Friends and Neighbors,
Spring has arrived, and with it comes a critical point in our legislative session. Recently, leadership announced an agreement on spending targets for our state's two-year budget plan, so now its up to committee chairs to craft the budget for each committee. I’m proud to say that the Elections Committee finalized our budget bill this week. It includes provisions to match the Help America Vote Act, funds which go towards election security, and provides the budget for the Campaign Finance Board’s operations.
While other committees finalize their budgets, its also important to be mindful of federal tariff impacts, stock market fluctuations, and federal funding reductions affecting our state services. We've already witnessed the consequences with 170 Minnesota Health Department positions eliminated due to unexpected federal cuts. A balanced approach to our budget is crucial to protect essential services, particularly for those who rely on Medicaid. That's why I'm supporting legislation to address potential shortfalls by ensuring millionaires contribute fairly to maintain coverage for Medicaid dependents if federal leadership implements program reductions.
Medicaid represents more than just a government program - it's our state's largest health insurance provider, serving vulnerable populations including seniors, children, families, and individuals with disabilities requiring assistance.
The Joint Economic Committee's report presents concerning projections: proposed federal budget reductions could result in 89,000 rural residents losing coverage, 130,000 uninsured children, one-sixth of seniors without nursing home care, and approximately 400,000 residents completely losing healthcare access. These aren't just statistics - they're our family and neighbors who would suddenly find themselves without care they depend on.
Despite facing economic instability, Republicans continue to introduce legislation to throw money at pet projects and tax breaks. This week in the Taxes committee, I called out these wasteful proposals when we were presented with a bill that would eliminate sales tax for an elite golf tournament.
Democrats remain committed to protecting our residents from harmful policy changes, because we believe healthcare access should be available to everyone, not just those who can write big campaign checks.
Join us for a Town Hall!
Join me, Representative Cedrick Frazier, and Senator Ann Rest for a town hall meeting on Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Crystal Community Center. We’ll discuss the state-federal defense against harmful federal policies, talk about budget targets and progress of the 2025 session, hear from the community, and answer questions.
Registration is encouraged but not required. To maximize the time available for discussion, constituents may submit their town hall questions by April 24th here.
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.
Adopt Me!
To help combat the chaos in the news and from the White House, I want to take a moment for positivity each week. The Animal Humane Society is right here in our district and does great work to ensure animals in need find loving homes, provide affordable care for pets in our community, and initiate animal education.
I’ve been giving a lot of attention to the K-9 community in these adoption highlights, and as a cat guy myself, it’s past time to lift up some of our feline friends.
Meet Shay! Shay is a 14-year-old Manx mix looking for her forever family. Even as an older gal, she’d be a great addition to any household, quiet or busy. Head to the Golden Valley Humane Society to meet Shay and bring her home!
p.s. - Stella from my last newsletter has found her fur-ever home!
Stay Connected
Unfortunately, due to technological restraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach me. To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication.
You can also stay up to date with the latest by following my Facebook page.
To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4176, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe.
It is an honor to continue to serve you.
In solidarity,
Rep. Mike Freiberg