 Governor Walz declared September 29 – October 5, 2025, as Soybean Week in Minnesota, highlighting the critical role soybean farmers play in Minnesota’s economy and the growing challenges they face from federal trade policy.
“Soybeans are Minnesota’s largest agricultural export and the heart of our agricultural economy – but our soybean farmers are confronting a crisis they haven’t seen since the 1980s,” said Governor Walz. “They’ve produced a bumper crop this year, just to find out they have nowhere to sell their harvest thanks to Trump’s trade policies. Minnesota’s got the best beans in the world – I encourage Minnesotans to stand with our farmers and continue to advocate for federal trade reform.”
Minnesota soybean producers are facing significant hurdles, experiencing an increase in bankruptcies and reduced commodity prices due to President Trump’s trade policies. Tariffs have severely reduced the market for soybean farmers to sell their goods abroad.
On Tuesday, Governor Walz and DFL legislative leaders released a detailed proposal for a special session focused on gun violence and school safety. The Governor and DFL leaders proposed specific action on guns as well as bipartisan proposals on school safety, additional mental health resources, and new funding for law enforcement.
“This proposal meets the expectations that Minnesotans have for their elected leaders – that we respond to threats to public safety and take direct action on guns,” said Governor Walz. “We will not let this issue simply go away. Our offer addresses mental health, school safety, support for law enforcement, and most importantly, common sense gun laws.”
 On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Commerce announced finalized rates for health insurance premiums, with significant increases for many Minnesotans due to President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. Due to Washington’s failure to extend tax credits, Minnesotans will face increased premiums, raising health care costs for middle-class Minnesotans by an average of $2000 per year.
“Minnesota is home to some of the best health care systems in the world – something that we’re proud of. But Republican leadership in Washington is putting the affordability and reliability of that care at risk,” said Governor Walz. “President Trump’s so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ is driving up health insurance costs and threatening the stability of our health care system. We are going to keep fighting to protect affordability, preserve access, and make sure Minnesotans can receive the care they need without breaking the bank.”
Steep premium increases and reduced access to coverage will disproportionately impact rural communities, middle class families, farmers, and small businesses. Last week, Governor Walz convened a roundtable discussion with state leaders and health care experts to address the rising cost of health insurance and highlight state action to counter federal provisions.
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