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*Dear Neighbors, *

Last week, I attended a beautiful and meaningful event in Edina called ‘Know Your Neighbors’ organized by one of our Somali community members. In a moment when hateful and ugly words from President Trump are directed toward our Minnesota Somali community, she chose to bring people together. 

Let me be clear to our Somali neighbors: you belong here, you are deeply valued, and you strengthen our community every day through your businesses, leadership, service, culture, and commitment to family and one another.

I encourage others to join me in standing with our vulnerable communities. Much of the federal actions taken by the President and his ICE agents here in Minnesota are harmful and unlawful. What is happening is dangerous, serving no greater purpose than to cause terror in Minnesotan communities [ [link removed] ]. Here is a toolkit put together by my Senate colleagues [ [link removed] ] with information relating to knowing civil rights, legal assistance, emergency contacts, advocacy and community support, and numerous other resources. Please share with your networks.

Gun Violence Prevention

These recent survey [ [link removed] ] results from Lumaris research do not come as a surprise to me: "79% of Minnesotans in the Twin Cities suburbs support an assault weapons ban." And the students I work with regularly on this issue agree. We don’t need another headline to remind us of the massive gun violence public health crisis happening in our country, and to our children. 

As I prepare for the 2026 legislative session (starts February 17), I would like to hear from you, constituents in District 50a, and get your insight on several key gun violence prevention measures. 

Please take a moment to fill out my short survey [ [link removed] ]. Thank you.

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I was honored to be a featured speaker at a Students Demand Action meeting at Edina High School. I also attended the first Edina MOMs Demand Action meeting. It’s wonderful seeing community driven action on this important issue!

State Budget Forecast

*The recent **economic forecast* [ [link removed] ]* showed that growing health care costs and sluggish economic growth *are impacting Minnesota’s state budget thanks in large part to policies from the Trump administration. Wage growth is lower, consumer spending is weakening, and inflation continues to be elevated. Minnesota workers and families are experiencing an affordability crisis, and that is reflected in our state’s economic forecast. As your Representative, I’m committed to supporting policies which help Minnesotans thrive while keeping costs down.

Fraud

Minnesota's work to fight fraud against our state continues [ [link removed] ]. The Governor’s office announced a new *statewide program* led by ex-FBI agent Tim O'Malley that will continue the work of preventing fraud, improving oversight and protecting public trust. I appreciate Governor Walz [ [link removed] ] for taking this additional important action to ensure accountability across state government. Protecting our state dollars will continue to be a top priority for me, no exceptions.

Assistant DFL Leader

I’m honored to be elected by my colleagues as Assistant Floor Leader. Steady, thoughtful leadership matters now more than ever, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our caucus and our state as we head into the 2026 session.

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Paid Family & Medical Leave Launches January 1, 2026

I want to share an important update on one of the most significant wins for working families in decades: Minnesota’s new Paid Family & Medical Leave program, launching January 1, 2026.

The United States is the only developed country that does not guarantee paid leave, forcing too many workers to choose between a paycheck and caring for a new child, a loved one, or their own health. In Minnesota, that changes in 2026.

Passed in 2023, *Paid Leave *provides partial wage replacement for up to *12 weeks of medical leave* for a serious health condition, including pregnancy and recovery, and *12 weeks of family leave* to care for a new child, a seriously ill loved one, or certain military- or safety-related needs. Workers may use up to *20 total weeks per year* if both types of leave are needed.

The program is funded through a small premium. In 2026, the rate will be *0.88%*, with employers paying at least half. If split evenly, employees and employers each contribute *0.44%*, or about *$5 per week* each for a worker earning the average annual wage.

Paid Leave is built on Minnesota’s existing Unemployment Insurance system to ensure a smooth rollout, and it was developed with extensive input from employers. The program also helps level the playing field for small businesses, allowing them to compete for talent by offering a benefit many could not previously provide on their own.

The* Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) *has created toolkits for both workers [ [link removed] ] and businesses [ [link removed] ], covering eligibility, benefits, timelines, premiums, and frequently asked questions.

For many Minnesotans, missing a single paycheck can create serious financial hardship. Paid Leave provides real security—so no one has to risk their economic stability to care for themselves or their family. This program has been years in the making, and I’m excited for families across our community to finally have this peace of mind. Learn more and access resources at *pl.mn.gov* [ [link removed] ].

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Shop Local This December (and every month!)

The benefits of shopping locally not only keeps small businesses thriving during one of their most crucial seasons, our investment in our community businesses strengthens our local economy. Plus, as a bonus, local shops often offer more unique, meaningful gifts that make holiday giving more personal. There are numerous 50th & France district local businesses, events and activities [ [link removed] ] to seek out in the coming weeks. You can also find several markets and pop up events across the Twin Cities here [ [link removed] ] and here [ [link removed] ].

Unclaimed Property

An estimated more than 30 million Americans (1 in 7) have unclaimed property - a financial asset (an uncashed check, etc.) that is transferred to the state after an owner fails to collect it. Every state has this “financial lost and found.” To see whether you might have money to claim in Minnesota, check out the Minnesota Department of Commerce [ [link removed] ]'s Unclaimed Property site here: [ [link removed] ][link removed].

National Accolades & State Champs

The Edina Public Schools athletics and academic groups do some pretty outstanding things, and successes in the Fall of 2025 continue that tradition. To name a few: Zephyrus, the high school newspaper, took home several national honors from the National Scholastic Press Association Convention, the Boys Soccer Team won its 5th state title, the Girls Swimming & Diving team took their impressive 20th state championship trophy home, and Edina Football became State Champions for the first time since 1978. 

What I loved most about the football championship game though is that neither team – the Moorhead Spuds (#6) or the Edina Hornets (#4) – were at the very top of the coveted 'rankings' going into the state playoffs. It was grit, determination and a growth mindset from both teams that took them to the top. Well done!

*Stay in Touch*

I welcome your thoughts and questions and encourage you to stay in touch. You can reach me at *[email protected] or 651-296-4363*. To receive legislative updates, please subscribe [ [link removed] ] and follow along on my facebook page [ [link removed] ]

Thank you for staying engaged. It is an honor to represent you and our communities.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with warmth and the things you cherish most, and all the best in the new year.

Warm regards,

*Julie Greene
*State Representative
District 50A






State Representative Julie Greene

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

Phone: 651-296-4363
Email: [email protected] (replies to this newsletter are not monitored).
[ [link removed] ]Website [ [link removed] ] Legislative Assistant: Taylor Her 651-297-8195







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