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Dear Neighbors and Friends,
As we enter the last week of the 2025 legislative session, the Minnesota House is working around the clock to finalize crucial budget bills. Our DFL caucus remains steadfast in our commitment to responsible governance that protects our most vulnerable citizens. While difficult decisions will need to be made, I feel strongly we do not need to balance the budget on the backs of students, seniors, Minnesotans with disabilities, or other vulnerable members of our community.
Throughout this session, House DFLers have focused on policies that return power to everyday Minnesotans, not the ultra-wealthy and corporations. We're proud of the bipartisan achievements we've secured on several fronts, demonstrating that good governance transcends party lines when we focus on the needs of all Minnesotans.
Unfortunately, some of our GOP colleagues continue to push divisive policies that would harm Minnesota families while padding the pockets of corporations and millionaires. Let me be clear: the DFL will not compromise on policies that hurt average Minnesotans while making the rich get richer off.
As we navigate these final critical days, know that your DFL representatives remain committed to fighting for an economy and a state that works for everyone—not just those at the top.
As Vice Chair of the House Legislative People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, I proudly stood alongside my colleagues at a press conference to express our unwavering intention to fight for and protect our legislative achievements from the 2023-2024 session. United, we will defend the historic legislation our communities have long fought for. We will not stand idly by while the GOP seeks to wreak havoc in our communities by targeting historically underserved populations, they deem expendable. We will work to ensure our communities' voices and stories are heard and reflected in legislative decisions as we strive to establish a balanced budget that leaves no community behind.
Watch our press conference here.
House Public Info Articles on House Budgets
As I've shared in previous newsletters, over the past couple of weeks, members of the House have been working to pass several ongoing budget bills. Here are a few articles detailing these budget bills. I'll continue to keep you posted on the last few bills we have on the table.
You can find read more Session Daily articles here.
Paid Family Leave is Coming in 2026
Minnesota is set to become the 13th state with a statewide Paid Leave program. Through collaborative efforts with businesses, individuals, healthcare providers, and residents across the state, DFL legislators have developed an intuitive and accessible program that works for all Minnesotans. The Paid Leave team is offering a monthly webinar series through November 2025 to get Minnesotans ready. These informational sessions will explain the program's key elements and address questions for both employers and employees. Join their next webinar on June 12, 2025.
Information Session through Wilder Foundation
Learn about the Women's Economic Security Act (WESA) updates and the upcoming 2026 Paid Family Leave Program. These hour-long conversations will provide guidance on supporting expecting families and helping employees access Paid Leave benefits.
Employers, directors, supervisors, and managers are strongly encouraged to attend.
Impacts of Federal Cuts on Medicaid in Minnesota
As the federal government discusses potentially massive cuts to Medicaid it’s important to look at how this would impact Minnesota and who it would primarily impact. As a legislature we would be forced to make really difficult budget decisions around what to cut and how to raise revenue to continue to meet the most pressing needs. These cuts would result in harmful loss of coverage for kids, people with disabilities, and our seniors. This means nursing homes going understaffed and undersupplied, kids not getting the care and medication they need, folks with disabilities without the support they need to live full lives.
This would not be an efficient government, nor would it mean we are saving you money as a taxpayer. It would mean the government can’t afford to do its job or take care of its constituents; it would mean the costs of the negative outcomes of not giving people care would be felt elsewhere. That doesn’t sound like good governance to me; I’ll do all I can at the House to protect these crucial services.
Graduation Rates Reach All-Time High
As a lifelong educator, I share the joy of students, parents, and fellow educators as we celebrate a significant milestone: our state's graduation rates have reached a historic high! This achievement underscores a fundamental truth – when we invest in our children and the entire education system that supports them, we witness tangible results.
While Minnesota has ground to regain to once again lead the nation in education outcomes, this remarkable progress offers an encouraging glimpse of what's possible. My commitment to our youth and public education remains steadfast, and I urge us all to continue fostering this positive momentum for the benefit of every learner.
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at [email protected] or 651-296-9714. You can also follow my official Facebook page.
Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega
Minnesota House of Representatives
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