Dear Neighbors,
Since the beginning of the 2026 legislative session, DFLers have been laser-focused on taking action on legislation Minnesotans are demanding. I proudly stood alongside my House and Senate DFL colleagues to call on Minnesota Republicans to stand up against President Trump’s unconstitutional state-sanctioned violence against our neighbors.
Minnesota Republicans should stand ready to join us—and to join all Minnesotans—in recognizing that no person in this state is exempt from the U.S. Constitution. It does not matter who you are, why you are here, or how you arrived. If you are here, you are covered by the protections of the United States Constitution.
A slate of ICE OUT bills has been introduced in committees, but in a tied House, we’re facing severe challenges and roadblocks. Republicans are choosing to bury their head in the sand and side with the federal government and their cruel attacks on our civil liberties, executing illegal tactics that trample constitutional rights, and kidnapping our neighbors. It’s a shame.
I sat down with LGBTQ Nation to talk about how Operation Metro Surge has impacted our communities and our pathway to healing and recovery, read it here.
In my bill hearing, while not unexpected, every Republican voted against my bill to ban masks for ICE and other federal agents. It was claimed that my bill was “reactionary” and lacked the power to hold federal entities accountable—that is simply not true.
In Minnesota, it is already illegal for officers to conceal their identity. This bill would simply require federal agents to meet the same standards as our state-level police. Republicans are ignoring both reality and solutions to protect Minnesotans. On the House floor, we gave Republicans another opportunity to stand with Minnesotans in demanding transparency and accountability by banning immigration federal agents from concealing their identities.
They chose Trump.
These tactics have no place in Minnesota. I am committed to using every tool in my legislative power to hold these agencies accountable and bring them back under the rule of law.
DFL Top Priorities
Gun violence prevention and addressing fraud has also been a top priority for me and my colleagues. Every public dollar should be used for the public good — not to enrich scammers, shell companies, or criminals who exploit Minnesotans. DFLers are furious that taxpayer dollars meant to support families, seniors, people with disabilities, and children have been stolen through fraud. That’s why we’re serious about preventing and prosecuting fraud. We will stop fraud before it starts, hold those responsible fully accountable, and protect the programs that serve the most vulnerable Minnesotans.
In a heartbreaking committee hearing, Jackie Flavin—mother of Harper Moyski—recounted the horrifying experience she and her family endured when Harper was shot and killed during the Annunciation Catholic Church mass shooting. Despite her testimony, every Republican voted against proposed gun violence prevention legislation to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. No offers to work together to change bills, just outright refusal to do any work on gun violence prevention. Shame on them. Minnesotans deserve better.
This fight is not over. We know we are on the right side of history along with 79% of Minnesotans who are demanding change. We’ll continue to work with families, survivors, and advocates to pass meaningful legislation to mitigate the gun violence epidemic affecting our communities.
I’m proud to carry legislation (HF 3976) this year that requires gun owners to report any lost or stolen firearms to appropriate authorities. I was shocked this was not already required by law and believe that this basic act of responsible gun ownership should be something Democrats and Republicans can agree on.
Stay Connected
I want to remind you that the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website.
I am incredibly grateful for your continued support and for your active participation in our democracy. It is an honor to represent you and our community at the State Capitol. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions you have about legislative matters or to share your thoughts on the issues that are most important to you. Your voice is essential, and I look forward to hearing from you.
For broader legislative information, you can access the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services for nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication.
If you haven’t yet, you can “like” and follow my official State Representative Facebook page to keep up with my work. I also invite you to contact my office with any questions or comments you may have at (651) 296-3824 or rep.leigh.finke@house.mn.gov. I will be happy to assist you.
Sincerely,
Leigh Finke
State Representative - 66A
Legislative Assistant: Robin Mercer-Taylor
Email: robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov