Dear Neighbors,
Work at the Capitol is continuing to chug along. Here’s an update
Federal Actions Impacting State Budget - Trump/Musk Chaos Hurting the Economy
- I’ve been commenting more than usual on actions taken by the federal government because they have the potential to dramatically impact our state’s budget. We got more reminders of that this week.
- Yesterday, we received an updated state budget forecast. It projects a $456 million surplus for fiscal year ’26-’27, which is down from the forecast we got in December. It also projects a $5.995 billion budget deficit in ’27-’28 which is up from December. The biggest difference between this week’s projections and the one we got in December is higher than expected inflation due to actions by the federal government, including President Trump’s tariffs.
- This budget forecast does not account for the cuts to human services spending in the Trump/Musk budget framework that Congress has approved. It will be impossible for Congress to achieve these cuts without slashing Medicaid.
- Who relies on Medicaid for their health insurance? Besides many adults, the map below shows the percentage of Minnesota children by region who rely on Medicaid for their health insurance. Because of actions at the federal level, state lawmakers like me will be forced to choose between these children losing their health insurance or finding billions of dollars from the state budget to make up for the cuts in federal funding.
Art Therapy - Real Support for Real Mental Health Issues
- I had a fun time meeting with art therapists from around the state this week to discuss their support for my bill to make art therapy a licensed profession in Minnesota.
- Embracing new forms of therapy is critical if we are going to have a meaningful impact on improving mental health in Minnesota.
- This bill will make sure Minnesotans have access to high-quality mental health support!
PGA 3M Open to Continue in Blaine - Big Opportunity for Blaine!
- The PGA’s annual stop in Blaine has been extended for another five years!
- This is a big win for our community! The 3M Open not only brings national and international attention to Blaine but is also a huge economic boost for the city and surrounding area.
- I’ll see you out on the course!
(Jerry Holt/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.matt.norris@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-2907. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Matt Norris, District 32B
5th Floor Centennial Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155