Legislative Update - March 7, 2025

Dear Neighbors, 

Happy Women’s History Month, and Ramadan Kareem to our Muslim neighbors celebrating this month. Thank you to everyone who attended our District 63 town hall last weekend! We had a great turnout and heard from our neighbors about their hopes and fears for this legislative session and beyond. Parents spoke about ensuring that children and families are supported through strong schools and economic policies. We also heard worries about the federal government– from data privacy concerns to the slashing of key government programs. I share the anxiety and fear many of you have expressed about what the next four years may bring and how they will impact our community. If you see or feel impacts, feel free to reach out to my office. I am committed to using every lever of power we have at the state level to protect people, the rule of law, our progress, and our representative democracy.

It was great to visit with some of you this week at the State Capitol. I met with City Council members Koski and Chowdhury to discuss our shared efforts to support traffic calming in Minneapolis. I also met with MAPE (Minnesota Association of Professional Employees) members who shared their vital work in keeping our state government running. Their work is more important than ever given the uncertainty at the federal level. If you’d like to set up a virtual or in-person visit with my office, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Trump Cuts put Minnesota’s Budget at Risk

This week, a new state economic forecast confirmed that Donald Trump’s policies are already moving Minnesota’s economy and state budget in the wrong direction and making life more expensive for hardworking Minnesotans.

Last November, the state budget forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus over the current budget cycle, a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming biennium, and our highest budget reserve fund ever–all due to responsible DFL governance. But as of today, Minnesota’s projected positive balance has shrunk to $456 million. 

Instead of bringing down prices as they promised on the campaign trail, 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 investments in health care for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. This will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget.

This latest budget forecast means that the Legislature must be laser-focused on a state budget that helps working and middle-class Minnesotans, not corporations and billionaires who are doing better than ever.

As your representative, I’m committed to fighting for an economy where everyone can get ahead. I will continue to oppose Republican bills to lower taxes for the rich, put barriers to healthcare access, and repeal policies that help Minnesotans thrive, like Paid Family and Medical Leave.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Press Conference

Last week, I expanded on how Minnesota Republicans are targeting Paid Family Medical Leave. While the GOP is intent on reversing our state’s progress, I joined my DFL colleagues and advocates at a press conference to make clear our unwavering support for Minnesota’s working families.

At its core, paid family and medical leave is about recognizing and upholding human dignity. It acknowledges that people are not just workers; they're family members, caregivers, and individuals with inherent needs. To force someone to choose between their job and caring for a newborn, a dying parent, or their own serious health condition strips them of that fundamental dignity.

House Republicans are pushing to delay and ultimately repeal this legislation entirely. Their proposal would strip Minnesotans of crucial protections during their most vulnerable moments. My DFL colleagues and I will continue to fight along Minnesotans to protect our Paid Leave Law.

I shared my personal story following this event, which you can view here.

CanRenew Grant Applications Due March 24

A reminder that CanRenew grants are due in less than 3 weeks on March 24!

The CanRenew Community Restoration Grant Program, established by the Minnesota State Legislature in 2023 under the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), aims to promote equitable development in communities adversely affected by past cannabis prohibition laws. OCM’s Division of Social Equity administers these grants, supporting economic development, health improvements, violence prevention, youth development, and civil legal aid.

Funding availability and project dates: Grant projects may range from $50,000 to $200,000, with grantees announced in spring 2025 and projects starting around June 30, 2025. Awarded projects must support investments in communities with long-term residents who are eligible social equity applicants. Funds must be used within a one-year period, with operations commencing within 90 days of the award notice. 

Webinar: Mind, Body and Soul Convening March 18

Join Mind, Body and Soul on Tuesday, March 18 from 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. for a webinar It all adds up: Community helping shape the Cumulative Impacts and Air Toxics Rulemaking Process, where the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will provide an overview of Minnesota’s new Air Toxics and Cumulative Impacts rulemaking processes. Come learn about where MPCA is at in the rulemaking processes and share your ideas to help inform the shaping of these rules. Register for the webinar here.

Minnesota Youth at Work Competitive Grants Due March 21

The Youth at Work Competitive Grant provides workforce development and training opportunities to economically disadvantaged or at-risk youth ages 14-24. It is administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The application packet must be received via email by no later than 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 21. The application packet must be submitted to Youth.Team.DEED@state.mn.us in a single PDF. Visit DEED’s Competitive Grants and Contracts website for more information.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087. You can also follow my Facebook page. 

In community,

Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura

Minnesota House of Representatives