Legislative Update – February 21, 2025Dear Neighbors, Now that the House is officially organized, legislators have begun to hold committee meetings, bill hearings, and propose legislation for this year’s budget process. Right now, Republicans have a one-seat advantage on the House floor and in committees. If we return to a 67-67 tie following a March 11 special election, the agreed upon co-governing agreement will go into effect. Republicans are using the time they have to push controversial, unpopular bills that will move our state backward, create holes and instability in our long-term budget, and harm groups of Minnesotans who are already facing a deluge of attacks from the Trump Administration. I want you to know that Democrats are speaking up and fighting back against these proposals when they are brought forward. Republicans need 68 votes to pass any bill, so these extreme proposals will die on the House Floor. I’ve been using my time in committee to stand up for the voices of Minnesotans in our district and across the state that would be harmed if the Republicans passed their extreme agenda.  2025-26 Committee AssignmentsFor the next two years, I am proud to serve on the Children and Families Committee, the Higher Education Committee, and the Taxes Committee. If the House returns to a tie, I will serve as the DFL Vice-Chair of the Children and Families Committee, and I’m excited to get back to work ensuring that Minnesota remains a great state to raise a family and that children have the support they need to build strong, healthy lives. On the Higher Education Committee, I will continue my efforts to ensure that all types of higher education opportunities, two-year and four-year programs, are available for students and adults who want to take that next step to advance their careers and provide a better life for their families. I’m also looking forward to serving on the Taxes Committee for the first time, where I’ll fight for a fairer tax structure that doesn’t place undue pressure on working families as the richest among us continue to make record profits.  I had my first bill hearing of the year in the Taxes Committee, pushing to repeal an arcane “stamp tax” on illegal drug sales that has never been used in the real world. It’s an interesting bill, with bipartisan support from both DFL and GOP tax chairs. You can read more about it in this MinnPost article, or watch my presentation in committee here.  Meeting with Constituents and CommunityNow that we are back at the Capitol, I’ve enjoyed meeting with constituents, advocates, and community groups who visit Saint Paul to make their voices heard. In the past two weeks, I’ve had a packed schedule, including meeting with business owners from Prior Lake, Savage municipal liquor staff, members of the UMD student government association, AFCSME Council 5 members from Minnesota State Universities, Students United, the Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA) and a visit from our former State Representative Hunter Cantrell during Physicians’ Day on the Hill!  |