The legislative session ahead: DFL priorities

What a difference a year makes.

In the last election, Minnesotans made clear that they were tired of the gridlock that had obstructed progress on the things they care about: investing in public education, making health care more affordable, keeping their communities safe, protecting their freedoms and lowering their costs.

So, in 2023, after Minnesotans elected a DFL majority in both the House and the Senate, we let them know that we had heard them. Their long-delayed priorities became our priorities, and we went about the job of building a state and an economy that works for everyone. In short, Democrats delivered not only a balanced two-year budget, but also the most productive legislative session in 50 years, and the positive impact of that work will be felt by Minnesota families and communities for generations.

We made historic investments in public education, from early care and learning through higher education and job training. To help keep money in the pockets of families week after week, we enacted universal free school meals. And to give middle-income college students a helping hand entering the workforce without debt, we enacted free college for families making less than $80,000 a year.

The DFL budget improved tax fairness, included the largest tax cut in state history and created a new Child Tax Credit that is already delivering on its promise of reducing childhood poverty by one-third. In just the first two weeks of tax filings, nearly 90,000 Minnesota children have benefited, with families across the state receiving an average credit of $1,373. We will continue working to ensure that the nearly 300,000 households — including 513,000 children — who are eligible for the credit know that they can claim it, totaling more than $1 billion in savings. That same tax package included public safety funding of $300 million that will help keep Minnesota communities safe.

Looking to our state's future well-being, we put Minnesota on a pathway to 100% clean energy by 2040, enacted commonsense measures like criminal background checks and red-flag laws to reduce gun violence, and strengthened access to voting and our democratic institutions. Our budget capped copays for prescription drugs to treat diabetes, asthma and allergies at $25 for one month's supply. We passed paid family and medical leave, earned sick and safe time, and historic investments in infrastructure and housing affordability.

And importantly, we protected and expanded the fundamental rights of Minnesotans to receive the care they need to live full lives, including guaranteeing the right to reproductive health care.

We're excited about the investments we're making in the people of Minnesota, and as the budget is implemented, we're committed to ensuring they make a positive difference for families and communities.

As the 2024 legislative session begins, we are focused on improving, protecting and building on the progress we have already made for Minnesotans.

With the state's two-year budget in place, the major work of the 2024 session will be a capital investment bill. Democrats are committed to investing in vital infrastructure through a robust, statewide local jobs and projects package. We were able to work together in a bipartisan fashion last session to pass the largest infrastructure package in state history. That measure will be felt across the state as it revitalizes our communities, strengthens our infrastructure and creates thousands of good Minnesota jobs.

In recent months, House and Senate lawmakers have traveled the state meeting with hundreds of community leaders to plan another bipartisan bill to deliver job-creating public works projects. By fixing our roads and bridges, repairing and improving assets at our colleges and universities, protecting natural resources and more, we can keep Minnesota on the path to long-term success.

While corporate profits soar, working families are still facing challenges to make ends meet and are feeling uncertain about their future. DFLers will continue our efforts to ensure Minnesotans are safe in the workplace, that they can access jobs with wages and benefits that can support a family, and that they have every opportunity to build a good life and enjoy a secure retirement.

Most of all, DFLers will continue working side by side with our neighbors and community members — rooted in the values we all share — to meet Minnesotans where they are, to improve people's lives, and build a Minnesota where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, is the speaker of the Minnesota House. Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, is majority leader of the Minnesota Senate.

Historic progress for generations to come

Last November, for the first time in a decade, Minnesotans entrusted DFLers with full control of state government. They were clear that they wanted to see an end to the era of gridlock in divided government. DFLers were focused on the issues Minnesotans across the state value and told us they cared about: investing in public education, making health care more affordable and building an economy that works better for everyone.

We also heard clearly in the election that Minnesotans wanted us to protect reproductive freedom, take action on climate change, address gun violence and strengthen our democracy.

With the work of the session finished on time and a new two-year state budget in place, Democrats delivered for the people of Minnesota and worked to do the most good for the most people.

Minnesota has long been known as the education state, but we've been coasting on past accomplishments for far too long. This year, we made historic investments in every level of education, from early care and learning through higher education and job training. We enacted universal school meals, worked to make child care more affordable and to expand early education scholarships, made significant investments in the general funding formula and indexed it to inflation, cut the special education cross-subsidy in half, froze tuition at Minnesota State colleges and made college tuition free for families making less than $80,000 a year.

All Minnesotans deserve quality, affordable health care. Our budget includes a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to reduce drug costs and caps copays for prescription drugs to treat chronic diseases, including insulin, inhalers and EpiPens, at $25 for one month's supply.

And at a time when care facilities are struggling to recruit and retain workers, DFLers made substantial investments to raise wages for those in caregiving professions.

Many people feel like the economy is tilted against them. DFLers fought for workers and families, passing paid family and medical leave, earned sick and safe time, historic investments in infrastructure and housing affordability, and improved worker safety for those in warehouses, meatpacking facilities and refineries. Our budget makes our tax system fairer, will reduce childhood poverty by 33% and targets the largest tax cuts in state history to those who need help the most.

While Republicans in Minnesota and across the country pursue extreme abortion bans, DFLers defended reproductive freedom through the Protect Reproductive Options Act and by repealing unconstitutional, outdated, unjust and harmful statutes. We passed protections for doctors and patients who need access to the full range of reproductive health care options.

The climate crisis is one of the greatest threats to Minnesota's future. In the face of Republican denials that climate change is real, DFLers took action, requiring 100% clean energy by 2040 and making investments to boost our economy, lower energy costs and ensure Minnesota is a clean energy leader.

Minnesotans deserve to be safe at school, at work, at home and in their communities. After more than a decade of heartbreak from gun violence, DFLers passed commonsense measures like criminal background checks and red flag laws to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them. These laws will save lives in Minnesota.

In the last election, Minnesotans said loudly that they were tired of extremism, insurrectionists, violent political rhetoric and those who would seek to undermine our democracy. We responded with the Democracy for the People Act, which strengthens access to voting with automatic voter registration; allows 16- and 17-year-olds to preregister to vote; allows all voters to choose to vote by mail on a permanent absentee-ballot list; prohibits voter intimidation, harassment and deceptive practices intended to interfere with the vote, and more. Our democracy works best when all Minnesotans have the opportunity to participate and make their voices heard.

This session was full of accomplishments, but while we've made historic progress, we understand that a single legislative session can't solve every challenge.

The good work accomplished over the past five months will benefit Minnesotans for generations to come. Democrats will continue to listen to Minnesotans about the things they value most and work to build a Minnesota that works better for everyone.

Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, is the speaker of the Minnesota House. Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, is majority leader of the Minnesota Senate.

Governor Walz, Speaker Hortman Secure Bipartisan Agreement on Pay for Frontline Workers, Relief for Small Business Owners

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Speaker Melissa Hortman today announced that they have secured a bipartisan agreement on direct payments to frontline workers and relief for small businesses by replenishing the unemployment trust fund.

“Minnesota continues to show the country that despite our differences and disagreements, a divided legislature can come together to get things done for the people of our state,” said Governor Walz. “I am proud of this bipartisan agreement to provide hazard pay to frontline workers and relief for small businesses owners, both of whom sacrificed a great deal during the pandemic to keep their communities safe and our economy strong.”

“Our highest priority was ensuring that workers who were on the front lines of COVID receive the bonuses they were promised nearly a year ago,” said Speaker Hortman. “I'm pleased we were able to finally reach an agreement with Senate Republicans to deliver these bonus checks — at double the amount agreed to last session. As a result, 667,000 Minnesota frontline workers will be eligible for $750 bonuses. In the remaining weeks of session, House Democrats will continue working to reduce costs for families, improve economic security, and support our workers.”

The bipartisan agreement includes $500 million for direct payments to frontline workers and $2.7 billion to replenish the unemployment trust fund and prevent tax increases on small businesses that bore the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic.

House DFL announces new plan to reduce costs for workers, families, and senior citizens

Saint Paul, Minn. — House Democrats today announced a new plan to reduce the cost of Minnesotans’ biggest expenses, including child care, housing, and prescription medications. Democrats’ plan targets assistance to people who need it most, such as workers, families, senior citizens, and people with chronic health conditions. 

“House DFLers care deeply about the challenges Minnesotans are facing,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman.“It's getting harder for workers and families to make ends meet. They can see an economy that is tilted against them. Corporate profits are soaring while Minnesotans are seeing their costs go up. That is why we are so focused on putting workers and families first this session. We have an opportunity to truly deliver help to those who need it most.”

The House DFL’s proposal reduces the cost of child care for Minnesota families by providing a tax credit of up to $3,000 for each child under five years of age, capped at $7,500 in total tax credits. It also provides a one-time “child tax credit rebate” of $325 for each child under 17 years of age. This means a family with three children under the age of five would receive nearly $7,000 in benefits. 

“This year, Democrats in the House are proposing targeted and significant financial assistance to help reduce rising costs,” said House Tax Committee Chair Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth). “We are especially concerned about the impact of out-of-control child care costs on family budgets, with some families paying as much or more than their monthly mortgage payments. That’s why we’re providing tax credits for families who cannot afford these rising costs.” 

The House DFL plan would reduce the cost of housing by devoting more funding to the state’s Renter’s Credit and Homestead Credit Refund programs. Approximately 120,000 renters will save an average $700 on their housing costs. Statewide, 30% of renter’s credit recipients are seniors or people with disabilities. Nearly 400,000 homestead credit refund filers will receive on average $100 more. In addition, more than 1.3 million homesteads that currently qualify for the market value exclusion will see an increased exclusion, putting more dollars back into the pockets of workers and families. The bill also increases the student loan tax credit to $1,400 for each spouse. 

“House DFLers are delivering the largest long-term investments in property tax cuts and renters’ credit in decades, as well as providing ongoing investments in communities across the state,” said Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins), chair of the House Property Tax Division. “These changes will put money back into Minnesotans' pockets at a time when they need it the most.”  

House Democrats also propose to tackle the housing crisis by initiating a first-of-its-kind program to provide first-generation homebuyers with down payment assistance. Minnesota has the highest disparities in home ownership in the country with 76% of White households owning a home and less than 23% of Black households owning a home.

“We know that there are economic disparities in our state and one place where it shows up is in generational wealth,” said Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL-Minneapolis), author of the bill. “If your parents owned a house, you are more likely to own a house. Our BIPOC neighbors have always been left out of this system on purpose, and it has significantly disadvantaged them and poor people from all races. This down payment assistance program will prioritize disadvantaged groups and help them through the process to achieve home ownership.”

House Democrats are also focused on helping Minnesotans who suffer from chronic conditions, including diabetes, asthma, and severe allergic reactions, proposing solutions like capping insulin, asthma inhalers, and EpiPens at $25 a month. The listed price of these medications have soared over the past decade, putting incredible stress on Minnesotans left to manage their health. More than 400,000 Minnesotans have been diagnosed with asthma and more than 500,000 Minnesotans have either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes.

“As the costs for prescription drugs go up, the quality of life for Minnesotans trying to manage their chronic conditions goes down,” said Rep. Michael Howard (DFL-Richfield). “By capping the costs of insulin, epi-pens and asthma medications, as well as expensive medical supplies, we will significantly reduce costs, putting more money in the pockets of Minnesotans while improving the quality of their health care." 

House committees are taking public testimony, finalizing markups, and passing major supplemental budget bills all week to meet an April 8 deadline for bills to continue advancing in the legislative process.  

House DFL Announces New Economic Security Plan for 2022 Legislative Session

St. Paul, MN - Today, House DFL leadership and members previewed legislative priorities to promote the economic security of Minnesotans ahead of the 2022 legislative session. While several factors point to the state’s economic recovery, House DFL members emphasized that many Minnesotans continue to struggle financially amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Minnesotans are still hurting from COVID-19, and still facing an uncertain future. As we near the start of the 2022 Legislative Session, Democrats in the majority in the Minnesota House are focused on improving families’ economic security,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “The state’s projected $7.7 billion surplus allows us to make investments to help our families and address the challenges people are facing every day.”

DFL members reiterated their support for recognizing a broader list of frontline workers for bonus pay, delivering Paid Family & Medical Leave as well as Earned Sick & Safe Time for all Minnesotans, investing in broadband, assisting workers and small businesses, and affordable housing. 

“House DFLers are committed to an economic recovery that ensures all Minnesotans can safely and effectively provide for their families and thrive into the future,” said Majority Leader Ryan Winkler, who served as chair of the Frontline Worker Pay Working Group. “We’ve asked a lot of our frontline heroes, and continue to do so as the Omicron variant impacts our state. It’s time for Republicans to step up and join us to complete the important work Minnesotans expect us to get done.”

The Frontline Worker Pay Working Group last met in October 2021, with Republicans refusing to compromise on a plan that would see a greater number of frontline workers receive bonus pay. The Minnesota Legislature voted last summer to allocate $250 million in federal COVID relief money on special bonuses to frontline workers. House DFLers are committed to supporting the Minnesotans who kept our state running and continue to do so during the pandemic. 

“Far too many Minnesotans are left without the necessary support to ensure they’re able to care for their loved ones or themselves without risking financial ruin,” said Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL - Mendota Heights), House author of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. “This was true before the COVID-19 pandemic, and has been compounded since. Whether it’s a long-term ailment or a brief sickness, working families deserve the economic security to get healthy without losing a paycheck.”

In 2021, the Minnesota House passed both the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, as well as Earned Sick and Safe Time legislation, but faced inaction in the Republican-controlled Senate. The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to expose the inequities in Minnesotans’ ability to care for either themselves or a loved one without risking a paycheck, which is why these key pieces of legislation continue to be high priorities for the DFL House. 

“By denying Earned Sick and Safe Time to workers who have little to no economic security, the richest corporations and Minnesotans have gotten richer,” said Rep. Liz Olson (DFL - Duluth) House author of the Earned Sick and Safe Time Act. “Especially during a pandemic, all Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to stay home when they’re sick without risking their livelihoods. Minnesota has the resources to provide basic economic security for everyone, regardless of where you live or what you look like. Earned Sick and Safe Time is an essential component toward reaching that goal.”

Last session, the Minnesota Legislature reached a bipartisan agreement committing $70 million for broadband internet throughout Minnesota. With additional federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act dedicated to broadband, House DFLers are committed to ensuring all Minnesotans have access to reliable internet. 

“COVID-19 has deepened the digital divide and many people in rural communities still lack access to reliable high-speed broadband. In the year 2022, internet access isn’t a luxury anymore; it’s necessary for a quality way of life,” said Rob Ecklund (DFL - International Falls), who authored last session’s successful broadband funding legislation. “We need to double down on broadband to ensure all Minnesotans can get online to do their schoolwork, have access to commerce, or take advantage of telehealth services.”

The House Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. Mohamud Noor (DFL - Minneapolis), will tackle many of these priorities aimed at improving the economic security of Minnesotans, including addressing Minnesota’s unemployment insurance debt while ensuring working Minnesotans and small businesses aren’t being left behind. 

“As the state government provides pandemic assistance to businesses, we are also going to take care of the workers and families who have gotten us through this pandemic,” said Rep. Noor. “We will work across the aisle and with stakeholders to ensure our businesses and workers are supported, but providing a big tax cut for large corporations at the expense of helping working families will only hurt our economy.”

Lastly, members emphasized the need to recognize housing as a key factor in the economic prosperity of Minnesotans, especially as the state’s housing crisis has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Our job this session is to listen to Minnesotans and to address the core economic stressors in their lives, including most families’ number one expense - the cost of their housing," said Rep. Michael Howard (DFL - Richfield), vice-chair of the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee. "Minnesota faced a housing crisis before the pandemic that has only worsened. We have a golden opportunity this session to invest in solutions that create more housing options, which will in turn create more economic opportunity for families, businesses, and our state's future." 

A fact sheet with more information about the proposal is available here. The 2022 legislative session will begin on Monday, January 31.

Minnesota House passes $1.9 billion infrastructure bonding bill

By Jessie Van Berkel
Star Tribune, October 15, 2020.

The Minnesota House passed a nearly $1.9 billion public works infrastructure package Wednesday that lawmakers and workers in the construction industry heralded as a critical economic stimulus amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The most important reason to pass this bill is the jobs that the bonding portion of the bill creates. But every portion of this bill is essential to economic recovery in COVID-19,” Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman said.

Read the entire article here

Select Committee discusses health impact of COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color

Minnesota House Press Release 9/9/20

St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, the House Select Committee on Minnesota’s Pandemic Response and Rebuilding held a hearing on the disparate health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color. 

“It is clear that COVID-19 is having a much greater negative impact on Minnesota’s communities of color than white Minnesotans. It’s important for us to better understand why this is happening and how the Minnesota Legislature can take action to help, both in the short term and into the future,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We have to do all we can to save lives and prevent needless suffering and tragedy.”

Read more here.

House and Senate DFL unveil Minnesota Values Project

Minnesota House Press Release - 8/3/20

Today, House and Senate DFLers unveiled the 2020 edition of the Minnesota Values Project, an initiative designed to engage legislators, Minnesotans, and community groups in a conversation about the future of our state. The Minnesota Values Project was started in 2017 when House DFLers traveled the state to listen to Minnesotans and have conversations about our shared values.

“Minnesotans care deeply about our state and want to see one another succeed,” said House Majority Whip Liz Olson. "Working together, across race, religion and geography, we can strengthen our communities by improving outcomes for all of us. Organizing together, we have the power to decide our future — just as we’ve done in the past.” 

“Minnesotans want a good life and a better future for our families and for our neighbors,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “DFLers are ready to work for the things we know ensure the well-being of our communities: affordable health care, strong public education, jobs with wages and benefits to support a family, clean air and water, and a public safety system that protects all of us, no exceptions.”

Read more here.

Minnesota House passes COVID-19 economic security legislation

MN House Press Release

This afternoon, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a package of COVID-19 economic security legislation. The bill, HF 1507, contains provisions for housing assistance, a temporary wage increase for personal care assistants, funding to expand broadband access, and small business loans. 

“Minnesotans' economic security has been hit hard during this public health crisis, and we have the resources to help them through the roughest patches of the pandemic,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Today, the Minnesota House is taking an important step to help Minnesotans keep a roof over their heads, preserve their small businesses, facilitate distance learning and telemedicine, and ensure we have the workforce we need to provide care for the vulnerable.”

Read more here.