambers, affecting families who depend on these services during critical moments. The premise that we lack sufficient resources to provide comprehensive care deserves serious examination, particularly when corporate tax reductions occur alongside healthcare cuts, creates a concerning pattern that impacts the communities that have contributed to building this state.
As a leader in the fight for trans liberation, fighting for LGBTQ+ rights inherently means striving for intersectional justice. Our queer community is diverse, encompassing individuals of every race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, and immigration background. True liberation for LGBTQ+ people can only be achieved when we dismantle all systems of oppression that disproportionately affect marginalized members within our own community and beyond.
This means advocating for racial justice, disability rights, economic equity, and immigrant protections, recognizing that these struggles are interconnected and that no one is free until we all are.
2025 DFL Achievements
While we could have achieved a lot more, in the first session of divided government since 2022, DFLers successfully blocked Republican efforts to roll back laws that help to make Minnesota a great place to live, work, and raise a family, including Paid Family and Medical Leave, universal school meals, and reproductive freedom, and nearly every single DFL accomplishment from the 2023-2024 session remains in effect.
Minnesotans deserve a fair shot to build a better life, but no matter how hard you work, far too many people still can’t afford to get ahead. That’s why DFLers are fighting for change that puts more power in the hands of Minnesotans, not the billionaires and big corporations who are rigging the economy to benefit themselves.
DFLers are listening to working families while Republicans do the bidding of their billionaires and big corporate backers. Just like Trump, Minnesota Republicans want a budget that siphons off more and more wealth for the ultra-rich while hardworking Minnesotans get less.
At every turn, Republicans worked to uphold a status quo that is holding Minnesotans back, including trying to eliminate paid family and medical leave. DFLers protected your rights and freedoms and will continue to fight for a future where everyone can get ahead – not just the ultra-wealthy and well-connected.
ICE in St. Paul
You may have heard that there have been ICE sightings and arrests in St. Paul over the past few days. While St. Paul is a sanctuary city, where we have committed to not working with ICE enforcement, you should still know your rights around federal agents. Know your rights and share information with others:
- You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions from ICE or other law enforcement.
- You have the right to an attorney. You may have a lawyer with you if ICE or other law enforcement questions you. Do not sign anything without a lawyer.
- You have the right to decline a search. Do not open your door. ICE is not legally allowed to enter your home without a proper judicial warrant.
- Don’t run, don’t panic, stay calm.
- Learn more about your rights with these resources that are available in multiple languages: Catholic Legal Immigration Network- Know Your Rights and The ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights
Stay Connected
While the 2025 legislative session has concluded, I strongly encourage you to continue reaching out to share your voices and advocate for the issues that matter most to you. My office remains ready and eager to assist you in any way possible as your state representative.
Thank you for the tremendous honor of serving our community. I look forward to continuing our close collaboration and working on legislation that makes the cost of living more affordable, ensures healthcare for all, and invests in our community and critical projects.
Minnesotans are strong, resilient, and striving every day to build a better future. That’s why DFLers are working for you – not billionaires. Together, we are building a better state for everyone.
If you haven’t yet, you can “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page to keep up with my work. I also invite you to contact my office with any questions or comments you may have at (651) 296-3824 or rep.leigh.finke@house.mn.gov. I will be happy to assist you.
For broader legislative information, you can access the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services for nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication.
It’s an honor to represent our community in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Leigh Finke
State Representative - 66A
Legislative Assistant: Robin Mercer-Taylor
Email: robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov