Legislative Update – March 24, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

We’ve turned a new page in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Following a special election in the Roseville area and the swearing-in of new DFLer Rep. David Gottfried, the House is now back to a 67-67 split between Democrats and Republicans. This means the bipartisan power-sharing agreement we reached earlier in session is now in effect. Committees are evenly divided and all bills will need bipartisan support to advance.

As we look forward, it’s also important to look back on the temporary period of Republican control. While having a one-seat advantage, the GOP had a great opportunity to prioritize legislation to address the increasing costs Minnesotans are facing for everyday expenses from eggs to prescription drugs. Instead, they focused on hyperpartisan bills that had no chance of becoming law under a divided Legislature.

Here’s a video recapping the GOP’s temporary advantage and the need to work together moving forward. (The video, by the way, was originally posted to my State Capitol Facebook Page which I encourage you to follow if you don’t already).

Sovereignty Day

Last week, the Legislature hosted Sovereignty Day at the State Capitol, bringing together legislators and the leaders of Minnesota’s 11 federally recognized tribal nations for an important day of learning and collaboration. The day was focused on educating lawmakers about tribal history, culture, and sovereignty, as well as the complex relationship between tribal, state, and federal law. Strengthening the relationships between the state and tribal governments has been a strong priority for House Democrats, and events like Sovereignty Day help ensure our tribal nations have a meaningful voice in the decision-making process.

We have a responsibility to ensure tribal nations not only have a seat at the table, but are truly heard when policies are being shaped. Continually improving our government-to-government relations – grounded in mutual understanding and respect – will help ensure an inclusive future for our state.

Protecting Medicaid

House DFLers are joining Democrats from across the nation to speak out against reckless cuts Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are proposing to Medicaid. Medicaid is a major backbone of our state’s health system, covering 1.3 million Minnesotans – equaling about one-quarter of the state’s population – including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. In fact, 41% of Minnesota children receive health care coverage through Medicaid.

The Republican Congress has passed a federal budget resolution slashing $880 billion from Medicaid, all to pay for bigger tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. This move could result in a $1.2 billion annual cut in Minnesota and have devastating impacts both on our ability to continue providing key services – including hospitals, local clinics, and mental health services – as well as the ongoing stability of our state budget.

Minnesota is ranked fifth among all states for overall health, fifth for child well-being, and first for services for older adults and people with disabilities. DFLers are committed to fighting back to protect Medicaid and the Minnesotans who rely on it. More information about Medicaid’s critical role in health care is available here from the Department of Human Services.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Please continue to be in touch about the issues that matter to you.

Sincerely,

Rep. Jamie Long
DFL Floor Leader, Minnesota House of Representatives