Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Dear Neighbors,

Last week, a new state economic forecast confirmed that the new federal administration’s policies are already moving Minnesota’s economy and state budget in the wrong direction, 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.

Recent House Votes

Following a special election on March 11th where a DFL candidate won, the House is again tied and we will soon re-enter our power-sharing agreement. Committees will move to have equal numbers of members from each party and co-chairs who will share the gavel. For me, that means becoming co-chair of the Legacy Committee. I view this as a real opportunity to work together on the priorities of Minnesotans.

Despite House Republicans having controlled committees and Floor agendas, it’s important to note they have wasted almost all that time on MAGA priorities that never passed the chamber.

The GOP brought a hateful and dangerously invasive bill to the House floor that would ban trans kids from playing sports. HF 12 was dangerous and discriminatory legislation. HF 12 does nothing to solve Minnesotans most concerned issue about keeping prices affordable, and instead bullies our most marginalized kids. I'm proud I voted against it.  Watch a student-athlete speak to the cruelty of this bill. 

Another was their “Shoot First” bill. Currently, 27 states have Shoot First laws, and every one of them has a higher rate of gun deaths than Minnesota, with the average rate of gun deaths being more than twice Minnesota’s. We must value life first, seek ways to de-escalate in any tense situation and prevent gun violence, not justify it.

Over the past two years, House DFLers took action to reduce gun violence by requiring criminal background checks and creating Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These policies are already making a difference. In fact, Minnesota has one of the lowest firearm mortality rates in the US, in large part to our sensible and safety-centered gun violence prevention laws. Democrats refuse to allow Republicans to strip or weaken hard-fought rights. 

Brooklynk Program 

Do you know a young person who wants to jump start their career while getting paid? BrookLynk’s Paid Summer Internship Program is the perfect opportunity for young people in our community to explore different career paths, gain valuable real-world experience, and earn a paycheck while doing it.

Past interns have worked alongside police officers and firefighters, helped maintain parks and recreation spaces, gained hands-on experience in public works and city government, and more.

If your teen or young adult is 16-24 years old, lives or goes to school in Brooklyn Park or Brooklyn Center, and has completed the Get Ready! Training, they’re eligible to apply here!

Water Infrastructure Bonding Investment Project

I presented legislation recently to develop new water infrastructure in Brooklyn Park to further grow our northwest metro area.

This bill would provide state funding to help the city plan, design, and build upgrades to its water distribution system, including adding two east-west water mains under U.S. Highway 169, another running north-south under Highway 610, and key connections to support the city’s biotech innovation district. Brooklyn Park’s current water system will have issues keeping up with future demand, and the northwest part of the city needs the necessary infrastructure for development. 

These bonding improvements would open up new space for business development, bringing around 10,000 jobs and 3,000 housing units while boosting the local economy and tax base.

Thanks to Mayor Hollies Winston for partnering with me on this project.

Fighting for Accessible Health Care

Throughout my time in the legislature, I have advocated for health care that is more affordable and more accessible. Together, we’ve made historic progress, but there’s still more work to be done.

Recently, I met with some constituents to discuss how we can ensure access to health care for all Minnesotans. There are currently about 250,000 Minnesotans without any health insurance and at least a million more who have insurance but still cannot afford their medical bills due to co-payments, deductibles, and care not covered by their insurance, even after they pay high premiums. That is why I support HF 1646 that buys down medical debt and relieves residents unable to pay medical bills and HF 255 that will direct patient-centered care for those in need.

Stay in Touch

Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at [email protected] or please contact my Legislative Assistant Grace at [email protected]. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here. 

Sincerely,

Rep. Samantha Vang

651-296-3709

[email protected]