Friends and neighbors,
This week, the Minnesota Management and Budget released its February budget forecast, which shows the budget outlook moving in the wrong direction compared to last November’s forecast. Donald Trump’s reckless economic policies are impacting this forecast, with inflation expected to climb and tax receipts expected to fall. I expect that Republican-driven policies like tax cuts for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, paid for by cuts to Medicaid, will bring additional negative impacts.
Instead of bringing down food and gas prices like they promised on the campaign trail, Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are on the verge of enacting a sweeping corporate tax cut paid for by getting rid of 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 college students. 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 - fully knowing they will not pass.
It is now time for Republicans to join us and 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
It has been concerning 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. 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.
On Thursday, 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 undo this and bring harm to Minnesota. We need to be making Minnesota safer for our kids - not more dangerous.
Tomorrow, 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.
Immigration Safety Town Hall
I am hosting a Community Conversation on Immigration Safety with Rep. Athena Hollins. 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.
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.
Stay Connected
As a reminder, legislators will be working in the Centennial Office Building ahead of the new year. I deeply value your partnership in building a better future. Please continue to share your perspectives on the issues that impact our community. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out here.
For meetings: Please email my legislative assistant, Boon Xiong, at Boon.Xiong@house.mn.gov or call 651-296-2585.
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Zoo siab,
Rep. Liz Lee
District (67A)
Minnesota House of Representatives