Recently, I attended the candlelight vigil for Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and paid my respects at the Capitol as they lay in state. I was heartened to see the incredible turnout at both events. Thousands of Minnesotans came together to honor their lives and legacy.
The mood, while somber, was also deeply moving. What stood out most was the sense of civility, respect, and shared humanity that filled the air. Friends and colleagues from across the political spectrum and I embraced, talked, and mourned together.
It is my sincere hope that we carry that spirit forward. We will always have disagreements and debates. That’s part of democracy. But we can also choose to show one another grace, kindness, and respect, no matter our differences.
Former Speaker Melissa Hortman is an amazing and dedicated public servant. But she and her husband, Mark, were also devoted parents and beloved members of their community. Their loss has shaken our state, and my thoughts and prayers remain with their family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved them.
We are also keeping Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in our hearts. Yvette was recently released from the hospital, and we’re grateful for that news. I hope and pray that the Hoffman family continues to heal, both physically and emotionally.
2025 legislative session concludes
On June 9, the legislature completed its work for the 2025 legislative session by passing the final elements of a new state budget. Setting the state’s budget is one of the legislature’s biggest and most challenging responsibilities. Just two years ago, Minnesota had an $18 billion surplus. Unfortunately, that surplus was spent with little relief going to Minnesota families. State spending increased by 40%. Taxes increased $10 billion. As a result of the 2023 and 2024 sessions, the state now faces a projected $6 billion deficit just around the corner.
With that $6 billion projected deficit significantly limiting our options, the legislature created a new $66 billion state budget -- a slight decrease from the last budget. Unfortunately, the new budget is full of misplaced priorities.
Instead of providing additional funding for students, this year’s budget included $420 million in projected education cuts (and more than $300 million in special education cuts). And instead of providing additional funding for disability services, that area received cuts as well. The budget diverted funding from the state’s highway funding account to put toward non-road priorities. It makes $161 million in cuts to Minnesota nursing homes. And it includes cost shifts onto county budgets, which will likely lead to local property tax increases.
Every government agency received a funding increase, totalling $770 million, despite the fact that critical services are being shredded. And the new state budget includes $4.2 billion in tax and fee increases that will make healthcare much more expensive, including a tax increase on nursing home residents.
Another issue I have received a lot of feedback about is protecting girls’ sports. This year, I brought forward an amendment to ensure that school sports teams for girls are reserved only for biological girls.
It is a straightforward and commonsense solution that will restore the original intent of Title IX, much like the NCAA has already enacted. Unfortunately, the majority voted it down.
I was part of the first generation of girls that benefited from Title IX, and girls across Minnesota deserve the same fair shot I had growing up: to compete on an even playing field, to have their own teams, and to be respected for their achievements. I will continue to fight for our daughters and granddaughters, and work to protect girls’ sports for girls.
The legislature will return in February 2026. Until then, my work continues. If you ever need help with a state agency or want to share your thoughts on an issue, please reach out. I’m here to serve you, and it is truly an honor to do so.