Friends and neighbors,
Legislative leaders and Governor Walz have reached a budget agreement to wrap up the 2025 session. The agreement reflects a compromise between Republicans and Democrats in the House, Democrats in the Senate, and the Governor. Senate Republicans were part of the conversations, but did not sign off on the final deal and have made no promises about potential support or opposition.
You can watch our Senate Republican Leader, Mark Johnson, provide comments on the agreement here.
There are some good things and some concerning things in the agreement, but the most important change is this: the plan ends MinnesotaCare eligibility for illegal immigrants over age 18. This was a top priority for us. Especially facing a $6 billion budget deficit, it makes no sense to continue benefits for people here illegally when there are cuts to programs for Minnesota citizens on the table, including nursing homes and disability services.
Even liberal California Governor Gavin Newsom announced this week that his state is walking back its own version of this program because it’s unaffordable. Here in Minnesota, enrollment numbers came in several times higher than expected, confirming what we warned about all along.
Shortly after the compromise was announced, far-left Democrats in the House and Senate publicly revolted over this provision. They’re threatening to scuttle the deal if the provision to stop taxpayer funded healthcare for adult illegal immigrants remains included.
There’s still a lot of work left. Conference committees will be meeting, we will be on the floor, and we will be working probably around the clock until Monday, when the Constitution requires us to adjourn. Some bills still need to be worked out. Others may depend on additional leadership agreements.
My priority remains the same: defend constitutional principles and find a budget agreement that puts Minnesotans first.
If you have any questions please reach out, otherwise stay tuned.
God Bless,