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Friends and neighbors, 

Spring is here, and with it, we have entered the phase of the legislative session where we will know which bills will continue to advance through the legislative process. House leaders recently announced an agreement on spending targets for crafting a state budget for the next two years. 

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From here, it’s up to us to put together a bipartisan budget framework balancing the Senate budget targets [ [link removed] ] and the Governor’s budget recommendations [ [link removed] ], which all have significant differences from the House. Negotiations in the Education Finance and Human Services committees are underway, and the Elections budget was finalized this week. For committees still working on these bills, I’m hopeful we will be able to put together packages that continue to make life a bit easier for each and every Minnesotan. 

As we move forward, we're also keeping an eye on the impacts of federal tariffs, an uncertain stock market, and other federal cuts impacting services in Minnesota. We have already seen impacts in Minnesota with the loss of 170 jobs in the Minnesota Health Department because of capricious federal cuts. A balanced budget approach is essential to safeguard critical services for Minnesotans, particularly those relying on Medicaid. That’s why I signed onto a bill to make up the difference by ensuring Minnesota’s wealthiest pay their fair share to keep Minnesotans who are depending on Medicaid covered should Trump and Musk slash the program. 

Medicaid isn't just another government program - it's the largest source of health insurance in our state, serving seniors, kids, families, and people with disabilities who need support. The numbers from Congress's Joint Economic Committee report are alarming: if Republican budget cuts go through, Minnesota could see 89,000 rural residents lose coverage, 130,000 children without insurance, one in six seniors losing nursing home care, and nearly 400,000 Minnesotans totally cut off from their health care. These aren't just statistics - they're our family and neighbors who would suddenly find themselves without care they depend on.   

DFLers are ready to do everything possible to protect Minnesotans from these harmful policies, because in Minnesota, we believe everyone deserves access to healthcare, not just those who can afford to write big campaign checks. 







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My Bills

A bill I carried last year had a hearing in Education, and I’m hopeful will make it across the finish line. HF51 would add roof replacement to the list of large-scale projects all school districts are able to levy their communities for. Currently, school districts under a levy cap are forced to undertake roof replacements piece by piece, creating construction headaches, disruptions in learning, and an unevenly aging roof.  

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I also had a committee hearing on HF1678, which would make critical improvements to the Essential Community Supports program, providing much-needed assistance for older adults and caregivers. The bill would expand eligibility to include people over 60 and those with dementia and would add respite care services to support our caregivers. Currently, many families struggle to find and afford support for aging loved ones, and this legislation would help bridge that gap. 

I’m also proud to announce that I’ve been appointed to the P-20 Education partnership for the 2025-2026 term by Speaker Emerita Hortman. 

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Join Me for a Town Hall!

On Monday, April, 14th, at 6:00 p.m., I’ll be joining South Metro elected officials, including Congresswoman Angie Craig, State Reps. John Huot, Kaela Berg, Robert Bierman, and State Senators Erin Maye Quade, and Lindsey Port for a regional Town Hall Meeting on how the federal government’s actions are impacting our neighbors in the South Metro area. Due to limited capacity, please register here to receive the location.  [ [link removed] ]

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Constituent Corner

This week, I had the chance to meet with Northeast Service Cooperative, Lionsgate Academy, constituents with HOA concerns, the Chamber of Commerce, and school facilities advocates. Thank you to everyone for making time for me to talk about the things that matter most to you! 

I also attended the Northeast Minnesota Behavioral Health Summit and Legislative Listening Session put on by the Better Together Behavioral Health Network and MN North College in Virginia. I heard about the challenges the region is facing, including high rates of substance use disorder, lack of access to healthcare, including mental health services, and recent layoffs across the region.

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Recipe of the Week

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If you’re like me, the news coming out of Washington has been overwhelming lately. In between calling my congressmembers and working to protect our progress here in Minnesota, one thing that keeps me going is gathering with my family around a good meal at the end of a long day. Food connects us, comforts us, and fuels us to continue to fight extreme MAGA policies that threaten our democracy. In the name of community and longevity of our fight, I want to share some of my favorite recipes that are staples in our household. 

This week’s recipe is sure to be a hit at any springtime gathering – Raspberry Jello! You can find the recipe here [ [link removed] ]. 







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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 by email at  [email protected], or by phone at 651-296-4192. You can contact my new Legislative Assistant, Jude, at 651-296-9467 or at [email protected]. 

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol. 

  

All my best, 

Bianca Virnig 

State Representative 






State Representative Bianca Virnig

5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Phone: 651-296-4192
Email: [email protected] "(replies to this newsletter are not monitored)"
Website: www.house.mn.gov/52B [ [link removed] ]







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