Our 2021 Minnesota legislative session recap 

Dear John,

Last week, the Minnesota legislature passed a $52 billion, two-year budget, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown. Check out our session wrap-up for a recap of what passed, what didn’t, and our analysis. 

As I reflect on this session, I have mixed emotions. 

I feel disappointed and angry that elected leaders who said they’d use their power to make Minnesota safer for Black and Brown Minnesotans didn’t do more to ramp up police accountability and dismantle white supremacy and racism. 

I feel disturbed and frustrated by unchecked corporate power at the Legislature – from Big Pharma to the Minnesota Chamber – that blocked policies that would improve people’s lives like Earned Sick and Safe Time, Paid Family & Medical Leave, and the Prescription Drug Affordability Board.  

Even still, I feel emboldened by the progressive leaders who fought hard to pass police accountability measures, lower prescription drug costs, and ensure access to paid time to care for ourselves and our loved ones. We can elect leaders who stand #WithThePeople, recognize racism and other forms of oppression, and pass policies that put our communities before corporate profits. 

Most important, I feel grateful for you and the Minnesotans who took more than 1,300 actions with us this session. I’m grateful for the TakeAction Minnesota members who testified for the policies that match our values: we have enough, we figure it out together, and we care for each other – no matter what we look like, where we come from, or how much money we make. 

Despite mixed feelings, I still feel clear on one thing: change is possible. 

To make that change, we need you. Become a member now. If you’re already a member, consider making another donation. Together, we can build the independent political power we need to elect leaders who care for us and create the policy change our communities deserve. 

In solidarity, 

Laura Proescholdt (she/her)
Digital Strategist