 Dear Neighbors, We are approaching the fifth week of the shutdown of the federal government in Washington D.C., where Republicans control the Presidency and both houses of Congress. So far, President Donald Trump and GOP leadership in Congress have refused to take any meaningful action toward ending the shutdown. With a "trifecta" in D.C., it's unacceptable for them to continue this shutdown amid an affordability crisis they created. Prices continue to rise for families, and now many people are on the verge of skyrocketing health care premiums and a pause on critical food support. More than 440,000 Minnesotans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table. Over 20,000 of those are our neighbors in Dakota County. If the federal shutdown continues into November, funding will run out for these critical food benefits. These impacts are real and harmful, which is why I signed on to a letter to the Trump Administration urging them to release emergency contingency funds so nobody goes hungry. This potential pause in benefits is on top of the new paperwork requirements for SNAP recipients while previous exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and youth aging out of foster care have been eliminated. These burdensome requirements will serve as a barrier to Minnesotans getting the food they need. Minnesota has historically been an important part of how our country has shaped federal food aid programs, like SNAP and WIC. SNAP was enacted federally in 1964, but has been around since 1939 its first pilot program after the Great Depression.  Image courtesy of the Minnesota House Reference Library Walter Mondale and Hubert Humphrey served on the Select Committee on Nutrition and Human Needs in 1974. As we continue to struggle with health care costs and food access, we’re seeing these leaders in D.C. prioritize building a $300 million ballroom and sending $40 billion to Argentina, which is unacceptable. If you or someone you know needs help with food this fall, Hunger Solutions has a list of statewide food shelves and additional resources here. If you’re able to, please consider making a contribution to a local food shelf, like the Open Door Pantry. They’re already struggling to meet the demand, and the longer the uncertainty around SNAP continues, the more pressure they will face.  Everyone deserves access to healthy food, but federal cuts are reducing the availability amid rising demand. The Open Door Pantry has expanded its reach and has been pushed to the brink. Please make a donation if you can. Although state legislators have no control over federal budget decisions, I’m working with our partner in Congress U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and our state agencies to track the impact on Minnesotans, particularly the thousands of federal employees who no longer have paychecks. Rep. Craig has resources here. Minnesota is home to 20,000 federal workers and most of us rely on some federal service in our day-to-day lives. By choosing to end valuable premium tax credits, Trump and his Republican allies are causing crushing insurance premium increases for thousands of individuals, families and small businesses across the state. Some Minnesotans are facing premium spikes as high as 50%. I wrote a column with my colleague, Commerce Committee Chair Representative Kaohly Vang Her, to discuss the reality we're facing. I also recently joined my colleagues and concerned Minnesotans who shared their stories at a press conference about what it will mean to lose health care access. In lighter news, a highlight of the week was welcoming the colleagues and staff of the Minnesota House of Representatives to the Minnesota Zoo to show them firsthand our regional gem and what kinds of long term improvements will be needed down the road. I also had the chance to welcome Snooki, the green sea turtle, to Minnesota who just arrived on Monday.  A heads up: the Minnesota Zoo is offering free admission for veterans and active military personnel during November 2025. Immediate family members (up to six people) can receive 50% off admission, though parking fees apply. Learn more here. Keep in TouchPlease continue to contact me anytime with input, or to let me know how I can help you during these challenging times. It’s an honor to serve our Apple Valley neighbors in St. Paul. Sincerely, Robert Bierman
State Representative |