Friends and neighbors, This week, Minnesota Management and Budget released its February budget forecast, which shows the budget outlook moving in the wrong direction compared to November’s forecast. Donald Trump’s reckless economic policies are impacting this forecast, with inflation expected to climb and tax receipts expected to fall. Tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy and corporations, and cuts to Medicaid, are expected to bring additional negative impacts. Instead of bringing down prices like they promised on the campaign trail, Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are on the verge of enacting a sweeping tax cut for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, and they’re going to pay for it by slashing federal spending on health care for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. This will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget. In addition to monetary consequences, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are attempting to dismantle the federal government – this week, there’s been talk of a looming executive order to dismantle the department of education, which would be catastrophic for our education systems from early learners to higher education. I’m hopeful that through this chaos, folks who previously have not paid much attention to the ins and outs of our Federal and State government will see how government impacts us all every day – from the roads we drive on, to the medications we need, and the food we eat. Meanwhile, rather than working with Democrats to pass legislation to help Minnesotans navigate these impacts, House Republicans are wasting time playing politics by bringing partisan MAGA bills to the House floor, knowing they will not pass. It is time to focus on a budget that will help Minnesotans weather this storm. I will do everything in my power to ensure I fight for our district and continue to amplify the needs of all our residents.  Fighting Harmful GOP Bills I am proud to protect and defend my trans, non-binary, and two-spirit siblings. They are apart of my family and community, and I will not be complacent with this hateful and dangerous anti-trans rhetoric. It has been concerning and infuriating that twice this week, House Republicans introduced harmful bills that would negatively impact our trans, non-binary, and two-spirit Minnesotans. Minnesota has always led the nation in standing up for our LGBTQIA2S+ neighbors, and Democrats will continue to show up and defend the human and civil rights of all our residents. Republican politicians in Minnesota are falling directly in line with Trump’s extreme and cruel agenda by prioritizing political theatre, burning valuable legislative hours on targeting our youth and vulnerable Minnesotans rather than addressing the real and imminent issues facing our state. Minnesota deserves better than leadership that wastes time on vindictive crusades while bipartisan bills pile up and real problems go unsolved. In these past few weeks, Republicans could have brought any number of bills forward that would support public education, or lower the cost of healthcare, groceries, and housing. Instead, GOP leaders have publicly stated their strategy is not to pass legislation, but instead to take meaningless votes on “messaging” bills that speak to their extreme rightwing base. Just last night, we voted down a terrible bill that would increase gun violence in Minnesota. Last year, Democrats passed gun violence prevention measures that are working, and House Republicans are eager to try to regress Minnesota. We need to be making Minnesota safer for our kids, not more dangerous. Watch my floor remarks here.  Next Monday, a bill to delay Paid Family and Medical Leave will hit the Floor – and a bill to completely eliminate the program is right behind it. This is a disservice to Minnesotans who need their state legislature to provide stability and help protect their quality of life and their future. City Day on the Hill I had a wonderful time at City Day on the Hill! It was so good to connect with other legislators and work together on strengthening state-local partnerships. And seeing Mayor Melvin Carter was a real highlight! I'm confident that these discussions will lead to meaningful progress.  Immigration Safety Town Hall As I shared at our recent town hall, I am hosting a Community Conversation on Immigration Safety with Rep. Liz Lee. Please join us for an important discussion with members from the Mexican Consulate, Attorney General’s Office, and City of St. Paul. Date: Tuesday, March 11th Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Hmong American Partnership, 1075 Arcade St., St. Paul For virtual attendance: Scan the QR Code in the flyer or follow this link. Follow our Facebook event page for updates. No registration required. Learn about resources and tools available to address immigration questions from the following local community organizations: - Hmong American Partnership
- Karen Organization of Minnesota
- Transforming Generations
- CAAL
- Minnesota Freedom Fund
- COPAL
- Afghan Cultural Society
- MN8
I look forward to a robust discussion with community members, leaders, and advocates, to ensure our communities safety. For any questions, please reach out to legislative assistant, Emma Erdahl at Emma.Erdahl@house.mn.gov.  Minnesota Defense Against Trump Administration As there are more serious and harmful threats coming from the federal government, Minnesota Democrats are ready to fight to defend our constituents against these reckless attacks. Here are some updates from AG Keith Ellison’s Office to defend and support Minnesotans. - This past Saturday Hose and Senate Trump Firewall colleagues convened a gathering of community organizations, inviting AG Ellison and Walz Administration officials, along with 60 partner organizations, to start working on how to connect partners to elected officials’ work to push back against Trump, and to connect elected officials to what community partners are doing. The AG won a preliminary injunction in their suit to block a Trump EO around what can be life-saving care for trans youth.
- On Wednesday afternoon, Attorney General Ellison announced he and a coalition of 21 other attorneys general have secured a nationwide preliminary injunction in Massachusetts v. NIH. The order prevents the Trump Administration from cutting billions of dollars in funds that supports cutting-edge medical and public health research at universities and research institutions across the country regardless of whether their states have joined the lawsuit.
- On Wednesday (3/5), Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined several other attorneys general for a town hall focused on the impact that Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s federal firings and funding freezes are having on the American people. The forum will be held in Phoenix, Arizona and will be broadcast live on YouTube at this link.
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