Legislative Update from Rep. Mike Freiberg

Neighbors,   

I hope you’ve had an enjoyable and safe Fourth of July. During these extreme heat weather events, and with more on the way, it’s extremely important (especially for seniors and children) to stay indoors and in air-conditioned spaces when possible. Hennepin County has a cooling map you can access here to check out places to stay cool. If you or someone you love needs help accessing resources during the heat wave, please reach out to my office.  

Nearly two months removed from this year's legislative session, I’ve been reflecting on what we accomplished, what was left on the table, and what we need to do in the future to deliver for Minnesotans. This year, even with a closely divided Legislature, we passed strong anti-fraud measures to protect taxpayer dollars and hold criminals accountable. We also passed critical bipartisan legislation to save Hennepin County Medical Center, invest in infrastructure, increase property tax refunds, and reduce tab fees. As part of our Jobs and Infrastructure package, I secured $2 million for the new Golden Valley fire station building, $3.325 million for a new Robbinsdale public works facility, and $1.75 million for the Douglas Drive water main in Crystal. 

It is disappointing and frustrating that so much progress was blocked on gun violence prevention and responses to Operation Metro Surge. Minnesotans are demanding meaningful action, and we’ll keep fighting for the common-sense measures our communities deserve.   

The status quo of inaction cannot continue. No matter where life takes me, I will continue to serve you and fight for improving access to health care, safeguarding access and security of our elections, protecting our environment, and keeping our kids safe from gun violence.  

Paid Family Medical Leave is Working

When we passed Minnesota's Paid Leave law in 2023, we made a simple promise: no one should have to choose between their paycheck and caring for themselves or the people they love.  

Six months in, more than 75,000 Minnesotans have already been approved for Paid Leave benefits, allowing workers to take paid, job-protected time off to welcome a new child, recover from a serious health condition, or care for a loved one. More than 38,000 families have used the program for bonding leave with a new child. 

The program is reaching the people it was designed to help. More than half of applicants earn less than $78,000 per year, nearly half live outside the Twin Cities metro, and before Paid Leave, many of these workers had no access to paid family or medical leave through their employers. That's especially important because nationwide, only about 27% of workers have access to paid family leave through their jobs. 

Strong families build strong communities, and Paid Leave is helping ensure that Minnesotans can care for themselves and their loved ones without sacrificing their financial security. I'm proud to have supported this landmark investment in working families, and I'll continue working to protect and strengthen programs that help make Minnesota one of the best places in the country to live, work, and raise a family. 

New Laws

On July 1st, many new laws from the 2026 legislative session took effect. Some highlights include helping schools establish anonymous threat reporting systems so students and families can safely report concerning behavior, implementing a mandatory social media mental health warning, and more. You can find a list of the new laws and summaries here.  

While I’m glad for the progress we made in these areas, I can’t help but be reminded of the potential that was not realized this session. We could have given Minnesotans whose constitutional rights were violated by federal agents a legal remedy. We could have banned secret police by outlawing the use of masks and unmarked vehicles to terrorize our communities. We could have saved lives with an assault weapons ban and safe storage requirements.  

We could have delivered on the things Minnesotans are demanding most – if it wasn’t for Republicans blocking progress at every turn.  

This biennium marked the 94th Legislative biennium as a state. The 94th Legislature didn’t get it done, but absent a Republican blockade, I’m confident that the 95thLegislature can.  

Adopt me!

This week’s adoptable dog is Bella, an8-year-old female pitbull and terrier mix available for adoption at the Golden Valley Humane Society! Bella is an energetic and affectionate girl in need of a home that can match her on both levels. 

Bella's adoption fee has been reduced thanks to a grant from the ASPCA! This grant supports animals that have been in our care longer than most, giving them a little extra visibility and a better chance at finding the loving home they deserve. 

Meet Bella and Learn more here! 

Stay Connected

This is the final newsletter you’ll receive from me as your State Representative. Minnesota law requires that certain official communications halt 60 days after legislative adjournment in election years to not give an unfair advantage to incumbents. However, you can still reach out to my office with any questions, comments, and concerns. 

You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page. 

To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4176, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe. 

It is an honor to continue to serve you.  

In solidarity,  

Rep. Mike Freiberg