Dear Neighbors, This week, we finished our budget work in a one-day special session, passing our remaining bills to fund Minnesota’s government and the services we rely on. I’d like to say Minnesota’s budget is now set in stone, but the truth is it’s possible Congressional Republicans could blow a sizable hole in our work if and when they go through with their plans to cut Medicaid and other crucial federal programs in their massive federal budget bill. A small silver lining in that federal bill, the U.S. House Rules Committee recently stripped language that would’ve ended the mining moratorium near the Boundary Waters. This is good news, but the Trump administration has stated they will continue their efforts to mine near this natural wonder. I'm also proud that as a member of the Minnesota House’s Environment Committee, I helped lead the movement to protect the Boundary Waters at the state legislature. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, industry, and House Republicans attempted to expedite sulfide-ore mining permits, roll back water sulfate regulations, and even open up gas drilling directly under the Boundary Waters itself. Together, my DFL colleagues and I blocked this reckless environmental damage and we will continue to stay vigilant to protect clean air and water across the state for all Minnesotans. But back to our budget work - where we passed our Commerce, Energy, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Children, and Families, Higher Education, Human Services, Jobs and Labor, K-12 Education, and Transportation budgets this week. We also passed our Tax bill and a pair of Capital Investment bills that improve our state buildings, transportation infrastructure, and water systems - including two projects in Minnetonka of which I am very proud to have helped deliver for our area! Due to our narrowly divided state legislature, all of these bills are the products of bipartisan compromise. You could probably find something to really like in every bill - and also find some things you’re not too crazy about, but that’s the nature of compromise. A compromise I did not support was one made by legislative leaders to meet the demand of House Republicans to kick our undocumented neighbors off of MinnesotaCare, a health care program available to all eligible Minnesotans with low incomes. Republicans were willing to shut the government down unless this demand was met, and it’s a move as nonsensical as it is cruel. As part of the give and take of negotiations, DFLers ensured children will still receive healthcare, but unfortunately adults, even those suffering from life-threatening conditions, will not. This does not make Minnesota any safer, healthier, or more prosperous. This cruel legislation will only increase medical costs as people turn to the ER for treatment instead of preventable medical checkups. Though this passed the legislature as the GOP's top priority, I voted against this measure. It’s worth noting that the rest of our budget agreement largely protects the hard-won progress of the last few years - whether that’s LGBTQ+ rights (happy pride!), protections for working families like Earned Sick & Safe Time or Paid Family & Medical Leave, reproductive freedoms, PFAs bans, or popular programs like universal school meals. Republicans came for all of these, but my DFL colleagues and I stood firm for people and working families across the state.  |