Friends and neighbors,
Ramadan Mubarak! Wishing you a peaceful holy month with loved ones and community.
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, along with reckless 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 thorough 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. In these past few weeks, Republicans could have brought any number of bills forward that would help increase healthcare access, 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 activist base.
Yesterday’s updated budget forecast makes it clear that it’s time for House Republicans to stop wasting time with political stunts on the House floor and start working with Democrats to craft a budget that benefits all of Minnesota.
Harmful GOP Bills
Just last night, we voted down a terrible bill that would increase gun violence in Minnesota. These “shoot first, ask questions later" laws don't merely alter traditional self-defense principles – they effectively escalate violent situations and issue a license to kill. I was proud to vote in opposition with my Democrat colleagues to reject this reckless bill that would deepen existing inequities in our justice system. True public safety requires equal protection under law, not legislation that turns subjective fear into a weapon wielded disproportionately against communities of color.
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.
On 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. At a time when Trump’s policies are creating chaos and skyrocketing costs, why are Republicans working so hard to roll back paid family and medical leave and make it harder for Minnesotans to get ahead? This is a disservice to Minnesotans who need their state legislature to provide stability and help protect their quality of life and their future. I’m proud to stand with workers and business owners to reject the GOP’s anti-worker, anti-business, anti-family proposal to delay Minnesota’s paid family and medical leave program for another year.
Union Bill for Uber/Lyft Drivers
Minnesota’s rideshare drivers keep our communities moving, but right now, still do not have a seat at the table in the industry they sustain. Last year, we took an important step toward fair wages, but big rideshare companies continue to do the bare minimum while making billions.
It’s time to change that. I'm the proud House author of a bill that gives drivers the right to form a union and negotiate fair pay and protections—just like other workers. We are following the successful model passed by Massachusetts voters while making sure our language fits Minnesota’s needs.
My bill ensures that if drivers choose to unionize, they can bargain collectively with all rideshare companies on a single contract, voted on by drivers statewide. It creates real accountability and stops corporations from exploiting workers and misleading the public.
Let’s be clear—giving drivers a voice does not hurt the communities that rely on these services. The real issue isn’t drivers demanding fair treatment; it’s corporate greed. This bill is about fairness, dignity, and economic justice. I am proud to stand with SEIU 26 and our union brothers and sisters in this fight.
Keep in Touch
Please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime with input, or questions, or to let me know how I can be of assistance at rep.samakab.hussein@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5158. Be sure to ‘like’ and follow my new Facebook page.
Thank you for the honor of serving our community.
Sincerely,
Rep. Samakab Hussein