Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, Our 2025 legislative session officially adjourned on May 19—but sadly, we didn’t wrap up with a state budget in place. And if I’m being honest with you, it didn’t have to end this way. The first three weeks of session were stalled completely when House Democrats refused to show up for work. Their absence came after one of their candidates was disqualified for not living in the district he ran in, giving Republicans a temporary one-seat majority. Rather than working through it together, they walked out—for 23 days. That lost time set everything back, and we’ve been trying to make up ground ever since. Even more frustrating? After weeks of bipartisan negotiations and long hours hammering out agreements, Democrats abandoned several budget deals at the last minute—caving to pressure from political allies and special interest groups. These were not radical proposals. They were thoughtful, responsible compromises. It was disappointing to watch that progress get tossed aside. So, where are we now?I’ve been putting in a lot of late nights with our Human Services Finance and Policy Committee working group, trying to get a smart, responsible plan ready to go. The work isn’t always glamorous—but it matters. Every decision we make impacts real lives, and I don’t take that lightly. Here’s what’s still up in the air: - Health & Human Services
We had an agreement to scale back a brand-new health care program for undocumented immigrants. Then—just like that—it was gone. That program’s projected cost has now tripled, and unlike MinnesotaCare, it’s funded entirely with state dollars. With a $6 billion deficit on the horizon, we simply cannot afford to ignore the math. - Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)
I believe in supporting families—but this program isn’t ready. The rollout has been rocky, small businesses are worried, and the cost projections keep shifting. We’re asking for a one-year pause to get it right. Minnesotans deserve a plan that works for parents and employers—not something rushed and risky. - Education
After far too much delay, we finally reached a solution to extend unemployment benefits for seasonal school workers. The hang-up? Some special interest groups didn’t want to admit that most schools can’t afford year-round benefits for nine-month jobs. We got creative and redirected funds from a stalled train project to Duluth—and got the job done. - Transportation
This one’s close. We were nearly there, but last-minute disagreements over environmental regulations held it up. These new mandates would raise the cost of road projects at a time when we need every dollar to count. We’re pushing for a pause to give communities and contractors time to adjust—and to keep essential projects moving.
  Digging into the budget line by line—because families deserve better than broken promises and blank checks.  The good news? Much of the heavy lifting is done. We’re just waiting on leadership to finalize a date for a special session so we can finish what we started. Until then, I’ll be here—doing the work, staying in the room, and standing up for you! Timberwolves + Time with My Favorites I got to sneak away for a little fun this week—Eli and his sweet girlfriend Kayla met me for a Timberwolves game, and it was the best. Between the buzzer-beaters, the popcorn, and just being with them, my heart (and voice from cheering!) is full. So grateful for moments like this with my favorite people. Go Wolves!  Swappin’, Shoppin' & Snackin’ We had such a fun time at the Wright County Swappers Meet over Memorial Day weekend! There’s nothing like wandering the rows of stands, discovering hidden treasures, and soaking in all the local charm. And yes—we absolutely made a beeline for the popcorn stand. (Totally worth it.)  We ran into this little cutie at the Swappers Meet—definitely stole the show (and our hearts)!  Honoring Heroes and Cherishing Family Moments I hope your Memorial Day weekend was everything you needed—full of family, quiet reflection, and maybe a little magic under that endless Minnesota sky we all love. Memorial Day means so much more than just a long weekend. It’s a moment to truly stop and honor the brave men and women who gave everything for this country. Because of their sacrifice, we get to have these simple, precious moments—gathering with the people we love, sharing stories by a campfire, and watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon on a peaceful evening. One of the greatest joys of my weekend was having my two boys, Eli and Monte, home from the University of Montana. With both of them off at school, these family moments are rare treasures—and honestly, they’re everything to me. We made sure to soak up every single second: sharing laughs, stories, and yes, roasting way too many marshmallows (because some traditions are non-negotiable).  As summer rolls in, it’s the perfect time to slow down a bit and really savor the moments that matter—the ones that fill us up and remind us what life is all about. Whether it’s a quiet walk in the woods, a late-night conversation under the stars, or just sitting on the porch watching the world go by, these are the things that ground us and recharge our spirits.   Honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice goes beyond Memorial Day itself. It’s about carrying their memory with us every day by living with intention, gratitude, and love. It means showing up fully for the people in our lives, appreciating the freedoms they fought so hard to protect, and finding joy even in the small, everyday moments. That’s how we keep their legacy alive—one sunset, one story, one hug at a time. So as you head into the summer months, I hope you find those moments to connect with family and friends, reflect on what truly matters, and fill your days with meaning. Because at the end of the day, it’s those simple, heartfelt moments that make all the difference. Moving Forward, TogetherJust like those moments around the campfire with family, good government should feel honest, real, and focused on what matters most. As we dive deeper into this legislative session, I’m rolling up my sleeves to fight for a budget that’s responsible, respects your hard-earned tax dollars, and puts our community first. Thank you for trusting me to be your voice in the Minnesota House. I promise to keep you updated every step of the way—and my door is always open if you want to share your thoughts, ask questions, or just chat. Sincerely, Representative Dawn Gillman Minnesota House of Representatives, District 17A |