Legislative Update – May 2, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
We have reached a busy time of the Legislative Session, spending our days passing budget bills on the House Floor. After these bills pass the House, we enter negotiations with the Senate and the Governor on a final version that we must pass before our May 19 adjournment date.
In a 67-67 tied House, all our budget bills result from compromises between DFLers and Republicans. The bills aren’t perfect, but we’re fighting for a budget that supports Minnesota workers and families.
Last week, I was joined in the House Chamber by Pastor David Bjorklund from Saint Mark’s in North St. Paul as he gave the opening prayer before our session. Each day, a faith leader is invited to ground us before the session in their words and tradition, and I was glad to have Pastor Bjorklund join us.
Vikings House Resolution
One thing that always brings Minnesotans together is our strong support for our local sports teams, and in this respect, Legislators are no different. I was proud to present a bipartisan resolution on the House Floor congratulating Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell for winning the 2024 NFL Coach of the Year. You can watch that presentation here.
Coach O’Connell joined us on the House Floor this week as we presented the resolution, and legislators took off their red and blue partisan hats in favor of Vikings purple!
Honoring our Veterans
I voted Yes on our Veterans Budget bill, which works to help Minnesota’s veterans, especially those struggling with depression and suicide. The bill passed with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote.
The bill also makes a long-overdue recognition of the Hmong veterans of the “Secret War,” a period of covert U.S. military intervention in Laos, primarily during the Vietnam War. Hmong troops gave critical aid and support to U.S. troops during that time, and many then became refugees here in Minnesota. This week, we honored their service and sacrifice. Read more here.
Legacy Bill Passes
 | | I was proud to speak in support of the House’s Legacy bill, which uses funds raised by the Lottery to protect, preserve, and enhance our environment, water, parks and trails, and cultural heritage. As a current member and former chair of the committee, I was glad to see Legacy’s bipartisan tradition continue, as we work together to invest in the future of our state. You can read more about that bill here. |
This week, the Three Rivers Park District visited the Capitol and even brought baby lambs with them! The Legacy bill funds improvements to our parks and trails all across the state, and Three Rivers was one of many districts, including, of course, our own Ramsey and Washington County parks, that received funding from the Legacy bill when I was chair.
Other Budget Bills
As I said above, much of our focus now is on passing budget bills to fund our state government and agencies for the next two years. Working together with Republicans, we’re making good progress, and all our bills are passing with bipartisan support.
I voted for our Agriculture Budget, which invests in Farm to School and Early Care programs, supporting local farmers and providing our children and families with healthy food.
We passed our Public Safety and Judiciary Budget, which works to protect our historic reforms, makes needed investments, and prevents regressive legislation, all while improving victim services, police training, and data protections for judges.
I also supported our Higher Education Budget, which protects the investments we’ve made in those seeking higher education using the North Star Promise free tuition program for those making under $80,000
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 me a call at (651) 296-1188.
Sincerely,
Leon Lillie
State Representative