Legislative Update - May 27, 2025

Dear Neighbors,  

The 2025 legislative session concluded early last week, and I want to share where things stand—and what we’re continuing to fight for.

While we passed many budget bills and several other important initiatives, about ten areas of the budget remain outstanding. This means a special session will be needed, which we anticipate starting next week.

All session long, Minnesotans have seen a clear contrast between who Republicans are fighting for and who Democrats are fighting for. House Republicans opened the session trying to overturn the will of voters, and they ended the same way—refusing to move forward on the state budget unless they can gut policies that support working people. Democrats are fighting for a future focused on Minnesotans, not the ultrawealthy, corporate lobbyists, and special interests. We’re here to deliver economic security, lower costs, and a government that works for everyone. The GOP obstruction comes as the Trump administration and congressional Republicans move one step closer to kicking millions of Americans off their health care to fund tax cuts for billionaires, risking a massive budget shortfall here in Minnesota. On top of that, Trump’s tariffs are driving up prices on everything from groceries to housing to health care, squeezing pocketbooks of working families across our state.

Democrats are focused on the future; protecting Minnesota values, protecting health care for all (including immigrants), lowering costs, and empowering families. 

As we enter a special session in the coming days, we’ll keep fighting to deliver for Minnesotans—and continue standing up to Donald Trump, his Republican allies, and the powerful corporate interests determined to hold our state back.

Meeting with our Community

Youth Career Pathways

I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by the Minneapolis Foundation focused on youth career pathways. The event highlighted key findings from a new report, which provided a comprehensive look at the programs and partnerships that help young people in our region explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and earn credentials while in K-12 education.

We heard directly from leaders driving this important work, as well as from students whose lives have been positively impacted by these opportunities. I'm grateful to the Minneapolis Foundation for creating a space to engage in this important conversation about how we can better support the next generation in translating their talents and passions into high-wage, meaningful careers.

You can read the full report here.

Grand Old Day Parade

I will be walking in the Grand Old Day parade with fellow Saint Paul Representative Dave Pinto on June 1st, starting at 9:30 a.m.! The route will begin at Dale Street and end at Snelling Avenue. It’s a full day of music, performances, and fun. You can reach out to my office if you'd like to join me, I hope to see you there!

Meeting with Constituents

My favorite part of my job is meeting with all of you who advocate at the Capitol. It’s an essential part of our democracy! Thank you to Kamal Ali Gure Carter for your dedication to education and for empowering young people by bringing them to the Capitol to engage in the democratic process. I am so grateful for the time spent together and the important conversations we shared.

Pro-Choice Minnesota

Pro-Choice Minnesota, our state’s longest-standing reproductive rights advocacy organization, continues to lead the fight to keep abortion safe, legal, and accessible. As attacks on bodily autonomy persist across the country, now is the time to organize, mobilize, and stand united.

I was honored to speak at their recent event. Being surrounded by passionate, like-minded advocates reinvigorates my commitment to this essential work. Together, we will continue to defend the right to make personal health care decisions free from political interference.

Meeting with the DFL Senior Caucus

I recently had the pleasure of joining the DFL Senior Caucus for a passionate and wide-ranging conversation. From the end of session to the potential for a special session, from strategies to movement-building, we covered a lot of ground.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts, concerns, and hopes for the future. I deeply value your candor and commitment. Together, we can deliver a message rooted in truth, values, and the lived experiences of everyday Minnesotans.

The Minnesota House DFL remains focused on protecting our communities and putting people first. I look forward to continuing our work together—refining our message, amplifying our values, and standing strong for what’s right.

Community Updates

Protecting Policies that Help Working Families

This session, we protected our major policy wins from 2023, including those that help working families achieve economic security. Minnesotans believe in caring for one another, but right now, most workers in our state — and across the country — don’t have access to paid time to care for themself or a family member. But starting January 1, 2026, our new Paid Family & Medical Leave program will allow workers to take time off to recover from a serious health condition, welcome a new child, care for a loved one, or navigate personal safety challenges – all without having to sacrifice their economic security.

Republican efforts to roll back Minnesota’s universal school meals program did not move forward. I’m glad to report that our final budget agreement protects free breakfast and lunch for all students. This program is helping kids stay focused in the classroom and easing financial pressure on families across the state.

Responding to Trump’s Reckless Budget

Last week, Donald Trump and U.S. House Republicans passed a budget bill that makes devastating cuts to working families, both in Minnesota and across the country. We know that this administration has no interest in lowering costs, instead focusing their energy on prioritizing tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations at the expense of health care, food assistance, and basic dignity for millions of Americans.

Here’s what’s at stake with Trump’s Big, Bad Bill:

• Health care coverage slashed: Millions will face higher premiums, deductibles, and copays. Hospitals are at risk of closing, and nursing homes could be forced to shut their doors.
• Food assistance gutted: The GOP Tax Scam takes food off the tables of children, seniors, and veterans — punishing the most vulnerable while rewarding the ultra-wealthy.
• Takes money from working families: The bill would block as many as 20 million children in working families from receiving the full $2,500 Child Tax Credit. These are parents working hard in vital but underpaid jobs — truck drivers, cooks, janitors — and in Minnesota alone, 260,000 children would be impacted.

This federal assault on everyday people makes it even more critical that the state legislature steps up. It’s more important than ever to fight for a state budget that invests in people, not corporations.

Remembering George Floyd

Last Sunday marked five years since the murder of George Floyd. Our community, the state of Minnesota, and our world continue to mourn the horrific loss of life that occurred in our state. The subsequent outrage, protests, and search for justice sparked a national reckoning of racial justice and our public safety system.

In the years since, we have fought for meaningful change, like banning chokeholds and “warrior training,” expanding oversight, and investing in community-led safety efforts. These were hard-won steps toward reimagining public safety, but our work is far from done.

It is clear that we are moving backwards under the current federal administration. The Trump administration is withdrawing from the federal consent decree meant to reform Minneapolis police. We must resist this tyranny. I am proud to serve on the civilian advisory commission created as a result of the murder of George Floyd. I have served as an appointee since its creation. There is more to be done. We must continue to build on the work started 5 years ago.

Stay Connected

Please continue to reach out to my office at 651-296-8799 or rep.kaohly.her@house.mn.gov, and you’ll hear back from me or my Legislative Assistant, Emma. I always appreciate hearing from you!

You can also follow along on my official Facebook page, and subscribe to these regular emails if you haven’t already. 

Thank you again for the incredible honor of representing our community!

Sincerely, 

Kaohly Vang Her