Dear Neighbors,

The 2025 legislative session concluded May 19th, and I want to share where things stand and what comes next for our state.

With the Minnesota House evenly divided at 67-67, we knew this session would require meaningful collaboration to deliver the investments our community deserves. And while we made progress on several key priorities, some important work remains unfinished.

In the final days of session, we passed a number of budget bills, including critical investments in veterans’ programs, agriculture, housing, judiciary and public safety, as well as initiatives from the Minnesota Legacy Amendment. We also approved a bill addressing pension reform and a package of human services policy provisions. Additionally, the House passed a bill to extend unemployment insurance for workers impacted by mass layoffs in the iron ore mining industry and hourly school workers who feed, transport, and care for our kids.

While many budget bills did pass on time, about ten did not. This means a special session will be needed, which we anticipate starting soon. As we look to a short special session to finish the remaining important pieces, I remain committed to representing our community’s priorities and ensuring we move forward with a balanced, responsible budget that reflects Minnesota values. Thank you for staying engaged, whether it be phone calls, emails, or visits to the Capitol.

Protecting Policies that Help Working Families

This session, we protected our major policy wins from 2023, including those that help working families achieve economic security. Minnesotans believe in caring for one another, but right now, most workers in our state — and across the country — don’t have access to paid time to care for themself or a family member. But starting January 1, 2026, our new Paid Family & Medical Leave program will allow workers to take time off to recover from a serious health condition, welcome a new child, care for a loved one, or navigate personal safety challenges – all without having to sacrifice their economic security.

Republican efforts to roll back Minnesota’s universal school meals program did not move forward. I’m glad to report that our final budget agreement protects free breakfast and lunch for all students. This program is helping kids stay focused in the classroom and easing financial pressure on families across the state.

Speaking at the SAFSF Forum

I’m honored to be speaking at this year’s Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) Forum, taking place June 9–12, located on the sovereign land of the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico. This gathering is a powerful opportunity to connect with community leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across the country who are working toward a shared vision of equitable, sustainable agriculture systems.

For over 20 years, SAFSF has brought together a dynamic network of philanthropic organizations, investors, community finance institutions, and intermediaries to explore innovative ways to support food system transformation. This year’s Forum is rooted in the themes of Resilience, Justice, and Democracy—values that are essential as we face the intersecting challenges of climate change, systemic inequity, and the need for more just food systems. You can learn more about their mission here.

Fighting Back Against Trump’s Reckless Budget

Recently, U.S. House Republicans passed a budget bill that makes devastating cuts to working families, both in Minnesota and across the country. We know that the Trump administration has no interest in lowering costs, instead focusing their energy on prioritizing tax breaks for billionaires and large corporations at the expense of healthcare, food assistance, and basic dignity for millions of Americans.

Here’s what’s at stake with Trump’s Big, Bad Bill:

Healthcare coverage slashed: Millions will face higher premiums, deductibles, and copays. Hospitals are at risk of closing, and nursing homes could be forced to shut their doors.
Food assistance gutted: The GOP Tax Scam takes food off the tables of children, seniors, and veterans — punishing the most vulnerable while rewarding the ultra-wealthy.
Takes money from working families: The bill would block as many as 20 million children in working families from receiving the full $2,500 Child Tax Credit. These are parents working hard in vital but underpaid jobs — truck drivers, cooks, janitors — and in Minnesota alone, 260,000 children would be impacted.

This federal assault on everyday people makes it even more critical for state leaders to step up. And that’s exactly what the DFL has done.

Instead of turning our backs on Minnesotans, DFLers have passed a state budget that invests in people—not corporations. We’ve fully funded the Minnesota Department of Health to protect and expand essential services, including a new investment in dementia care that supports caregivers and advances research, education, and services for families.

We’ve boosted funding for Farm to School and Early Care and $1.4 million in Local Food Purchasing programs—supporting local farmers while ensuring our kids have access to healthy, locally grown food. And we’re helping the next generation of farmers get their start with expanded down payment assistance.

We’ve also protected early learning scholarships, key grant programs, and essential family supports—because Minnesotans deserve stability, opportunity, and a government that puts them first.

While Republicans in Washington turn their backs on working families, the Minnesota House DFL is delivering solutions, strengthening communities, and building a future where everyone has the chance to thrive.

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 Isabel 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]