Capitol Letter for May 2

LWVMN Stands Up for Healthy Communities!

LWV Launches New Campaign to Defend Democracy

Following a successful lobby day at the MN State Capitol on April 28 with LWVMN leaders and partners, the League of Women Voters of the US introduced a new initiative ‘Unite and Rise 8.5’ to mobilize 8.5 million voters through advocacy, civic education, and engagement from May 1 until the 2026 midterm elections.

Using Legal & Policy Advocacy, Public Mobilization & Coalition Building, Civic Education & Engagement, and Democracy Resilience as laid out in the Unite and Rise 8.5 Toolkit, we will strategize, adapt, and sustain our NONPARTISAN work to Defend Democracy. Please learn more from our Take Action webpage and look for updates to engage with us in this campaign. Our work from civics education to defending checks and balances is more important than ever with democracy partners like Clean Elections MN to fight for democracy.

Our Lobby Day brought together over 100 League leaders from numerous local Leagues with our trusted partners to hear about the importance of Medicaid funding for Minnesotans and how we can protect access to clean air and water, healthy food, civic engagement and voting rights. Inspiring speakers included MN Dept. of Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham, Representative Danny Nadeau (R), and youth leaders who fired up the crowd to send notes to legislators and engage on issues for healthy, strong, informed, and civically active communities. Check out the recording and contact leaders during state budget deliberations using our toolkit for action!

Elections Bill Updates

LWVMN Redistricting & Elections Policy Coordinator Paul Huffman
On Monday, April 28 the House Ways and Means Committee heard the House State Government Finance Omnibus (HF 2783) and the House Elections and Government Operations Finance Bill (HF 1943). Both bills had been previously heard by the Ways and Means Committee in separate hearings and had been laid over to be combined. In the previous Ways and Means Committee hearing on Thursday, April 24, the Elections Finance bill was amended to include a number of elections policy items previously discussed.
The Ways and Means committee replaced the language approved by the Senate in their State Government Finance Omnibus (SF 3045) with the language in the House State Government Finance Omnibus (HF 2783). The committee then approved amending the Senate State Government Finance Omnibus (SF 3045) with the Elections Finance Bill. The amended Senate State Government and Elections Omnibus was placed on the General Register. On Tuesday, April 29, the House Rules committee subsequently scheduled a floor vote on Thursday, May 1. Once passed by the House the Senate must either accept the amended bill or request a Conference Committee (which is almost certain).
The State Government and Elections Omnibus (SF 3045), as amended by the House Ways and Means committee, was presented to the House on Thursday, May 1. Rep. Olson was serving as Speaker pro tem. he following amendments were proposed to the election aspects of the bill:
- A7 Amendment to allow proxy voting for a voter who is deployed on active military duty; Rep. Klevorn and Rep Kotyza-Witthuhn both spoke against approval of the amendment as it was not heard in committee and needed more discussion to work out details. Initially the amendment was declared to have passes based on a voice vote. A request was made for a head count of those in the chamber in favor and opposed to the amendment (“division”). The amendment was approved 58-52. A point of order was declared that those not physically present were not asked to vote. The speaker decided that because the division was of a voice vote, and the members on the phone could not vote in a voice vote, the division would only count the members present. The amendment was passed.
- A5 Amendment (HF 1949, included in HF 2284) would require the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board (CFPB) to create a “plain language” lobbying handbook. This language is in the Senate Government Finance and Election Omnibus. The author (Rep Coulter) stated that “out of respect for Chair Klevorn, and if I’m honest, a little fear”, he was withdrawing the amendment.
- Amendment (A18) was offered by Rep. Greenman to add language prohibiting providing money or items of value to voters during a campaign in return for signing campaign related petition or registering to vote. The language had been significantly revised since its introduction in committee to raise the limit on the maximum value that could be provided of items such as food and beverage at campaign events from $5 to $20, and to make clear that it does not prohibit candidates from expressing support for other candidates.
A number of Republicans spoke in opposition to the amendment including Rep Niska, Rep Quam, Rep Kresha, Rep Bliss and Rep Franson. Key points included:
- The bill legalizes “bribery” up to $20; Note that there is a current value limit of $5 that the amendment sought to revise; (Niska)
- Does not address activities on tribal reservations; (Bliss)
- The bill addressed money in politics from one aspect (Musk) but does not address money coming from other billionaires (Soros); (Niska)
- Musk does not give money to candidates, though Soros does; (Franson)
- Some campaigns have had concerts as part of their campaign events where the tickets would have cost hundreds of dollars or the performers would have been paid hundreds of thousands of dollars; it’s not clear how this would be considered under the bill; (Quam)
- Billionaires have done a lot of good for people such as Rural Electrification, the internet, philanthropy by people such as McKenzie Scott and Melinda Gates; (Kresha)
- Zuckerberg “gave money to you” (DFL) to run elections; (These were grants to nonpartisan local election officials during COVID, and were not to political parties.) (Franson)
Several DFL representatives spoke in favor of the amendment (Rep. Finke, Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn and Rep. J. Hanson). Primary statements included:
- Billionaires can be people who have done good things for our country however can also do “bad things”. This would stop them from doing those “bad things”. (Kotyza-Witthuhn).
- Musk’s election efforts are not simply about electing Republicans; he also wants to eliminate trans people; Too much power and influence are being exercised by billionaires and there is a large wealth and power imbalance that needs to be addressed; (Finke)
The amendment was defeated 67-66. Notably, the DFL Chair of the House State Government and Finance Policy Committee (Rep Klevorn) did not vote on the amendment.
The Amended Senate State Government and Election Finance and Policy bill was approved 113-21. There will likely be a Conference Committee requested by the Senate when the bill is presented in a Senate Floor session this week.
LWVMN Observer and Lobby Corps Member Carol Seiler
House heard the SF 2298 bill on 4/29/25. Senate heard the SF 2298 bill on 5/17/25. The bill contains the budget for the Housing Finance Agency (Agency) and other appropriations. It contains provisions relating to housing and agency programs. Requires the agency to include information about available tax credits and notice requirements related to manufactured home park sales in the annual letter to manufactured home park owners. Adds to the powers and duties of the Housing Finance Agency and requires an annual report on the financial stability of the affordable housing industry. Limits the rent increases on rental housing built with low income housing tax credits. Modifies the community-based first generation homebuyers assistance program enacted in 2023.
- We'll begin with the House vote.
- Sen. Spencer Igo (07A) presented the bill in both the House and Senate. He said there are three goals for the committee to pursue: affordability, stability, diversity. This is a nonpartisan issue for the Committee to fix the housing shortage.
- Rep. Michael Howard (51A) quoted several statistics: Average age of the first time homebuyer is 38. The largest group of properties for sale are in the $500,000+ price range. There are 690,000 Minnesotans that are cost burdened in housing.16,000 children experience homelessness in Minnesota. The shortage of housing is 400,000. Amendment 6 reduces barriers to create more affordable homes.
- Senator Igo said that this is a good amendment and encourages approval.
- Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar (03B) addressed Amendment A5. It s a voice for seniors. She supports adding a senior to the group to represent that part of the population.
- Rep. Zeleznikar discussed Amendment A5 which is a Minnesota Nice Housing Pilot Project that includes housing sharing for seniors. She recommends approving the 3rd reading of Amendment A5.
- Rep. Jim Nash (48A) said that home is a powerful word. There are great barriers to first time home buyers. The supply is 107,000 under what is needed. We need regulatory reform. He supports this Bill. We have to own responsibility for regulatory reform and wishes we could do something more meaningful this session. He encourages a green vote.
- Rep. Katie Jones (61A) said she and her husband were fortunate in buying a tri-home.
- Rep. Roger Skraba (03A) Stated that this is not a partisan problem; it is a math problem. Vote yes.
- Rep. Huldah Momanyi-Hiltsley (38A) said how great it was to see the bipartisan work by the
- Committee. One goal is to prevent Minnesota families from falling into homelessness. One medical bill can put them in that position. We need to act before a crisis - not after. Vote green.
- Rep. Jeff Dotseth (11A) said that this is just one step to solve homelessness. We need to look at out-of-the-box thinking. This bill lightened the load to housing providers. 60% went into funding; more to Greater Minnesota and increased housing stock. Vote green.
- Rep. Michael Howard thanked the entire Committee and asked that we think about the future where we have solved the housing shortage. We now have the highest level of students graduating. Minnesota is a shining light of support. Is this future possible? Vote yes.
- Rep. Spencer Igo said that Minnesota is the best place to live. People need homes. We can start us in that direction to develop more family housing. Let's make sure there is a home for everyone.
- The bill passed with 106 yes votes and 25 no votes.
- The Senate met on SF 2298 on Saturday, 5/17/25.
- Sen. Spencer Igo (07A) called the meeting to order.
- Erik Olaphson, House Finance Analyst, discussed the conference agreement spreadsheet and will go only through the change items. Mr. Olaphson went through every line item that was changed.
- Karina Heimark, House Finance Analyst, continued to cover line item changes including homeowner's assistance.
- Justin Cope, House Legislative Analyst, discussed Article 3 which modifies the annual requirement for credit and proceeded through the conference committee report line-by-line. It modifies the high rise sprinkler program and preserves affordable housing.
- Laura Payneter, Senate Analyst, discussed the income required to be used on qualifying projects. Landlords must provide heat to tenants. This was a clarification in language. She also said it calls for delay of the Minnesota Cooperative Housing Act by one year.
- Sen. Eric Lucero (30) questioned the language and who changed it. He was concerned about language that could cause conflicts between landlords and tenants.
- Rep. Michael Howard (51A) said we should look for another bill that made changes to language when it passed two years ago.
- Rep. Jim Nash (48A) said that this Session has been a lesson in compromising. He said that community groups have slow rolled this legislation.
- Sen. Lindsay Port (55) said that our priority was first generation downpayment assistance. It is a step in the right direction, but won't create an end to the housing crisis.
- Rep. Liish Kozlowski (08B) said we need more affordable housing. Minnesota citizens can't wait. She is proud of what they accomplished but said it doesn't meet the need.
- Sen. Liz Boldon (25) supports this bill and thanked everyone who testified. She is pleased with what had been accomplished.
- Sen. Eric Lucero discussed the commercial rate on buildings that are not stick frame and the question to staff provision had fallen out of the bill because there wasn't money as well as the issue of Federal funding. Sen. Lucero said this was a very productive Committee because we all agree with the priority of increasing affordable housing.
- Rep. Michal Howard said the issue is too important to not pursue emergency rental assistance. Many families will see their lives improve because of this bill, however, we missed the mark. The 2023 Session included a great deal of emergency housing help. We need more help for people. This is a drop in the bucket for home purchase assistance. We need to move our eyes to the Homes Agenda and must approve that next year.
- Sen. Spencer Igo said we will bring this back next year.
- A motion was made to approve the 5/16/25 spreadsheet and passed unanimously.
- A motion was made to accept the conference 2298 Committee report and passed unanimously.
Analysis: It was a very positive experience to listen to these two committee meetings. The amount of respect between the House Members and Senators was apparent as was their shared commitment of making Minnesota a better place for everyone regardless of party affiliation, economic station, race, gender or anything else. I plan to send a note to the Senators and House members who participated in the meetings.
LWVMN Observer and Lobby Corps Member Carol Seiler
SF 2884 is a strong Omnibus pension bill that makes meaningful improvements to retirement benefits for the people who keep our state running and our communities safe. This includes teachers, firefighters, paramedics, State Patrol officers, and public employees across the state. Public school teachers will be eligible to retire sooner with lower early retirement penalties at age 60 if hey have 30 years of service (known as the "career rule"). Retired public employees are provided improved COLAs to ensure their pension benefits aren't eroded by inflation, including PERA Police and Fire, which will receive a one-time, compounded three percent COLA. Additional funding will allow police officers and firefighters in this plan to receive a COLA one year sooner than under current law. State Patrol Troopers will receive a permanent 1.25 percent annual COLA. Other retirees will benefit from strengthened COLAs that help maintain purchasing power over time. This passed the Senate with a vote of 55-12. It then went to the House where it passed 133-1. The hearing started under call and roll call was taken by the Senate Secretary followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. An accounting of Senate bills that had been sent to the House were returned to the Senate. The bills are SF 1959, SF 2370, and SF 1740. Senator Erin Murphy (64) stated Rule 26, SF 2884, Senator Nick Frentz, Pension Omnibus Bill. Thanked the nonpartisan staff for all their hard work over the previous night to get it ready for today. It includes legislative members pension and retirement. The bill represents $80 million base target to cover Minnesota pension improvements and public safety for the 2026 payment of a 3% COLA. The State Patrol will get a COLA of 1.25% for every retiree at $2.3 million cost. Teachers will have the career rule (60/30) pension. Teachers retirement accounts will take this money and apply it to career rule. Senator Judy Seeberger (41) asked about the provisions of disability. Senator Bill Weber (21) was concerned that St. Paul teachers were not included in this bill. Senator Jordan Rasmussen (09) said a good teacher can change peole's lives. These benefits are not fully funded ($40 million in costs with only $20 million funded). He presented Amendment A51 which adds money into the teacher's pension fund to eliminate underfunding and includes St. Paul teachers. Senator Nick Frentz (18) said he cannot support the A54 amendment and encourages a no vote. Senator Carla Nelson (24) stands in support of A51 and encourages a yes vote. Senator Zach Duckworth (57) is in favor of the amendment and said it should have been done in the last session where we had a surplus. Senator Eric Lucero (30) had many discussions with teachers. One resounding them was that the State of MN has made many promises regarding pensions, but nothing has been done. He is in favor of A51. Senator Sandra Pappas (65) said St. Paul teachers would not be included. They have a career rule and pay for it themselves. She says to pass the without A51. SenatorJordan Rasmussen (09) says the amendment gives $20 million each year to ensure pensions are fully funded A vote is taken and does not pass with a 31-35. Senator Matt Klein (53) is concerned about teachers, police, etc. would not want an amendment (A50) change and risk the bill not passing in this session. A vote was taken and it was not adopted by 33-34. Senator Jordan Rasmussen (09) presented amendment A52 says that teachers are paid out of teacher's funds. The salary of the executive director of Teacher's Retirement Association (TRA) cannot be paid in excess of the Governor's salary. Senator Nick Frentz encouraged a no vote and said this amendment would threaten a delay of vote of the bill in this session. Senator Rasmussen reiterated what is in the amendment and encouraged a yes vote The amendment was not adopted with a vote of 33-34. Senator Jeff Howe (13) said a line needs to be drawn between physical and psychological (60 month) disability and between permanent and partial disability and proposes amendment A53. Senator Bill Lieske (58) asked why is this being pushed through now? One of the reasons for this was because the other side did not participate for three weeks. Senator Jeff Howe withdraws amendment A53. The Senate Secretary gives the third reading. Senator Zach Duckworth (57) says the arguments against the amendments because they may prevent passage of the bill this session are ridiculous. We should have revisited this last session when we had a surplus rather than a deficit. He is angry we didn't take care of this when we had a surplus. Senator Robert Farnsworth (07) said if we amend the bill and make it better, it would go to the House. The amendments offered today would not kill the bill. In the 1980s, Rule of 90 was put in place for teachers. We need to fix it. Teachers pay 1/3 of their salary to fund pensions. Let's correct the historical injustice. Senator Heather Gustafson (36) said she is a 2 Tier teacher. She knows the problems that exist. This is about respect, fairness. The surplus went to infrastructure and schools. Please vote yes for this bill. Senato Steve Drazkowski (20) said this has been a priority on how to support our tier 2 teachers. It will improve outcomes for our children and make sure all students are getting the best. He supports SF 2884. Senator Jim Abler (35) will vote yes. There is a lot of good things in the bill. Our Minnesota pension funds are doing well. Senator Steve Cwodzinski (49) thanked everyone who has worked on this bill. In his youth, teachers were highly respected. We listened to you teachers when you said you need help. Senator Bill Lieske (58) is not in favor of this bill. We are taking things away from fist responders. We are hurting those that are disabled. I vote no. Senator Jeff Howe (13) is concerned that the benefits not funded are taken out of sufficiency. If the markets go down, this could be financial trouble. We're giving people a carrot not a bandaid. Senator Erin May Quale (56) thanks teachers and all the work the committee did to pull this together. Senator Glen Kruen (32) is a son of a teacher. We could have taken care of this in 2023. We could have used the surplus to fund the pension plan. The amendments would have made it a better bill but I will vote yes. Senator Carla Nelson (25) It is good for teachers and first responders. Not perfect but a step in the right the right direction. I will vote yes. Senator Nick Frentz (18) has a son and brother who are teachers. Thanks to members of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR). The Rule of 90 went into effect in 1989. HF 1143 Senator Jennifer McEwan (08) stated that hourly paid school workers have been excluded from unemployment comp (UC). They are mostly women. In 2023, we voted to bring hourly workers into the UC. We need to tax the wealthiest in our state. Senator Jason Rarick (11) presented A3 amendment to include fund schools, help failed inspector general in department of education find fraud. Money goes to each school on the basis of per pupil. This is something we can get done. I ask for your support. Senator Mary Kunesh (39) are you saying take the Senate out of the funding bill? Are you suggesting that we take the House bill and accept that? Senator Rarick, yes that is what is being suggested. Senator Kunesh reminds everyone that it is our responsibility to our citizens; it takes out of the funding. This is sloppy, irresponsible. Vote no. Senator Rarick said it opens two accounts in the Department of Education. Senator Robert Farnsworth said the amendment may only reply to the issue. The Senate President stated a rule which was challenged by a Senate member. Shall we take a roll vote on the president's rule? It was decided to do so. The rule remained in place with a vote 35-32. Senator Rarick said that the bill is here today because in 2023 we brought hourly workers in to the unemployment market and offers the A5 amendment which would put $100 million in UI but will sunset this program. Schools hire out to companies (bus drivers and cafeteria workers) and would not be included in this program. Senator Jennifer McEwan opposes the A5 amendment and asks you to vote no. Senator Rarick said the inclusion of UI is because the school schedule is known. The president asks the secretary to take a roll vote on the amendment. The amendment was not adopted by a vote of 32-35. Senator Mary Kunesh asked they vote no. UI funds are those funds special education is lagging. Senator Jeff Howe asks for a green vote on A2. The amendment is not adopted with a voe of 33-34. Senate secretary does the third reading of HF 1143. Senator Rarick said this should have gone through Education. Senator Maye Quade thanked Senator McEwan and Senator Liz Boldon (25) and said it was the right thing to do. Senator Kruen (32) encourages a no vote. Senator Kunesh said that hourly workers asked her when you get elected would you get us UI. After that, she visited a school and witnessed a different culture than had been before because of UI. Senator Grant Hauschild (03) asked do we extend UI to steelworkers when we don't to lower paid workers? Vote green. Senator Lindsay Port (55) is proud to vote for this bill. Thank you Senator McEwan for your work. She didn't give up on these workers. Senator Nelson said that paraprofessionals are extremely important in school districts. I the past, it was funded fo one time only. I encourage a green vote. Senator Rarick said one of his constituents is a school bus driver who emailed him saying we don't need UI. A no vote isn't telling workers they don't matter. Senator McEwan said we had a good debate this week. Tax breaks for wealthy and corporations and tons of loopholes put a disproportionate financial burden on lower paid. The answer is taxing. Keep the North Lights Project alive and well. A roll call vote on SF 2884 resulted in passage with 55-12. Senator Erin Murphy made a motion to recess and come back around 5:30. She believes they will receive information from the House. The motion carries. Later in the day they reconvened under call. Senator Boldon made a motion to excuse some members who had other committee commitments. Representative Leon Lillie (44B) suggested that SF 2884 be placed on the legislative register with ab $80 million target in each biennium. The motion passed. Rep. Lillie made closing remarks. This is work we can all be proud of. We have a great staff to work with. Representative Zach Stephenson (35A) made a motion that SF 2884 be placed on the legislative register. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned. The House passed the bill with a vote of 133-1.