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Legislative Update
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
We’re entering the final stretch of the 2025 legislative session, with the official end date set for May 19. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been moving quickly to pass major bills through the House. So far, we’ve approved legislation on Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Environment, Health, Higher Education, Housing, Human Services, Legacy, Public Safety and Judiciary, State Government and Elections, Transportation, Workforce, and Veterans. That’s a long list, but we’re not done yet.
Major bills still waiting for action include Capital Investment, Education, and Taxes. With only a few days left and plenty of work to do, it’s becoming clear that we are unlikely to finish on time.
Budget Targets Agreed To
Legislative leaders and the governor have reached a budget agreement that represents the largest spending reduction in state history, rolling back nearly half of the deficit created after Democrats blew an $18 billion surplus over the past two years. Just as important, this budget includes no new taxes on Minnesota families. In a year when many feared higher costs, we held the line.
The agreement also includes several key wins: we protected funding for non-public school students, scaled back the state’s program providing full healthcare to undocumented adults, and saved counties some money by updating the Social Services Information System (SSIS). While these are a start, I am continuing to work to make sure counties are not hit with additional costs.
Special Session Still Looks Likely
Even with budget targets reached, it’s likely we will still have special session. Part of the reason is that Democrats had walked away from bipartisan agreements that were signed off by committee chairs, passed multiple committees, and even received leadership approval from both caucuses.
It’s also worth remembering that this session started with Democrats skipping work for the first 23 days. That’s nearly a month we could have held committee hearings, debated bills, and negotiated budget targets. Delays like this are part of why we’re headed toward special session.
Regardless, with budget targets now in hand, conference committees will be getting to work right away, and the House will begin working on passing the three outstanding budget bills. We have until midnight on Monday, so we will get as much work done as possible, including working late over the weekend before session ends. Hopefully, those efforts will help keep special session short.
Stillwater Chamber Visit
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Last week, I attended a meeting hosted by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) at the St. Croix Event Center. The discussion focused on Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program set to launch in 2026. While the goal of providing leave for families is a good one, it’s clear from the conversation that many local business owners are still unsure how the new mandates will work and whether they can afford them.
The concerns are valid. Minnesota’s PFML program offers up to 20 weeks of paid leave per employee per year, well above what most states provide, and projected costs have already risen by 20% before the program has even started. That means higher payroll taxes for workers and employers alike. I support finding a more balanced approach that offers support to families without putting Main Street businesses in a bind. We need to make sure these programs are sustainable and don’t create new burdens that harm the very people they're intended to help.
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Update on the Human Services Bill
Last week, the House passed its Human Services omnibus bill. While it includes some positive provisions, I could not support it. One of the most concerning aspects is the way it shifts significant costs onto counties.
I’ve heard directly from local officials who are deeply concerned that this will force them to either raise property taxes or cut essential services. This is not real savings, rather, it’s a hidden tax increase that hits Minnesotans at the local level.
After last year’s record-setting tax increases, Minnesotans should not be asked to pay even more through so called “savings” that in reality just raise local property taxes. I’m hopeful that these issues can be fixed in conference committee.
Around the District
It’s been a busy May at the Capitol with lots of school visits! I was glad to welcome several groups of 6th graders from Oak-Land Middle School and Mahtomedi Middle School. That’s the same age I was when I took a trip to the Capitol, and it’s great to see students so engaged and excited to learn about their state government. Pretty cool!
A big thank you to the teachers and chaperones who kept things moving and made the day special for these young learners.
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Have a great weekend,
Representative Wayne Johnson
House District 41A
Serving Lakeland, Afton, Baytown, Cottage Grove, Denmark, Grant, Lake Elmo, Lakeland Shores, Lake Saint Croix Beach, Saint Mary's Point, and West Lakeland.
Please Contact Me
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. It's my honor to represent you at our state's capitol, and I always welcome feedback, ideas, or concerns from you and our community. Please send all replies to Rep.Wayne.Johnson@house.mn.gov, or call 651-296-4244, to ensure I get your message. Replies directly to the newsletter do not reach my inbox.
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2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.4244 |
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