Legislative Update
Friends,
As we enter the final weeks of the legislative session, we’re focused on major budget and policy bills that include many of the provisions we’ve discussed throughout this year. With the House evenly split, every major bill must be crafted through bipartisan negotiations, bringing both Democrat and Republican priorities to the table.
While that does create some challenging back-and-forth, we’ve made great progress in ensuring that our principles of fiscal responsibility and long-term budget stability remain at the forefront. We’ve already seen some of the budget bills pass the floor, and others are still being carefully considered. Despite the challenges of a tied legislature, I remain focused on keeping Minnesota’s finances in order while maintaining the infrastructure and essential public services needed to keep our economy open.
Notable Bills Passed off the House Floor This Week
HF 2438 Transportation Finance
This bill focuses on investing in the infrastructure people actually use, while scaling back on costly transit projects. This bipartisan bill saves taxpayers money by delaying or canceling mismanaged projects like the Blue Line extension and reinvests $99 million into ready-to-go road projects and long-term highway improvements. It ensures electric vehicles pay their fair share for road maintenance and boosts safety with bridge repairs, anti-DWI provisions, and pedestrian improvements statewide. It’s a win for commuters, job creators, and rural communities alike.
HF 2431 Higher Education Finance
This bill holds overall funding steady while addressing a significant shortfall in Minnesota’s State Grant program. Rather than increasing spending, we focused on reprioritizing existing resources – cutting waste, phasing out underused programs, and reclaiming funds from organizations that no longer require taxpayer support.
SF 1959 Veterans and Military Affairs
We passed a strong veterans bill that honors those who have served and strengthens the support systems they rely on. The bill expands mental health resources to help address the tragic rise in veteran suicides, ensures pension credit fairness for National Guard members activated during state emergencies, and honors Gold Star and Blue Star families with the creation of a new memorial at the Capitol.
SF 2298 / HF 2309 Housing Finance and Policy
The housing bill focuses on practical solutions by prioritizing construction and infrastructure without creating new entitlement programs or funding political pet projects. Sixty percent of the funding is dedicated to building new housing, expanding options for Minnesotans across the state. It includes $10 million for workforce housing to help rural communities grow and avoids unnecessary mandates or earmarked grants. Housing stability begins with increasing supply, and this bill takes meaningful steps toward that goal.
SF 3045 / HF 1837 State Government Finance and Policy
Every Minnesotan should have trust in the integrity of our elections. This year’s elections bill takes meaningful steps to increase transparency, ensure balanced party representation, and safeguards the security of our voting systems. It requires party balance wherever ballots are processed, strengthens protections on voting equipment with password and key requirements, tightens absentee ballot procedures, and bans voting inside cannabis facilities to preserve a clear and secure voting environment.
Let's Continue Working Together
As we head into the final stretch of session, I remain focused on advancing responsible, commonsense solutions that meet the real needs of our communities. With the fiscal challenges facing Minnesota, the decisions we make now will have a tremendous impact on the future of our state.
One example of that work is the Environment Omnibus Bill, which I’ve helped craft as co-chair of the House Environment Committee. After months of collaboration and discussion, it will be up for debate on the House floor this coming Tuesday. I look forward to the conversation and will continue working to protect our natural resources while making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely. I’ll keep you updated as we move toward the finish line.