MDHA Legislative Update from MDHA lobbyist Erik Simonson

• MMB Released February Budget Forecast
  • FY 2026-27        $456 million dollar surplus
  • FY 2028-29        $5.99 billion dollar deficit
  • Employment Growth slowed from 1.8% overall in 2023 to 1% in 2024
  • Total wage growth is expected to increase from 4.3% in 2025 to 5.1% in 2026
  • Much uncertainty around federal fiscal policy
• Minnesota House Special Election
  • Roseville/Shoreview House Seat Election         March 11^th
  • Anticipated winner of the election would be seated in the House Chamber on Monday March 17^th
  • If DFL wins, the chamber will be tied at 67 members each
  • If the GOP wins, they will hold the majority control with 68-66 members
• 2025 Legislative Committee Deadlines Announced
  • Friday, April 4 at 5pm — Committees in both bodies must act favorably on bills in the chamber of origin and committees must act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other body.
  • Friday, April 11 at noon — Committees in both bodies must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.
• MDHA Specific
  • HF 1331 and HF 1531 will be heard in House Environment on Tuesday – I am signed up to testify in support of both.