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And just like that, the 2026 legislative session has come to a close. Working in a tied House, it felt like an uphill battle on many commonsense policies with my Republican colleagues. This means there is a significant amount of work on the table to prioritize in the upcoming biennium.
Despite some setbacks, I am proud of the bipartisan efforts that delivered major victories and improves lives of all Minnesotans. Through hard work and compromise, we secured real, tangible results for our community this year.
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Renaming the Community Solar Garden Program for Melissa Hortman
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Saved HCMC, one of the last public safety net hospitals in the state, and created a Hospital Stabilization Account
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Secured $9.5M for Como Zoo’s Big Cats Exhibit
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Funded $28.2M for Environmental Community Grants, making LCCMR money available to small nonprofits and community groups for the first time
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Banning Prediction Markets
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Prohibiting Nudification Technology
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Restricting the Use of Artificial Intelligence to Deny Prior Authorization
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Secured $40M in rental assistance
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Supported public broadcasting (TV and Radio)
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Anonymous Threat Reporting Systems & Compensatory Aid Fill-In
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$17.5M for Housing Finance Authority to provide for public housing rehabilitation
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Enhanced worker protections
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Investments in crime victim/survivor services
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Establishing an Office of Inspector General
From the start, DFLers were loud and clear about our top priorities: addressing fraud, driving affordability initiatives, preventing gun violence, and holding ICE and federal immigration agents accountable for the lawless tactics that stole the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Our slate of bills was intentional, commonsense, and fiscally responsible. As a caucus, we were determined to pass legislation through committee in good faith, always centering the voices of our communities.
We were met with fierce Republican opposition. They cheered on the federal government as masked agents sought political retribution against Minnesotans. Constitutional observers were assaulted; they abducted our neighbors, separated families, traumatized our children, and detained US citizens. What the federal government did to our state is unconscionable. Never forget who we are as Minnesotans: when they come for one of us, they come for all of us. We will continue to fight for justice and healing for our entire state, and for the Pretti and Good families.
I want to thank everyone in my district for your continued belief in me and your unwavering support. I cannot wait to connect with you over the interim so we can come back even stronger and deliver even more for our state.
Local Investments
In our own back yard, our St. Paul delegation championed several bills included in the 2026 historic infrastructure and jobs bill.
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City of Saint Paul - Como Zoo and Conservatory - Big Cat Habitat
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City of Saint Paul - Roy Wilkins Auditorium Renovations
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City of Saint Paul - The Arena at Rivercenter Complex
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City of Saint Paul - CHS Predesign
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City of Saint Paul - Latino Museum
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City of Saint Paul Port Authority - Capitol Area Economic Development Grants
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Saint Paul Port Authority - The Heights Redevelopment Site
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City of West St. Paul - 150 Thompson Park
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Saint Paul Regional Water Services – Fridley
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City of Saint Paul - West 7th Street Improvement Project Utilities
The combined spreadsheet of funded projects in the Capital Investment bills can be found here.
It is an honor to continue fighting for critical investments in our neighborhoods and preserving the cultural legacies within our vibrant communities, ensuring generations to come can enjoy all they have to offer.
Please keep reaching out to my office during the interim! I look forward to hearing your feedback on this session so I can better represent your voice at the Capitol and keep advocating for your priorities.
In the coming weeks, I will be hosting a series of informal community gatherings to connect in person, so please keep an eye out for more details coming soon.
Until then, please don't hesitate to contact my office with any questions or concerns. Email me at rep.athena.hollins@house.mn.gov or call my office at 651-296-4224. You can also follow my official Facebook page.
Minnesota House of Representatives
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