Dear friends, This week, the House had its Easter/Passover break. For those who celebrate, I wish you a Happy Passover or Happy Easter. We’ll be back on Monday, April 21st, for the final four weeks of the session. The main work of all finance committees over the past couple of weeks has been putting together individual budget bills that meet the targets given to them. Those bills will start going through the Ways & Means Committee, which I co-chair, next week and will then come to the floor. Strong engagement from advocates helps ensure the legislature is doing just that. As my colleagues and I continue our work this session, your participation in the legislative process remains vital. Your feedback and experiences help inform policy decisions that affect our entire state.  Creating a Minnesota Budget for Minnesota ValuesIn my last newsletter, I highlighted the ongoing budget negotiations at the State Capitol and the broader challenges impacting our work, including recent federal policy changes. Decisions at the national level—such as shifts in trade policy, reductions in federal funding, and changes to key programs—are having real consequences for Minnesota families, and I’m dedicated to doing all I can to ensure our state budget reflects the priorities of our community. That’s why I’ve worked with my colleagues of both parties to introduce legislation assessing the economic impact of these trade policies on Minnesota and studying how tariffs are affecting families, businesses, and communities. Regardless of what happens in Washington, Minnesota must be proactive and prepared. We are working hard at the state level to support stability, protect our economy, and ensure that every Minnesotan has a fair shot at success. Small Business Impact SurveyAmid the quickly changing news around federal tariffs, 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 local business owners to communicate directly with the department now. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete. By collaborating with Coon Rapids and Anoka’s locally owned small businesses, which face significant challenges, we can proactively plan for the state's future needs. Resources for laid-off Minnesota federal workers In Minnesota, we value the experience and expertise of state and federal workers. Last month, Governor Walz announced that the state launched a new website aimed at connecting these workers with new jobs, whether within state government or the private sector. If you have any questions about the resources available to our community or on our work in the Minnesota House, please feel free to reach out! Federal Cuts to MDH Throughout my time at the legislature, I have fought for accessible healthcare. The Minnesota Department of Health announced last week that the federal government is rescinding $226 million in federal grants, about 25% of MDH’s current budget, and is likely to result in the layoffs of around 200 employees. The actions are paired with 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. I am committed to working with our state and federal partners to pursue 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. Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5513. It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Anoka families in St. Paul. Sincerely, Rep. Zack Stephenson Minnesota House of Representatives |