Dear Neighbors, Here at the House, we’re hard at work passing budget bills to invest in our state government and agencies for the next two years. Due to the current reality of a 67-67 tied House, many of these bills include provisions I support and those I disagree with. However, we must compromise to pass a state budget, and even as bills are passing, conversations are continuing to ensure that the final version is the best it can be. Here’s a quick recap of some of the bills we have voted on so far: - An Agriculture Budget that invests in Farm to School Programs, worker protections for bird flu, and supports new farmers with down payment assistance.
- A Higher Education Budget that makes it easier for Minnesotans to pursue higher education and protects the North Star Promise program.
- A Transportation Budget (I voted against this bill and explained my concerns in a previous newsletter. I’m working hard with my colleagues to ensure this bill is in its best form to become law).
- A Veterans Budget that invests in those who served our country and adds focus to reducing veteran suicides.
- A Public Safety & Judiciary Budget that improves and supports victim services, police training, and privacy protections for judges.
- A Legacy Bill that uses our lottery proceeds wisely to enhance our environment, protect our clean water, expand parks and trails, and celebrate arts, culture, and history.
- A State Government and Elections Budget that preserves key services, invests in the Attorney General’s capacity to fight consumer and Medicaid fraud, and supports the state workers.
- A Housing budget that takes steps to address Minnesota’s housing shortage crisis.
- An Environment and Natural Resources Budget that maintains our groundbreaking protection of Minnesotans’ land, water, and air from threats like PFAS, nitrates, and aquatic invasive species.
I’ll expand on more of these bills below. Fighting for Head StartRecently my DFL colleagues and I sent a letter to Minnesota's U.S. Representatives and Senators, urging them to oppose President Trump’s proposed program cuts. Head Start and Early Head Start benefit over 12,000 children and employ 3,000 workers in Minnesota. I signed on to this letter because cutting Head Start would be a devastating blow to thousands of Minnesota children and families. Supporting our youngest learners isn't just good policy—it’s a moral obligation. Arts And Music Education - MHC Open Grant AnnouncementThe Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC) is accepting applications for the following grant opportunity: - $500,000 Community Identity and Heritage – Arts and Music Education grants for humanities organizations, to offer scholarships to youth and adults to pursue an education in music, including singing, band, and orchestral instruments; creative writing; studio arts, including traditional craft and folk arts; and performing arts, including dance and theater, throughout the state of Minnesota.
Applicants may request up to $75,000. The application deadline is June 23, 2025. Please visit MHC’s website for more information regarding this grant opportunity! Standing Against GOP Cuts and with our Immigrant Community This week I joined the House Legislative POCI Caucus at a press conference with community members to address the recent wave of Republican-led efforts to dismantle essential programs supporting Minnesota's working families and vulnerable communities, as well as the targeting of our immigrant neighbors and the legislative actions we are taking to protect community priorities. Our legislative agenda recognizes that the challenges facing our BIPOC communities are interconnected. We're not just addressing symptoms; we're working to dismantle the systemic barriers that have created these disparities. For too long, the system has been built without the voices of those living on its margins. Our legislative approach centers on their experiences to create meaningful and lasting change, improving the path forward for generations to come. We stand united in defending the historic legislation our communities have fought long and hard for. We will not stand idly by while the GOP seeks to wreak havoc and chaos in our communities by putting historically underserved communities on the chopping block because they see them as expendable. We'll work to ensure our communities' voices and stories are heard and reflected in legislative decisions as we work to establish a balanced budget that leaves no community behind. Watch the full press conference here.  Graduation Rates Reach All-Time High Graduation rates have reached a historic high! When we invest in our kids we see results. Minnesota still has a long way to go to return to our nation-leading education outcomes, but this is an encouraging start. I'll continue to invest in our youth and public education, let's keep up this good progress!  House Passes Energy BudgetWe passed our House Energy Budget bill, which fights for a brighter future and protects our 100% Carbon-Free Energy by 2040 Law. We’re promoting proven clean energy sources, lowering energy costs for families, creating high-paying clean energy jobs, and building a more resilient energy system. Republicans wanted to gut Minnesota’s clean energy goals and scale back community solar programs. But DFLers stood firm because we know that a cleaner energy system ensures lower costs, more resiliency, and protects our climate for future generations of Minnesotans.  In fact, Minnesota’s clean energy policies are working. Recent reports show that Minnesota is #1 in the Midwest for energy efficiency and #10 nationwide, and we’re hitting record lows in carbon emissions. Our Energy Budget protects that progress and keeps us on track to hit our clean energy goals. Teacher Appreciation Week It's Teacher Appreciation Week! We are so grateful for the hard work educators do every day to shape Minnesota's future. I will always stand with teachers and school workers and fight for the respect and resources they deserve. To all our state's educators, thank you. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087. You can also follow my Facebook page. In community, Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura Minnesota House of Representatives |