Dear Neighbors, The 2025 legislative session concluded late last Monday, and I want to share where things stand—and what we’re fighting for. While many budget bills did pass on time, about ten did not. 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 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 working families. 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 working families across our state. Democrats are focused on the future; protecting Minnesota values, protecting healthcare for all (including immigrants), lowering costs, and empowering families. As we enter special session next week, we’ll keep fighting to deliver for Minnesotans—and to stand up to Donald Trump, his Republican allies, and the powerful corporate interests determined to hold our state back.  Protecting Policies that Help Working FamiliesThis 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. DOJ files motion to dismiss MPS Consent Decree This week the Trump Administration’s Department of Justice launched an effort to dismiss the proposed consent decree with the City of Minneapolis, a federal agreement intended to bring much-needed institutional reforms to the Minneapolis Police Department following the murder of George Floyd five years ago. If dismissed, the move would dissolve a hard-fought federal oversight process to address systemic misconduct and race-based policing. I am deeply disappointed that the federal government is abandoning its responsibility to drive reform at the Minneapolis Police Department. For years, Minneapolis community members have spoken out to make their voices heard as part of this process, and now their work and commitment has been disregarded by the federal government. Sadly, this decision is not surprising, given Donald Trump's longstanding history of working against civil rights, racial justice, and police accountability. While the federal consent decree may be paused in court, the city’s consent decree with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights - which also released a statement - remains firmly in place. As legislators, we are committed to ensuring it serves as a tool to hold our public safety system accountable. I will continue to stand with our communities, uplift the voices of those most impacted, and stay unwavering in our pursuit of justice and progress. Responding to Trump’s Reckless BudgetThis 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 healthcare, food assistance, and basic dignity for millions of Americans. Here’s what’s at stake with Trump’s Big, Bad Bill: - Healthcare 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. 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 |