DFL Lawmakers Introduce Legislation Protecting Minnesota Workers from Trump/Musk Administration’s Attacks
St. Paul, MN— Today, DFL lawmakers held a press conference introducing legislation directly fighting back against the Trump administration’s actions that are hurting workers, families, and Minnesotans across our state.
“Last weekend, we saw tens of thousands of Minnesotans from every corner of our state rally to protest the chaos, corruption, and cruelty of the Trump/Musk administration,” said Rep. Greenman (DFL-Minneapolis). “As state elected officials, we don’t have the power to stop this chaos, but it is our responsibility to act to protect Minnesotans and our workers. And that’s what we’re doing today.”
One bill, authored by Rep. Pete Johnson (DFL-Duluth) and Sen. Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown), would protect federal employees who were misled by Elon Musk's “fork in the road” emails, ensuring employees who accepted an offer of deferred resignation from their employers are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
“Dedicated federal workers in Minnesota have been illegally coerced to leave their jobs, and I continue to hear from impacted constituents,” said Senator Hauschild. “Now, with only more chaos and uncertainty about whether they’ll get their federal benefits, we need to do what we can to support these Minnesotans however we can.”
“Federal downsizing hasn’t only been contained to D.C., it’s impacted our neighbors in Minnesota who look after our National Parks, serve our veterans at the VA, and various other roles that keep our communities healthy and safe. These Minnesotans deserve our support,” said Rep. Johnson. “The circumstances in which these public servants left their jobs, during a time of rampant layoffs and instability, are such that the state should step up and lend a helping hand as they get back on their feet.”
Another bill, carried by Rep. Matt Norris (DFL-Blaine), would provide a relocation bonus program for veterans who have been fired by the Trump administration, incentivizing public employees who have served our nation to continue their public service right here in Minnesota.
"Trump and Musk may not value veterans, but Minnesota certainly does," said Rep. Matt Norris. "Minnesota relies on our veteran workforce to keep our state functioning, and we could use even more of these excellent workers. By providing a relocation incentive, we are improving the lives of veterans from across the country and tackling Minnesota's acute worker shortage."
Rep. Michael Howard (DFL-Richfield) authored a bill creating an action plan for the impact of the Trump tariffs on the affordability of basic goods and broader economic challenges for Minnesota businesses, consumers, and our workforce as a whole.
“The Trump tariffs are a tax on Minnesotans and part of his ongoing effort to sabotage Minnesota’s economy and state budget,” said Rep. Howard. “When the federal government drops the ball, it's vital that the state of Minnesota is prepared to lead. This bill will help our state better understand the impacts and ripple effects of the Trump tariffs that are about to slam Minnesota and our businesses from border-to-border.”
Legislators were joined at the Capitol by Jake Romans, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3669, who talked about the impact of Trump’s federal worker cuts; and Dan Marshall, a business owner in St. Paul who spoke about the impact that sweeping tariffs would have on small businesses like his. A recording of the press conference will be available on the House Public Information YouTube page.
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