Dear Neighbors and Friends,
We're back at the Capitol after a brief legislative break and starting to consider budget bills on the floor. My job is to ensure that these budget bills truly reflect the needs and priorities of all 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.
House Passes Public Safety and Judiciary Budget Bill
Today, I voted 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. In St. Paul, you may have heard that our gun violence rates are at an all-time low because the city was able to use the public safety dollars awarded from last session’s surplus to invest in a gun violence task force.
This year’s public safety bill makes needed investments in areas like victims' services, police training, and Legal Aid at a time when federal resources have become nonexistent. Just last month, the U.S. Department of Justice shut down grants at the Office on Violence Against Women- leaving many community programs in limbo.
I’m proud that 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 because of the recent food safety issues being seen across the globe. We’re also helping the next generation of farmers by increasing down payment assistance for those just getting started in agriculture.
Standing with Minnesotans
It's never too cold or gloomy to fight for democracy! I was proud to join fellow Minnesotans and my DFL colleagues in speaking out for a budget that protects Minnesotans from destructive federal cuts. Minnesota's projected budget deficit is placing essential programs like Medical Assistance and special education at risk.
These challenges are now compounded by Trump's unconstitutional attack on public services. Since the February forecast, the Trump administration has cancelled $282 million of federal funding with another $72 million temporarily disrupted. And that is not counting a potential $1.6 billion annual cut to Medicaid with the coming federal budget.
In these unprecedented times, we cannot afford to conduct business as usual. Where the federal government abandons mothers, children, veterans, and senior citizens, I along with my fellow Minnesota DFL legislators are ready to step up and protect the programs we all rely on.
Watch the press conference here.
Stay Connected
As a reminder, House members are currently working in the Centennial Office Building this biennium. 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