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Dear Neighbor,
We had another busy week at the Capitol. Here’s a quick update.
Budget forecast shows Trump negatively impacting Minnesota’s economy
On Thursday, Minnesota Management and Budget released the February Budget and Economic Forecast, showing that Minnesota is already starting to see the negative impacts of Donald Trump’s chaos, cruelty, and incompetence, with inflation, tariffs, and uncertainty taking their toll on our economy and state budget. And the worst is yet to come. Instead of bringing down prices like they promised on the campaign trail, Donald Trump and Republicans are working to enact trillions in tax cuts for big corporations and the wealthy, and they’re going to pay for it through reckless cuts to education and health care for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Thanks to responsible DFL budgeting, the forecast shows a $3.7 billion surplus in the current biennium, and a $456 million positive balance in the upcoming budget cycle. The state continues to have our highest budget reserve fund ever. But when the federal government walks away from its obligations, the state has to step in, and we simply won’t have the resources to keep up. This will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget.
While Republicans fight to preserve the status quo where big corporations and billionaires rig the economy to accumulate more power and wealth, House DFLers are fighting for a future where workers and families can get ahead.
Despite the challenges ahead of us, we will work together with our Republican colleagues to balance the budget.
House Republicans work to delay or repeal paid family & medical leave
Disappointingly, one of the biggest priorities for Minnesota Republicans during their temporary advantage in the Minnesota House of Representatives is to delay, or even outright eliminate, the very popular paid family & medical leave program. Minnesotans deserve the security of paid leave to care for themselves and their loved ones. That's why, in 2023, we enacted a law ensuring access for workers across our state. We're standing with workers and business owners who are making it clear to House Republicans that we cannot afford to delay these benefits any longer.
Every other industrialized nation has figured out how to offer paid family and medical leave. Twelve other states and Washington D.C. offer paid leave. This isn’t some new idea — it’s similar to unemployment insurance.
Minnesotans have waited long enough. There is no reason to delay paid family and medical leave. And Republicans are making it clear that they don’t want to stop with just a delay. They have introduced two bills that would repeal the program entirely.
Democrats aren’t going to let either of those things happen.
 Speaking at a press conference on the importance of paid family & medical leave.
Days on the Hill & constituent meetings
It’s always great to connect with constituents and participate in the various Days on the Hill at the Capitol. Hearing directly from you helps shape legislation, and I appreciate the time and effort so many have taken to engage in the process.
 Speaking to the Champlin Park High School Debate Team
 Meeting with members of the Champlin Park High School Debate Team alongside Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Danny Nadeau.
 Meeting with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
 Speaking at Arts Advocacy Day
 Meeting with Minnesota Association Of Professional Employees constituents
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. You can reach me at 651-296-4280 or [email protected]. You can also keep up with what’s happening at the Capitol by liking my legislative Facebook page. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman
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