Friends and neighbors, Spring is here, and with it, we have entered the phase of the legislative session where we will know which bills will continue to advance through the legislative process. House leaders announced an agreement last week on spending targets for crafting a state budget for the next two years. From here, it’s up to us to put together a bipartisan budget framework balancing the Senate budget targets and the Governor’s budget recommendations, which all have significant differences from the House. Negotiations in the Children and Families, Elections, and Higher Education committees are wrapping up, and I’m confident we will be able to put together packages that continue to make life a bit easier for Minnesotans.  As we move forward, we're also keeping an eye on the impacts of federal tariffs, an uncertain stock market, and other federal cuts impacting services in Minnesota. We have already seen impacts in Minnesota with the loss of 170 jobs in the Minnesota Health Department because of capricious federal cuts. A balanced budget approach is essential to safeguard critical services for Minnesotans, particularly those relying on Medicaid. That’s why I signed onto a bill to make up the difference by ensuring Minnesota’s wealthiest pay their fair share to keep Minnesotans depending on Medicaid covered should Trump and Musk slash the program. Medicaid isn't just another government program - it's the largest source of health insurance in our state, serving seniors, kids, families, and people with disabilities who need support. The numbers from Congress's Joint Economic Committee report are alarming: if Republican budget cuts go through, Minnesota could see 89,000 rural residents lose coverage, 130,000 children without insurance, one in six seniors losing nursing home care, and nearly 400,000 Minnesotans totally cut off from their health care. These aren't just statistics - they're our family and neighbors who would suddenly find themselves without care they depend on. DFLers are ready to do everything possible to protect Minnesotans from these harmful policies, because in Minnesota, we believe everyone deserves access to healthcare, not just those who can afford to write big campaign checks. Visit with Presbyterian Homes & ServicesThis week, I visited Presbyterian Homes & Services, a senior living complex here in Bloomington. During the 2023-2024 legislative term, Democrats sent much-needed support to our nursing homes, including over $600,000 to Presbyterian Homes and Services and over $2 million to other homes in Bloomington. I’m thankful to places like this for providing essential care to our elders.  Hands Off Minnesota Last weekend, I joined an estimated 25,000+ people who gathered to reiterate what we’ve been fighting for this entire legislative session: Minnesotans want Donald Trump and his MAGA goons to get their hands off our progress. Whether it’s threats to cut Medicaid and moves that have tanked our nation’s economy in Washington or Minnesota Republicans’ attempts to strip human rights and gut Paid Family Medical Leave, Saturday sent a strong message to the far right that Minnesotans will not stand silently by and let them tear our country apart. We are stronger together, and House DFLers stand firmly by our communities in this fight. Good News! Let’s face it – the news is overwhelming. Between constant updates on the latest harmful move by the Trump administration, worldwide instability, economic unease, and so much more, it’s easy to feel like all news is bad news. To help counter that and bring some levity back into politics, I want to take a moment in each newsletter to share some straight up good news or exciting events right here in Bloomington. While spring is taking its time rolling in, summer will be here before we know it! 2025 Bloomington Family Aquatic Center season passes are available now and are discounted by $6 until May 1! You can get you pass here. |