Session Summary
This session was marked by both tragedy and hard-won progress. The senseless killings of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband and Mark, along with the violent attack on Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, shook our state to its core. Their loss will leave a lasting impact on the Capitol and on all of us who worked alongside them. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones as we continue to move forward after this tragedy.
Prior to this tragedy, we returned to St. Paul to finish the work of this session. It was a long and tedious session, but we were able to deliver real results for Minnesotans—especially for Greater Minnesota.
Key Provisions This Session:
Public Safety and Accountability
Ended the taxpayer-funded healthcare program for undocumented adults. Enrollment closes immediately, with the program fully ending January 1, 2026.
Rural and Local Government Support
Secured funding for rural EMS and hospitals. Protected Local Government Aid (LGA) and County Program Aid (CPA), keeping critical support in place for Greater Minnesota communities.
Education Reform
Protected non-public school aid, blocked proposed cuts, and made the Science of Reading part of state standards to address Minnesota’s literacy crisis. We also delivered mandate relief for schools struggling under burdens passed last session.
Infrastructure and Bonding
Passed a bonding package with $206 million for clean and drinking water projects and $86.5 million for roads and bridges, with strong investments in Greater Minnesota. Blocked wasteful earmarks and political handouts.
Transportation
Preserved full funding for state road construction and maintenance. Cut inefficient projects like the Blue Line extension.
Taxpayer Protections
No increases to income or general sales tax. We stood firm to stop more money grabs from Minnesotans.
Regulatory Reform and Veterans
Delivered permitting reform at the MPCA to give businesses clearer and faster paths to development. Cut fishing license fees for disabled veterans and made bass season continuous.
Workforce and Labor
Extended unemployment benefits for our Iron Range miners.
Higher Ed Accountability
Closed a $239 million shortfall in the State Grant Program with responsible cuts that protect students.
Data Center Oversight
Increased oversight of high-water-use data centers and extended the sales tax exemption to keep our state competitive.
Despite attempts to shift the costs of unfunded mandates onto counties and school districts, we stood firm and held the line. Our goal is always to hold local governments harmless from having to pay for the state’s mistakes.
We’re proud of what we accomplished, but there’s more to do. We’ll keep working throughout the interim and into next session to protect Minnesota families, schools, and communities.
Rep. Keith Allen - District 19A