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April 4, 2025
Legislative Update
Friends and Neighbors,
We’re in the last half of the legislative session, and things are moving quickly at the Capitol. I wanted to give you an update on a few key developments—including a historic bipartisan agreement to reduce government spending, updates on a green burial bill I’m carrying, and several grant opportunities available to our community. I’m also sharing a quick reminder about unclaimed property (you might be owed money and not even know it!) and a disappointing incident involving the destruction of the Ten Commandments display outside the Capitol. As always, thank you for staying engaged, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, ideas, or concerns.
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Historic Budget Reductions in House Budget Targets
Last week, the House reached agreement on a bipartisan budget framework that sets the course for the remainder of the 2025 session. These targets will guide final negotiations in each committee and represent one of the most significant course corrections in recent budget history.
In total, the new targets reduce general fund spending by $1.159 billion in the 2026-27 budget cycle compared to the February forecast—and by more than $2.6 billion in the 2028-29 “tails,” helping to close the projected $6 billion deficit left by last year’s record spending.
This agreement also includes several important wins for rural and Greater Minnesota. Agriculture funding will see a $17 million boost—a much-needed investment as farmers deal with challenges like avian flu and rising input costs. There’s also $50 million in new support for public safety and $5 million more for our veterans. Meanwhile, targeted reductions in areas like human services and state government spending reflect a shared commitment to long-term sustainability.
Importantly, this bipartisan agreement includes safeguards in case federal funding is reduced for major transit projects like the Blue Line, Northstar, or the proposed Duluth train—ensuring those dollars can be redirected to reduce the deficit even further if needed.
As we move toward final bills, I’ll continue working to ensure this responsible framework translates into real results for our communities: stable budgets, support for our community, and smarter use of taxpayer dollars.
New Guidelines Proposed for Green Burials in Minnesota
One of my bipartisan bills is moving through the Legislature to formally establish statewide standards for green burials—a growing alternative to traditional burial that emphasizes environmental sustainability.
The legislation defines green burial as the interment of a body without embalming or with only nontoxic substances, using biodegradable caskets or shrouds, and without concrete vaults or outer burial containers. While some cemeteries already offer this option, the bill ensures consistent practices and health safeguards across the state.
As this bill advances, I’ll be listening to community feedback and ensuring that any new requirements remain practical for cemeteries and respectful of local tradition. The bill passed out of the Health Finance and Policy Committee on Wednesday.
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Unclaimed money
Unclaimed money is a real thing, and it happens more than you may think. (That’s maybe because if people knew about it, it wouldn’t go unclaimed!) Here’s the good news: The Minnesota Unclaimed Property Department has a website that makes it easy to do a quick check to see if there is anything in your name. Click here for a link to a step-by-step guide on how to claim your unclaimed property online. If you need to contact the Unclaimed Property staff with any questions, please email unclaimed.property@state.mn.us or call 651-539-1545 (Select option 1).
Ten Commandments Display Destroyed
Over the weekend, the Ten Commandments display outside the Minnesota State Capitol was destroyed. The monument, which had been placed in the lead-up to Easter as a symbol of faith and moral grounding, was supported by Dan Hall Ministries and Restore Minnesota.
It’s disappointing to see such a meaningful and respectful display vandalized—especially during a season meant for reflection, hope, and renewal. I hope that we can get them back up as soon as possible, and hopefully be respectful during this Holy season of Lent and Easter.
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$150 Million Available for Wildlife Habitat Projects and Other State Grants
The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council is now accepting funding requests for habitat restoration, protection, and enhancement projects across Minnesota. About $150 million is available statewide, with applications due by Friday, May 23, 2025, at 4 p.m.
If you or your organization are interested in applying, visit www.lsohc.mn.gov for details or to connect with LSOHC staff.
In addition to that, if you are ever looking for state grants for specific projects, schooling, activities, or whatever it may be, you can find a list of all the different types of grants the state offers by visiting this site: https://mn.gov/grants/
Local Visitors
 Informative meeting at the Pine County Township officers Spring Meeting with a great lineup of speakers including Senator Rarick, Pine County Sheriff and many more.
 Thank you to all the members of the carpenters union are coming down to the capital ensuring your legislative concerns.
 Thank you Mark Thell and Dan Reed for coming down to testify on behalf of the Green Cemeteries Bill.
 Great to see so many amazing members from AFSCME Council down at the Capitol!
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