Legislative Update -
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
To be honest, this week was emotional and difficult. Despite all the hardships, I am grateful for our community and the support I’ve received from our district. 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. Minnesota deserves better than leadership that wastes time on vindictive crusades while bipartisan bills pile up and real problems go unsolved. 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 extreme rightwing base.
Minnesota DFLers are laser-focused on building a state that belongs to everyone, with a tent large enough to welcome all who value basic humanity. I am proud to represent our district, and I am determined to fight tirelessly to protect the civil liberties of every one of our residents.
If you aren’t already, please consider following our Minnesota Queer Legislators Caucus Facebook page to stay informed on our fight against the Republican’s cruel agenda.
Trump Cuts put Minnesota’s Budget at Risk
This week, a new state economic forecast confirmed that Donald Trump’s policies are already moving Minnesota’s economy and state budget in the wrong direction and making life more expensive for hardworking Minnesotans.
Last November, the state budget forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus over the current budget cycle, a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming biennium, and our highest budget reserve fund ever–all due to responsible DFL governance. But as of today, Minnesota’s projected positive balance has shrunk to $456 million.?
Instead of bringing down prices as they promised on the campaign trail, 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 investments in health care for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. This will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget.
This latest budget forecast means that the Legislature must be laser-focused on a state budget that helps working and middle-class Minnesotans, not corporations and billionaires who are doing better than ever.
As your representative, I’m committed to fighting for an economy where everyone can get ahead. I will continue to oppose Republican bills to lower taxes for the rich, put barriers to healthcare access, and repeal policies that help Minnesotans thrive like Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Passage of Bipartisan Bill
HF286 has been a legislative priority for the City of White Bear Lake since 2021, following a deeply concerning 2020 case where a "massage therapist" was managing a sex trafficking operation in both White Bear Lake and Woodbury. I co-authored bipartisan legislation which authorizes cities and counties to conduct a background check that includes access to the national database of applications for a license to operate an adult entertainment establishment or license to provide massage services; these businesses are often hotspots for sex traffickers.
In my unique position within our shared governance structure in the House, I've consistently emphasized the importance of working across the aisle to address the pressing issues our constituents are asking us to solve. Co-presenting this bill with my Republican colleague, Rep. Perryman, exemplifies exactly the kind of bipartisan collaboration I've been advocating for, a collaborative governance that our constituents deserve and that I remain committed to championing.
This approach isn't just about political optics—it's about delivering real results for our communities. When our constituents face serious issues like human trafficking, they don't care about party labels; they expect us to work together to keep their families and neighborhoods safe.
By joining forces on this legislation, we're demonstrating that protecting vulnerable individuals and strengthening community safety transcends partisan divides.
I’m proud to share the bill passed unanimously. Watch my House floor remarks on my Facebook page here.
Stay Connected!
Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.brion.curran@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4342, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe!
Sincerely,
Brion Curran
State Representative