Dear neighbors, The 2026 session has concluded, and while we passed a lot of good bipartisan bills, the last 72 hours were particularly difficult and frustrating. The House Republicans refused to take a vote on a comprehensive package of legislation that would reduce gun violence in Minnesota. Having already passed the Senate, this bill needed just one House Republican to become law. Rather than risk that happening in a simple up or down vote, Republican leaders went from pretending the bill didn’t even exist to outright refusing to do their job. With the session ending Sunday night, we couldn’t have afforded to wait any longer. House Democrats made a motion to vote on the legislation, with my colleagues and I standing up to share the ways gun violence has impacted every corner of the state. We’ve all been touched in some way. After hours of sharing tragic stories underlining the urgency of this legislation, Republicans continued to block a vote on the bill. So House Democrats held a sit-in on the House Floor to bring attention to this crucial issue and demand Speaker Demuth hold a vote on the bill. We live streamed the sit-in off and on, periodically joined by other elected leaders, gun violence prevention advocates, and Minnesotans like the Annunciation parents who have had their lives upended by gun violence.  HCMC Agreement Legislative leaders reached a bipartisan supplemental budget agreement that takes important steps to strengthen Minnesota’s health care system and ensure the long-term stability of Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC). This agreement reflects the values Minnesotans expect, and we’re reinforcing fiscal stability while delivering historic, bipartisan support for HCMC, a cornerstone of our health care system and a vital safety net for families across the region. HCMC serves patients from every corner of Minnesota, providing critical care and specialized services that keep our entire health care system strong. Ensuring its long-term health is essential not only for Hennepin County but for communities statewide. Minnesota has always believed in a strong, reliable health care safety net. This agreement reaffirms that commitment and ensures that every Minnesotan can continue to get the care they need, when they need it. Housing Bill Passes The House passed the bipartisan housing conference committee report, investing over $165 million to help Minnesotans with the ever-rising housing costs, and expand affordable housing opportunities across the state. Too many Minnesotans are being priced out of stable housing and homeownership. This legislation takes important steps to help families stay in their homes, build more affordable housing, and support communities across Minnesota. The legislation also includes stronger transparency and oversight measures to ensure housing dollars are being spent effectively and responsibly. At a time when evictions and housing insecurity are rising, these investments will help more Minnesotans access safe, stable, and affordable housing. Capital Investments for the District- Brooklyn Park: $7.5 million for Northwest Regional Athletic Facility
- Champlin: $500,000 for Elm Creek Greenway and $350,000 for Mississippi River Crossings
- Coon Rapids: $5.64 million for dam improvements
- 610 dedicated as Hortman Memorial Highway: $750,000
Stay in TouchTo share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out via email at rep.xp.lee@house.mn.gov. Thank you to all who are communicating with me; my assistant Adam and I are working to respond to you as soon as we can. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here. Sincerely, Rep. Xp Lee 651-296-1761 |