Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Last week marked a critical juncture in our legislative session as we reached the third and final committee deadline. Most bill presentations are now finalized, and committees have begun the intensive work of negotiating comprehensive bill packages that will complement our established budget targets.
Looming over our work are significant challenges as federal funding cuts, freezes, tariffs, and ongoing trade disputes continue to strain not just our national economy but there are direct impacts to Minnesotans across our state. Trump's tariffs are raising prices, DOGE is eliminating jobs for hardworking Minnesotans, and Republicans are planning to gut Medicaid for thousands of seniors, people with disabilities, and children – all in service to cutting taxes for billionaires and big corporations. These harmful federal policies have led to devastating consequences - from threats to human services programs that our most vulnerable residents depend on, to widespread layoffs affecting working families throughout our communities.
In a tied Minnesota House of Representatives, we have to work together in order to get anything done. That includes the biggest priority of the legislative session — enacting a balanced two-year state budget. The House budget targets represent a compromise between Democrats and Republicans and will guide the work of our committee co-chairs as they draft their budgets. Despite these obstacles, my DFL colleagues and I remain steadfast in our commitment to serving every constituent, leaving no community behind as we weather these unprecedented times.
I want to also inform you the Minnesota Legislature will be in recess from Friday, April 11th to Friday, April 18th to commemorate Easter and Passover. Despite this recess, my office remains available to address questions, comments, or concerns you may have.
Upcoming Town Hall
The actions in Washington, D.C. are alarming, often illegal, and downright dangerous.
Whether it’s undermining public education, imposing tariffs that drive up the cost of living and doing business, firing thousands of federal workers with no warning, or cutting Medicaid to give tax breaks to billionaires, the Trump administration’s policies are making life worse for everyone. Every day, more and more people are standing up to Donald Trump and his billionaire friends, and fighting back to protect our families, schools, communities, and fundamental rights.
That’s why I’m pleased to announce a special town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Monday, April 21st at 7 PM to fight back against the Trump administration’s harmful policies together. To receive the event location, please register here.
I’ll be joined by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and other members of the Minneapolis Delegation. This event will feature a presentation about how the federal government’s actions are hurting the people of Minnesota, and most importantly, it’s an opportunity for people in our area to voice their fears, frustrations, and ideas. I’m eager to listen to what you have to say and work together to stand up for our shared values.
Metro Transit Launches Community Engagement
Metro Transit started a month long community engagement process that began last week to receive feedback on plans for bus service for the Northstar corridor.
They want to hear from you via:
- Online Survey: Starts Thursday, April 10th.
- Meetings:
- April 28th, 5-7 PM: Anoka City Hall
- April 30th, 5:30-6:30 PM: Virtual meeting Registration link
- May 7th, 4:30 PM: Onboard Northstar (leaving Target Field)
This engagement period (April 10th - May 11th) is key to creating the best possible replacement bus service as the Northstar train evolves.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard! Please share this with anyone who cares about transit in the Northstar corridor. Let's work together to build a better transportation future!
For more information visit there website here:https://www.metrotransit.org/outreach
Let’s Stay Connected!
I deeply value being in this work to improve lives with you. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. Please reach out anytime if you need assistance, schedule a meeting or community event, or have questions at rep.esther.agbaje@house.mn.gov or 651-296-8659.
In community,
Rep. Esther Agbaje
Minnesota House of Representatives (59B)
Legislative Assistant
Nhia Chang
Nhia.Chang@house.mn.gov
651-296-4165