Legislative Update – April 4, 2025
Dear Neighbors,
Given the recent snowfall, I may have spoken too soon in my last update when talking about the start of spring. But warm weather or not, the legislative session continues to move ahead towards our May 19 adjournment date.
This week, DFL and Republican leaders in the House set budget targets, and the Ways and Means Committee, which I serve on, passed our budget resolution outlining spending for the upcoming 2-year biennium. This represents a compromise between Democrats and Republicans, and will guide the work of our committee co-chairs as we draft our budgets.
This compromise budget framework slows expenditures in areas that are growing faster than the rate of inflation while making new investments in critical areas like education, housing, public safety, and pensions. This was our first major test of working together in a 67-67 tie, and I’m glad to report we passed.
Community at the Capitol
In between all the committee hearings, bill presentations, and floor sessions, I’m always impressed by how many folks come out to St. Paul to meet with legislators and make their voice heard.
Recently, I met with advocates on Disability Services Day, Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, Department of Transportation employees, and the Susan G Komen Foundation. I also met and talked with college students, members of SEIU, public school teachers, the Hopkins and Minnetonka school districts, and many more!
Energy Committee Update
As co-chair of the House Energy Finance and Energy Committee, I’ve been using our time in committee to hear legislation that will continue our progress towards a cleaner, more efficient, and more reliable energy system. From geothermal to solar, we can make smart, targeted investments to lower energy bills while building a brighter future.
This week, I presented a bill to the committee that takes a common-sense approach on how to deal with massive data centers that are being built and proposed here in Minnesota. I believe these centers can be a great economic benefit to our state, but we must ensure our regulations seriously address the massive electricity needs and environmental impacts that come alongside economic development.
Just to give you some perspective, the backup generation needed for a proposed data center in Becker would be equivalent to the entire city of Minneapolis. My legislation looks at the laws in both red and blue states on how we can best address concerns around environmental review, energy demand and efficiency, and consumer protections. You can read more about my legislation in this Star Tribune article.
Federal Cuts to MDH
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) 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.
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. We must continue to fight for a health care system that works for everyone.
These cuts will also likely delay at least $12 million to help 10,000 Minnesota households pay their utility bills and prevent power shutoffs, because HHS staff responsible for running the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program have been fired.
As co-chair of the Energy Committee, this is incredibly concerning—simply put, these moves from Washington D.C. put Minnesotans at risk. I will be doing everything I can to support programs here at the state that help Minnesota families struggling to keep up on their utility bills.
Staying in touch
Please reach out if you have any questions or feedback you would like to share. You can contact me by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn.gov or call my office during business hours at (651) 296-9934.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative