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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This week at the Capitol has involved extended floor sessions as the Legislature works through a lengthy list of budget bills. Several have already passed, including those related to Public Safety, Agriculture, Commerce, Veterans, Higher Education, and Transportation. These bills were developed through bipartisan negotiations by committee co-chairs, resulting in a combination of proposals from both parties. The process has been deliberate and challenging. With the May 19 deadline approaching and a projected $6 billion budget deficit, timely progress remains important. Key bills are still under negotiation, and the Legislature continues working toward a responsible, balanced budget that addresses the state’s fiscal outlook.
Housing Omnibus Bill
The housing omnibus bill passed off the House floor on Tuesday evening after extensive debate and months of work. This legislation represents a major step forward for housing access and stability across Minnesota. It’s a significant win for communities in every part of the state, especially in Greater Minnesota, where the need for affordable and workforce housing is particularly urgent.
As chair of the committee, I’m proud of the bipartisan collaboration that made this possible. This bill is the result of hours of testimony, input from housing experts and community leaders, and a clear focus on what works. We prioritized proven, data-driven solutions that can help address Minnesota’s housing shortage, reduce homelessness, and support working families, seniors, and renters.
From preserving existing housing stock to investing in new development and providing support for first-time homebuyers, this legislation delivers meaningful progress. We know that stable housing is the foundation for strong families, successful students, and thriving local economies. With this bill, we’re making targeted, responsible investments to move Minnesota forward.
There’s still more work to do, but this is a strong step in the right direction. I’m grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who came to the table, asked hard questions, and helped shape a package that reflects the needs of our state.
 Other Omnibus Bill Updates
In addition to the housing omnibus bill, the House has already passed several other major budget bills, with more still in the pipeline. So far, the following have cleared the floor: Agriculture, Public Safety and Judiciary, Legacy, Higher Education, Transportation, Commerce, Veterans, and State Government and Elections. Each of these bills was the result of bipartisan negotiations between GOP and DFL co-chairs. As such, they include a range of provisions reflecting input from both parties. I do not agree with every item in these bills, but that’s the nature of governing in a divided chamber. These compromises are necessary and reflect the shared priorities of Minnesotans, shaped by negotiation and the equal balance of power in the House.
Several important bills remain to be passed, including those on Health, K-12 Education, Human Services, Environment, Energy, and Taxes. These are complex issues, and finalizing these bills will require continued negotiation and problem-solving. Still, I remain optimistic. Despite the challenges of an evenly divided House, we’ve shown that progress is possible when both sides are committed to working together.
With fewer than three weeks remaining before the May 19th constitutional adjournment deadline, the pressure is on. We have a responsibility to finish the job, and that means long hours and focused effort in the coming days. Once a bill passes the House, it heads to a conference committee where differences with the Senate version are resolved. After that, each chamber must vote on the final agreement before it can become law. It’s a demanding process, but I believe we can deliver results for the people of Minnesota if we stay disciplined and committed to doing the work.
Coach O’Connell Resolution
We were honored to recognize Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on the House floor Monday afternoon. Coach O’Connell was recently named the NFL’s 2024 Coach of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and impact on the team. This past season, he led the Vikings to an impressive 14-3 record, energizing both the locker room and the fan base with a strong culture, smart play-calling, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
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