Dear Neighbors, This week has been full of troubling news from the federal government, its impact on Minnesota, and our ability to respond in the state legislature. There are many things to be concerned about with these new Trump Tariffs - the increased price of daily goods, the cost of groceries, and the impact on Minnesota workers - but as the Co-Chair of the Capital Investment Committee, my mind went to construction costs. As Minnesota faces a housing crisis, and with a backlog of infrastructure projects, solving these issues is going to become more expensive as we brace ourselves for price increases for building materials. This is all the more reason for us to pass a robust bonding bill this year and meaningfully invest in building a better Minnesota. That’s what I’ll be working towards. Small Business Impact Survey Amid additional federal tariffs announced this week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is gathering information from affected small businesses in Minnesota. In this period of uncertainty, there may be a lag in data, so this survey is a way for our North Minneapolis business owners to communicate directly with the department now. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete. By collaborating with Minnesota's locally owned small businesses, which face significant challenges, we can proactively plan for the state's future needs. Federal Cuts to MDH The Minnesota Department of Health announced last week that the Trump administration is unilaterally rescinding $226 million in federal grants related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The cuts amount to about 25% of MDH’s current budget, according to KARE-11, and are likely to result in the layoffs of around 200 employees. The actions are part of a broader nationwide effort to eliminate $11 billion in spending by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The recent federal funding cuts raise serious concerns about healthcare access for all Minnesotans and may exacerbate existing medical care disparities across our state. These changes could potentially impact essential services including COVID-19 testing capabilities, vaccination programs, and ongoing pandemic research initiatives. I am committed to pursuing solutions through collaboration, advocating for adequate public health funding, and supporting affected employees while ensuring our communities maintain access to vital health services during this challenging transition. Stay Connected We’ve got less than two months left in the legislative session, and now is a crucial time to reach out to share any questions, comments, or ideas you have on how to make our community and state better. A tied House presents new opportunities, and there’s no shortage of things I believe we can work on together. You can reach me at rep.fue.lee@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4262. You’ll hear back from me or our Legislative Assistant, Tenzin. I look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Fue Lee State Representative |