Legislative Update – February 14, 2025

Legislative Update – February 14, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

This week, committee hearings officially got underway after Democrats secured a hard-fought co-governing agreement that honors the fact both parties must work together to pass a budget this year. This agreement is what we have been seeking all along. 

I’m pleased to report that the 2025 session properly and lawfully got underway on February 6. I’ve been working hard in our district over the past few weeks, and I’m excited to bring that work back to the State Capitol.

I will continue working alongside Minnesotans to build a future where everyone can get ahead, not just the rich and powerful. I will continue to stand up for Minnesotans’ rights and freedoms, and I will do everything in my power to protect people from the chaos coming out of the Trump Administration.

Please continue to be in touch about your own priorities and to share your ideas. It’s an honor to represent you.

Help with High Heating Costs?

I hope you’re staying warm. Even as hearty Minnesotans, these subzero temperatures are brutal. If you’re experiencing high heating bills this winter, an initiative the state legislature strengthened in 2021 may help lower costs. Many homeowners needing basic home improvements (repairing windows, removing asbestos, repairing cracked foundations or siding) often face challenges paying upfront for these pre-weatherization measures. 

Minnesotans using CenterPoint or Xcel Energy can schedule an appointment with the Home Energy Squad to visit their homes to identify low cost energy-saving solutions. Each visit is approximately two hours, and during that time, the Home Energy Squad will perform various energy-saving tests, inspect your insulation, heating and cooling systems, and water heater. The cost for visits varies based on income, so people can expect to pay as little as nothing up to $100. There is also an option to receive text messages or emails directly from the Home Energy Squad if a cancellation occurs and they can move the visit up earlier.

CenterPoint Energy estimated that this conservation program has saved Minnesotans $25 million collectively during just one cold weather event. Learn more by clicking the link above. You can also learn about potential pre-weatherization rebates, and if you are eligible here. 

Lawns to Legumes

Did you know that the state of Minnesota can help you make your lawn more pollinator-friendly? Anyone who lives in Minnesota and has an outdoor space for planting is eligible to apply for a fall 2025 Lawns to Legumes grant.

The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing reimbursement-based funding, workshops, coaching and gardening resources. People who live in Minnesota and have a yard, deck, or other outdoor space for planting can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitat. The program is available to both Minnesota homeowners and renters.

HOW TO APPLY: Lawns to Legumes is administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) in partnership with Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water. Apply for Fall 2025 grants on Blue Thumb’s website here.

Keep in Touch!

If you have any questions, ideas, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to email me at rep.leon.lillie@house.mn.gov or give my office a call at (651) 296-1188. 

Sincerely, 

Leon Lillie
State Representative

Representative Leon Lillie

5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Phone: 651-296-1188
Email: rep.leon.lillie@house.mn.gov
Website: https://www.house.mn.gov/44B