West Twin Cities

Minnesota State Representative Dawn Gillman has provided an update as the 2025 legislative session nears its conclusion. The session, which was delayed by 23 days at the start due to a pause by Democratic legislators, is now moving quickly toward the May 19 adjournment deadline.

Gillman noted that a global budget agreement has been reached. This framework, negotiated by caucus leaders and Governor Tim Walz, sets spending targets for remaining budget bills. Conference committees composed of House and Senate members will now work on finalizing the details.

Gillman stated, "House Republicans held the line—and we secured real wins for everyday Minnesotans." She highlighted several outcomes from the budget negotiations, including what she described as the largest government spending cut in Minnesota history. According to Gillman, this move eliminates nearly half of the structural deficit attributed to previous expansions of government spending and tax increases enacted two years ago.

Among other measures cited by Gillman are protections for non-public pupil aid supporting families who choose religious, charter, or homeschool education; immediate freezing and eventual ending of taxpayer-funded healthcare expansion for undocumented immigrants; capping payroll taxes for Paid Family and Medical Leave; preventing increases in provider taxes; blocking new sales and income tax hikes; stopping funding for the Northern Lights Express train project to Duluth; and preventing new mandates and fee hikes.

On education policy, Gillman said that House Republicans worked to secure over $150 million in Basic Supplemental Aid for schools while also delivering mandate relief such as ending requirements related to seasonal worker unemployment insurance. She criticized recent mandates imposed on schools and emphasized efforts to keep funding directed toward classrooms rather than bureaucracy.

Gillman also mentioned her support for an amendment offered by Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar intended to redirect funds from administrative costs at the Minnesota Department of Health toward support services for birthmothers who choose adoption. "Rep. Zeleznikar’s amendment wasn’t just about dollars and cents. It was about values," Gillman said. "It was about recognizing the beauty and bravery in every birthmother’s story and making sure our public policy uplifts that."

She recounted meetings with local county commissioners focused on finding solutions to ease tax burdens on counties and expressed appreciation for encouragement received from Congressman Tom Emmer during a recent visit.

As the session ends, Gillman encouraged constituents to share their concerns regarding education funding or other issues affecting Minnesota residents: "Your voice matters now more than ever...Please don’t hesitate to call my office at 651-296-4228, email me at rep.dawn.gillman@house.mn.gov, or follow me on Facebook..."

Gillman concluded her update by reaffirming her commitment to protecting communities, holding government accountable, and prioritizing people over bureaucracy.