Dear Neighbors,
“If we don’t fight hard enough for the things we stand for, at some point we have to recognize that we really don’t stand for them.” - Paul Wellstone
The Minnesota House of Representatives is now constitutionally organized. That is good for democracy, and for Minnesotans in our district and across the state.
Earlier this week, an agreement was reached between House Democrats and Republicans that delivers what we’ve been advocating – a commitment from my Republican colleagues to honor the will of the voters by not unseating duly-elected Rep. Brad Tabke, and a fair and reasonable power-sharing agreement if the house returns to a 67-67 tie following the special election for District 40B (Governor Walz offered a writ to that special election and it will take place on March 11). I’m optimistic this new level-setting lays the groundwork for productive and collaborative work in the weeks ahead.
I will continue to work both in and outside of the Capitol listening to my constituents, community leaders, and advocates sharing priorities. Your input directly shapes my legislative efforts, and I will continue to advance our shared values here at the House.
Working In and Outside the Capitol
Here are some highlights from the week:
- Joined an important conversation with OutFront Minnesota to discuss how we prioritize creating a learning environment where students can be the best versions of themselves. We know we don’t get to that point through disinvestment and disinformation. It takes partners at all levels of government to produce world-class schools inclusive for all students.
- Rode along with Edina Police & Fire Departments.Thank you Officer Ortiz for sharing your shift with me, and showing me a close-up view of the important work you and the department do for our community every day.
- Joined colleagues at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington to talk about legislative priorities, and the interconnectivity of our healthcare system in treating the whole patient.
- Toured charter school International Spanish Language Academy led by a pack of engaged and insightful fifth graders.
- Met with business leaders for Black Entrepreneurs Day learning more of the everyday successes and challenges of small businesses.
- Signing onto my first bill as a co-author: Boundary Waters Permanent Protections.
- Attended the Metropolitan League of Cities 2025 Legislative Breakfast with city leadership, Senators and Representatives from across the metro to discuss a top priority across our state – housing.
- Enjoyed the ‘Cake-Off’ and hearing from the Edina Ed Fund student board about efforts to support literacy work in our schools including a look at the READ Act in motion.
Federal Executive Orders
I have heard from many of you concerned about the chaotic and overreaching executive orders that have been coming down from the Trump administration. I share your concerns, and want to assure you that I will use all of my power to resist every illegal, hateful, racist, xenophobic, and discriminatory action coming from the federal government. I will fight to protect the rights of communities already marginalized, particularly our LGBQT and immigrant neighbors. Diversity is a strength, and I won’t back down from that, and encourage you to do the same.
It is also unacceptable that there are plans to withhold federal dollars that will drastically cut funding to our state budget affecting programs that support pregnant women and children, public schools and special education services, food shelves, funding for police, cancer research trials, as well as many others. These attempted directives, if successful, will negatively impact services to every county, and city in the state of Minnesota, and it is not ok.
What I remind myself (daily) is that the goal of the rapid-speed chaos is to exhaust us so that resisting becomes so overwhelming we give up. We will not let that happen. I recently listened to an outstanding and insightful video ‘Don’t Believe Him’ by New York Times columnist Ezra Klein, and also find it encouraging to follow the collective legal efforts challenging actions from the Trump administration.
If you or anyone you know are impacted by any of the Trump administration executive orders, please reach out and we can work to find resources of support in our community, at the state level or through our Federal representatives.
Do Something! VEAP Food Shelf
I welcome you to join volunteers with SD50 DFL to support our local food shelf, VEAP, and help raise 1,500 LBS of their most needed items by the end of March. This is a great way to get involved in our community, help out your neighbors and make a difference. You can sign up here.
Stay Connected
I can be reached by email at rep.julie.greene@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4363 with any questions or thoughts you’d like to share., If you are making a visit to the Capitol, I’d love to hear from you to connect. If you are not already following my legislative updates and would like to receive them on a regular basis, please subscribe here. I also invite you to follow my Facebook here.
As always, it’s an honor to represent you and our communities.
Sincerely,
Julie Greene, District 50A
5th Floor Centennial Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155