Dear Neighbors and Friends,
Last week was incredibly busy at the Capitol as we worked tirelessly to pass bipartisan budget bills on the House floor. The negotiations were vigorous but productive as we focused on delivering a budget that will support all Minnesotans, from our urban centers to our rural communities. DFLers are particularly attentive to addressing border-to-border issues that affect residents across our diverse state. As the Legislature moves forward in crafting this new state budget, my commitment is clear: I will fight to put more power in the hands of Minnesotans – not billionaires and large corporations. We will stand up for our communities, strengthen our families, and build a more equitable future for everyone in our state.
At the same time, DFLers remain vigilant and prepared to stand as a strong line of defense against any harmful policies that may be coming down the federal pipeline. It's crucial that we protect the progress we've made here in Minnesota and ensure our state's unique needs are met.
I look forward to updating you as we continue this important work.
Here is a highlight of a few bill packages we passed last week:
House Passes Public Safety and Judiciary Budget Bill: I was proud to vote ‘YES’ alongside my colleagues to pass the House Public Safety and Judiciary budget bill. Under Democratic leadership, Minnesota has become a safer state with improved outcomes in our justice system, and we can’t afford to go backwards now. This bill works to protect our historic reforms, needed investments, and prevents regressive legislation all while improving victims’ services, police training, and data protections for judges.
A lot of this bill was about stopping bad GOP proposals and maintaining our historic progress from the last two years, but we achieved some major new wins as well. This bill takes direct action to combat the chaotic actions of the Trump Administration that harm victim services and put Minnesotans’ safety at risk. By funding life-saving victim services programs that help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes, this bill is keeping Minnesota safe.
House Passes 2025 Agriculture Budget: We fought for a people-focused Agriculture Budget that feeds Minnesotans, safeguards workers and consumers from looming threats like bird flu, and supports small, emerging farmers in an economy tilted towards large corporations. I voted in favor of the 2025 Agriculture Budget bill, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 130-3.
DFLers won increases in funding for Farm to School and Early Care and Local Food Purchasing programs, which nourish our kids while also providing stability to local farmers. We increased workplace protections for meat and poultry workers and ensured retail milk and poultry will be tested for bird flu. We’re also helping the next generation of farmers by increasing down payment assistance for those just getting started in agriculture.
House Passes 2025 Legacy Bill: The Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 2563, the 2025 Legacy Budget Bill, on a bipartisan vote of 115-19. The bill invests nearly $777 million in Minnesota's outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and culture.
This legislation makes crucial investments in our state's natural legacy, with nearly $162 million directed to the Outdoor Heritage Fund to protect critical habitats, including 2,720 acres of public forest in Itasca County and 23,000 acres of forests statewide. Additionally, over $303 million will go to the Clean Water Fund, with a strong focus on addressing nitrate pollution in Southern Minnesota through expanded monitoring, well testing, and long-term protection strategies.
The bill also allocates $130 million to enhance Minnesota's parks and trails and invests almost $180 million in arts programming, preservation of Minnesota's history, and cultural heritage initiatives.
Since Minnesotans passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment in 2008, nearly $5.7 billion has been generated for projects that protect and enhance our state's natural and cultural resources. This latest funding package continues that important work for the benefit of all Minnesotans.
The proposed budget outlined here represents our current position and priorities as we move forward in the process. It's important to note that these are not the final versions of the budget bills. We still need to negotiate with the Senate in Conference Committee, where differences between House and Senate versions will be reconciled. The final budget that emerges from this process may include modifications and compromises from both chambers before being presented for final approval.
Standing with Minnesotans
It's never too cold or gloomy to fight for democracy! I was proud to join fellow Minnesotans and my DFL colleagues in speaking out for a budget that protects Minnesotans from destructive federal cuts. Minnesota's projected budget deficit is placing essential programs like Medical Assistance and special education at risk.
These challenges are now compounded by Trump's unconstitutional attack on public services. Since the February forecast, the Trump administration has cancelled $282 million of federal funding with another $72 million temporarily disrupted. And that is not counting a potential $1.6 billion annual cut to Medicaid with the coming federal budget.
In these unprecedented times, we cannot afford to conduct business as usual. Where the federal government abandons mothers, children, veterans, and senior citizens, Minnesota DFL legislators are ready to step up and protect the programs we all rely on.
Watch the press conference here.
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