 Dear Neighbors and Friends, As we reach the midpoint of our legislative session, the halls of the Capitol are bustling with activity. Committee deadlines are approaching rapidly, and my DFL colleagues and I are working diligently to present and defend policies that Minnesotans have fought hard to establish. As the Legislature moves forward in crafting a new state budget, we will fight to put more power in the hands of Minnesotans, not billionaires and large corporations. The reality of our tied Minnesota House of Representatives means one thing is clear: we must work together to accomplish anything meaningful. This includes our biggest priority—enacting a balanced two-year state budget. The House budget targets represent a genuine compromise between Democrats and Republicans and will guide our committee co-chairs as they draft their respective budgets. While we've seen numerous GOP attempts to repeal policies that Minnesotans fought hard for, now is the time to move beyond partisan goals. We must work collaboratively to ensure no community is left behind. My commitment remains steadfast: to create a Minnesota where opportunity is accessible to all, regardless of zip code or background.  Traffic Stop Reform Last week, I introduced legislation to ensure that every Minnesotan is treated equitably no matter their race or where they live by establishing clear, consistent protocols that prevent racial profiling and unnecessary escalations during traffic stops. The bill would appropriate $200,000 in fiscal year 2025 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the General Fund to the POST Board to support the development and implementation of the safe traffic stop model policy, curriculum alignment and continuing education requirements. I sincerely thank Valerie Castile, a police community relations advocate and mother of Philando Castile, for coming to the Capitol to share her profound story and carrying on Philando's legacy.  Standing in Solidary with Minnesota Workers This week, I was proud to meet with both AFSCME and SEIU members for productive discussions on critical worker protections. During our conversations, we focused on strengthening pension support, defending paid family medical leave, protecting earned sick and safe time benefits, and preserving mental health services. These essential protections provide security and dignity for the hardworking people in our community. Minnesotans deserve strong healthcare and worker rights that they've fought so long to achieve. I remain committed to standing with our workers, blocking any attempts to undermine these vital programs, and ensuring these benefits are preserved and expanded. Together, we'll continue fighting for working families!  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. Protect Medicaid, Not Millionaires While President Trump and Congressional Republicans look to subsidize tax cuts for the wealthy by reducing federal funding for Medicaid, DFL legislators introduced legislation that would raise taxes on millionaires at the level necessary to offset any cuts to this crucial program. Medicaid is the largest single source of health insurance in Minnesota, serving senior citizens, children, families, and people with disabilities. A report from Congress’s Joint Economic Committee found that if Republicans in Congress pass their proposed budget and cut Medicaid, Minnesota could see 89,000 rural residents lose their health coverage,130,000 children lose their health insurance, more than 1 in 6 seniors lose their nursing home care and, in total, nearly 400,000 people cut off from their health insurance. If these callous cuts go through without additional revenue raised by Minnesota, it will have a direct and immediate negative effect on health in Minnesota, costing lives and doing harm. Defending SNAP In late February, the US House passed their budget bill and now the committees will determine what makes up the proposed $2 trillion in cuts. Slashing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits would have a devastating impact on families and the economy. More than 42 million people depend on SNAP to round out their grocery budget, any cuts to this program would put millions of families at risk. Data confirms that SNAP is our most effective tool against food insecurity, delivering nine meals for every one provided by emergency food systems. According to the Urban Institute, the average meal cost would surpass the maximum SNAP benefit by 51%, leaving recipients on average $105 short per month. Given Trump’s recent trade war and tariffs, some regions, especially those with high food costs, may face even steeper challenges. At a time when our neighbors are struggling to keep pace with rising food and housing costs, and are visiting food shelves in record numbers, we need to strengthen, not jeopardize, federally funded food assistance programs like SNAP. I will continue working closely with our federal partners to vigorously oppose these potential cuts and safeguard Minnesotans from the devastating consequences of food insecurity and the widening economic gap.  Keep in Touch I deeply value your partnership in building a better future. Please continue to share your perspectives on the issues that impact our community. If you need assistance, schedule a meeting or community event, or have questions, you can reach me at rep.cedrick.frazier@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4255. You can also follow my official Facebook page and the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus page. Sincerely, Rep. Cedrick Frazier Minnesota House of Representatives Legislative Assistant: Chloe Keller Email: chloe.keller@house.mn.gov Due to technological limitations, this mailbox is not monitored. To reach Rep. Cedrick Frazier directly, please email rep.cedrick.frazier@house.mn.gov. |