Dear Neighbors and Friends,
We're back at the Capitol after a brief legislative break, and the energy is palpable as we enter the final stretch of this legislative session. Our focus now sharpens on the critical task of passing budget bills that truly reflect the needs and priorities of Minnesotans. As the Legislature moves forward in crafting this new state budget, my commitment is clear: I will fight to put more power in the hands of Minnesotans – not billionaires and large corporations. We have a real opportunity to invest in our communities, strengthen our families, and build a more equitable future for everyone in our state.
At the same time, DFLers remain vigilant and prepared to stand as a strong line of defense against any harmful policies that may be coming down the federal pipeline. It's crucial that we protect the progress we've made here in Minnesota and ensure our state's unique needs are met.
Here is a highlight of a few bill packages we passed last week:
House Passes 2025 Legacy Bill
As the DFL Vice Chair of the Legacy Committee, I'm proud to have passed an inclusive and responsive bill that will support all Minnesotans. The Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 2563, the 2025 Legacy Budget Bill, on a bipartisan vote of 115-19. The bill, which I co-authored, invests nearly $777 million in Minnesota's outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and culture.
This legislation makes crucial investments in our state's natural legacy, with nearly $162 million directed to the Outdoor Heritage Fund to protect critical habitats, including 2,720 acres of public forest in Itasca County and 23,000 acres of forests statewide. Additionally, over $303 million will go to the Clean Water Fund, with a strong focus on addressing nitrate pollution in Southern Minnesota through expanded monitoring, well testing, and long-term protection strategies.
The bill also allocates $130 million to enhance Minnesota's parks and trails and invests almost $180 million in arts programming, preservation of Minnesota's history, and cultural heritage initiatives.
Since Minnesotans passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment in 2008, nearly $5.7 billion has been generated for projects that protect and enhance our state's natural and cultural resources. This latest funding package continues that important work for the benefit of all Minnesotans.
House Passes Public Safety and Judiciary Budget Bill: I was proud to vote ‘YES’ alongside my colleagues to pass the House Public Safety and Judiciary budget bill. Under Democratic leadership, Minnesota has become a safer state with improved outcomes in our justice system, and we can’t afford to go backwards now. This bill works to protect our historic reforms, needed investments, and prevents regressive legislation all while improving victims’ services, police training, and data protections for judges.
A lot of this bill was about stopping bad GOP proposals and maintaining our historic progress from the last two years, but we achieved some major new wins as well. This bill takes direct action to combat the chaotic actions of the Trump Administration that harm victim services and put Minnesotans’ safety at risk. By funding life-saving victim services programs that help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes, this bill is keeping Minnesota safe.
House Passes 2025 Agriculture Budget
We fought for a people-focused Agriculture Budget that feeds Minnesotans, safeguards workers and consumers from looming threats like bird flu, and supports small, emerging farmers in an economy tilted towards large corporations. I voted in favor of the 2025 Agriculture Budget bill, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 130-3.
DFLers won increases in funding for Farm to School and Early Care and Local Food Purchasing programs, which nourish our kids while also providing stability to local farmers. We increased workplace protections for meat and poultry workers and ensured retail milk and poultry will be tested for bird flu. We’re also helping the next generation of farmers by increasing down payment assistance for those just getting started in agriculture.
The proposed budget legislation outlined here represents our current position and priorities as we move forward in the process. It's important to note that these are not the final versions of the budget bills. We still need to negotiate with the Senate in Conference Committee, where differences between House and Senate versions will be reconciled. The final budget that emerges from this process may include modifications and compromises from both chambers before being presented for final approval.
Minnesota Making Progress on Clean Energy
In 2023 and 2024, DFLers made generational investments in a cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient energy system, putting Minnesota on the path to 100% Carbon-Free Energy by 2040.
The latest Minnesota Energy Factsheet shows our policies are working and our investments are paying off, creating high-paying clean energy jobs, lowering costs for families, and building a greener future:
? A new record low in carbon emissions, cutting another 4% between 2023 and 2024.
? Residents and businesses have saved more than $307 million in energy costs from the Energy Conservation Optimization (ECO) Act.
? Minnesota is ranked No. 1 in Midwest for overall energy efficiency, and No. 10 nationwide!
Here at the Capitol, I’m dedicated to protecting our progress from those who are seeking to repeal the legislation that made this positive change possible.
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