Legislative Update: March 21, 2025
Dear Neighbors -
It’s now officially spring and as the weather swings from warm to cold and back, I hope you’re able to get outside and take advantage of the sunshine (in a jacket or t-shirt, depending on the day!).
I want to highlight some of the wonderful constituents and advocates from our community who have been bringing the needs and priorities of our South Minneapolis district to the state Capitol. I had great conversations about AARP’s bill to help support consumers impacted by fraud, with state workers about the support they need to make our state work, and the students with the Boys and Girls Club who are doing amazing things in our community. Thank you to all the constituents who have reached out and come to the Capitol to make your voices heard.
Last night I joined Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Mayor Jacob Frey, Ward 11 City Councilmember Emily Koski and other local leaders for a Town Hall and we had over 400 attendees! Turnout like this proves that Minnesotans are not backing down in the face of Trump’s chaos and corruption, and we’re stronger when we raise our voices together. You can watch a recording of the town hall on CSPAN here.
House Returns to Power Sharing
This week, DFLer David Gottfried was sworn in as the House’s 134th member after winning a special election for an open seat in Roseville. That means the House is back to the 67-67 tie voters delivered in November, and the previously negotiated co-governing agreement is now in effect. House committees will rotate gavels, with DFL and Republican co-chairs setting their respective agendas and bill hearings.
This is the first week that DFLers have had the gavel on committees and been able to hear the bills that our GOP colleagues declined to hear. In the coming weeks, I’ll include more detail on many of the bills that me and my colleagues are working on to help unrig the economy and protect our democracy and our Minnesota communities.
Protecting Minnesotans from Fraudsters and Claim Sharks
On Wednesday, the House Veterans and MIlitary Affairs Committee heard my bill protecting Minnesota veterans from the fraudsters and claim sharks that target and profit off the benefits our veterans earned and deserve. This is a top priority of the Commanders Task Force, the Governor, and House DFLers and I was joined by supporters from the VFW, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Minnesota, and the Association of County Veteran Service Providers.
Our legislation had bipartisan support to move out of committee because we all recognize that protecting vulnerable veterans from being defrauded is one of the most sacred obligations we have as a government. Even still, we faced push back from large, out-of-state companies that profit off vets benefits and make illegal promises to service members about their ability to navigate the claims process.
You can watch our full press conference here and listen to stories about how this predatory business model harms Minnesotans and steals taxpayer funds meant to help vulnerable vets.
Today, I joined MPR News’ Politics Friday broadcast to talk about our work to prevent fraud of the benefits Minnesotans rely on and the state resources that provide them. The truth is, fraud is an issue across our economy targeting consumers, small businesses, veterans, seniors, and our public coffers. In addition to targeting public benefits and state programs, there are sophisticated fraud networks targeting every part of our economy. Just last week, the FTC issued a report that there were $12.5 billion in consumer fraud losses last year, a 25% increase over the year before.
You can listen to the full interview here.
As a member of the GOP-led House’s Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee, I’ve been focused on ensuring that we are using real facts, real numbers and focused on real solutions rather than treating it as a political issue to put on mailers and advertisements like some of my GOP colleagues We’re working with the Attorney General to ensure he has the resources he needs to combat Medicaid fraud, and I’m working on a package of anti-fraud bills that will crack down on employer misclassification fraud and other practices that corporations, big business, and millionaires use to get out of paying their fair share of taxes, and leaving the rest of us to pick up the balance.
Protecting our Immigrant Neighbors
The Trump/Musk administration is using the immoral and unconstitutional campaign against our immigrant neighbors to distract us from their chaotic, cruel and corrupt agenda to dismantle the government to feather the nests of the billionaires in Trump’s orbit. I stand with our immigrant neighbors, community organizations, and our state and federal representatives who are standing up against these attacks and am working to support those impacted in our community.
Unfortunately, we’re already seeing those policies be pushed by MAGA legislators here in the Minnesota House. I’ve been forceful in speaking against bills pushed by Republicans here in Saint Paul including one bill that would tie the hands of local law enforcement and force cities like ours to divert law enforcement resources to help implement Trump’s ICE agenda.
I want to be absolutely clear: None of these bills will become law in Minnesota. DFLers are united in standing up for the values of inclusivity and support for immigrants that makes our state great. I’ve spent time in committee pointing out how these bills are unconstitutional, cruel, and ultimately make our communities less safe, and I want to thank every testifier from the public who has come in to speak against these bills.
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance with immigration related issues, please find more information at the Immigrant Law Center, the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, or the City of Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. Please continue to look out for each other and provide support whenever you can.
Stay in Touch
Thank you for your time, energy, and all you do to make our community a great place to live, work, and play. Always feel free to reach out to me with your input and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. My email is rep.emma.greenman@house.mn.gov or you are always welcome to call me at the Capitol at 651-296-4200 and follow my Facebook page for updates.
It’s an honor and a privilege to be your State Representative. I'm very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together and look forward to the work we have ahead of us. Together, we can create a stronger, brighter future for all Minnesotans!
Best,
Emma Greenman
State Representative