Friends and neighbors,
Happy Easter and Chag Sameach to those who celebrate! This week, the legislature is on Spring Recess, which gives us legislators a moment to take a breath before the last stretch of the legislative session.
With budget bills starting to head to the House floor next week, we could be facing some long discussions and late nights at the State Capitol. In the end, we will have built an even better Minnesota. I will keep you updated as we make progress!
Budget Bills
In my last update, I told you about how the House Speaker, Senate Majority Leader, and Governor Walz reached an agreement on a framework for a new state budget. Now, committees are working hard to finalize our budget bills and pass legislation to help Minnesotans thrive.
As Chair of the Economic Development Committee, I’m incredibly excited about our budget bill. Small businesses are the heartbeat of Minnesota’s economy, and DFLers are committed to supporting and encouraging small businesses to open and thrive. The Economic Development budget bill invests in systems to help lift up struggling businesses and lower the barrier to entry for new businesses, all through a lens of equity to serve under-represented communities. Everyone deserves a fair shake at the American Dream, and DFLers are committed to leveling the playing field so that every Minnesotan has the opportunity to run a thriving business.
Trans Day of Visibility
Last Friday, we celebrated Trans Day of Visibility with a big rally in the Capitol rotunda. I was proud to stand in solidarity with my Queer Caucus colleagues. With so many states across the country enacting laws criminalizing the trans community, I’m incredibly thankful and proud to be in Minnesota, where we continue to pass legislation to protect and welcome trans people.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in our celebration.
Update your MinnesotaCare Information
Each year, Minnesotans enrolled in Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare must have their eligibility reviewed to verify they still qualify for coverage. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, this renewal process was paused, and Minnesotans enrolled in these programs maintained continuous health care coverage. This spring, when the federal health emergency ends, the standard renewal process will resume.
If you’re among the 1.5 million Minnesotans who rely on Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, make sure your current contact information is on file, especially if you’ve moved in the last three years. Visit mn.gov/dhs/mycontactinfo or call (800) 657-3672 to update your address, phone number and email address. Also, be on the lookout for official information and instructions about how to renew your coverage, and be prepared with some documentation when it’s time to renew. Learn more at mn.gov/dhs/renewmycoverage.
House DFLers are committed to ensuring all eligible Minnesotans retain their public coverage when renewals restart while connecting those ineligible with other coverage options. Last month, lawmakers approved and Governor Walz signed into law a bill to ease this “unwinding” by investing resources for counties to process renewals, support for MNsure navigators, and making MinnesotaCare available with no premiums through June 30, 2024.
Keep in Touch
There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon this session, so be sure to follow my Facebook page for timely updates.
Please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback with me throughout the legislative session. You can reach me by email at rep.hodan.hassan@house.mn.gov. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Elijah, at 651-296-1761 or via email at elijah.henderson@house.mn.gov.
I am incredibly honored to get to work for you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me with this honor.
In solidarity,
Rep. Hodan Hassan