Latest news with #MinnesotaHouse
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘I'm a citizen,' clarifies Minnesota Democrat after saying she came to the U.S. illegally
Rep. Kaohly Vang Her, DFL-St. Paul, speaks on the House floor in 2024. (Photo by Andrew VonBank/Minnesota House Info) Rep. Kaohly Her, DFL-St. Paul, revealed a stunning detail about herself during a debate on the Minnesota House floor Monday: She came to the United States illegally as a child. 'I am illegal in this country. My parents are illegal here in this country,' Her said on the floor. Her was trying to inspire empathy in her Republican colleagues, who were about to vote to take away state-funded health care for undocumented adults in Minnesota. 'I tell you this story because I want you to think about who it is that you are calling illegal,' Her told House Republicans on the floor. 'My family was just smarter in how we illegally came here. We had more privileges and more ability, which is why we came here in that way.' The fourth-term lawmaker's remarks quickly ignited a firestorm in right-wing media, who are questioning her legal status and her ability to cast a vote in U.S. elections. One of her Republican colleagues, Rep. Walter Hudson, R-Albertville, called for her to be investigated and she's already receiving threats and insults on social media. In an interview with the Reformer, Her clarified that she and her parents are U.S. citizens. Her is a refugee from Laos, and moved to the U.S. when she was three. Her's parents took their U.S. citizenship test, and Her became a citizen as a minor when she was in middle school, she said. Her said her father technically broke the law when he filled out paperwork for the family to come to the U.S. as refugees. He did so to expedite the process to come to the U.S., though they would have come to America anyway. Her came to America along with a wave of Hmong refugees, who were critical allies to the United States in the Vietnam War and the 'secret war' in Laos, assisting in intelligence operations, disrupting north Vietnamese supply routes and combating communism's spread through Southeast Asia. Her's grandfather was a colonel in the war, she said. Her's father worked at the U.S. consulate, and he processed their family's paperwork in a way to expedite their timeline to immigrate to the U.S. as refugees. People who were set to come to the U.S. as refugees could do so quicker if they had family connections to the military, CIA or USAID. Her said her family didn't qualify for those pipelines, but one of her family's friends worked for USAID. When Her's father processed the refugee paperwork, he claimed familial connection to the friend that worked for USAID, which wasn't true. 'Technically, you would say my father broke the law, right? But we would have come anyway,' Her said. Minnesota House Republicans, alongside DFL House caucus leader Melissa Hortman, voted Monday to strip MinnesotaCare from undocumented adults. The Senate later voted to do the same. Her said she wishes she would have been more clear about her citizenship status on the House floor, but she doesn't regret telling her story. 'The truth is until people see a face with somebody and a situation, it is really easy for us to other each other, and as somebody who's been marginalized because of who I am my whole life, I never want to do that to somebody else,' Her said.
15-05-2025
- Business
Walz contrasts Minnesota's bipartisan budget breakthrough with Washington's deep divisions
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Gov. Tim Walz and leaders of the Minnesota Legislature announced a hard-fought budget deal Thursday, contrasting the bipartisan cooperation that produced the agreement with the deep divisions that have tied Washington in knots. The Democratic governor and former vice presidential candidate noted that he was sharply critical of President Donald Trump's administration, and what he considers the dysfunction in the nation's capital, when he delivered his State of the State address last month. But he also stressed back then that Minnesota could write its own story. Legislative leaders from both parties accepted that challenge, he said, and came up with a fiscally responsible balanced budget despite their ideological differences. The Minnesota House is tied at 67-67, evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. The session got off to a chaotic start in January when Democratic House members boycotted it for three weeks until a power struggle was resolved. Senate Democrats hold just a one-vote, 34-33 majority. Those razor-thin margins mean at least some bipartisan support is needed to enact anything. "So I'm truly grateful for the work,' Walz said at a news conference. 'Grateful that Minnesota sends legislators here that understand that we may have differences, but we have not succumbed to the idea that we let dysfunction rule, and democracy and compromise are still seen as virtues instead of vices.' However, Walz may still need to call legislators back for a one-day special session to finish the two-year budget, which will come in around $66 billion to 67 billion and take effect July 1. The adjournment deadline is Monday. A special session would likely be held before the Memorial Day weekend. Walz hasn't announced yet whether he will seek a third term as governor in 2026. Nor has he ruled out a presidential run. But he's one of several potential 2028 Democratic contenders touring the country as the party seeks future national leaders. He makes frequent appearances on cable TV shows and visits to early-primary states. He went to Iowa in March to launch a series of town halls in competitive congressional districts represented by Republicans. And he's scheduled to make appearances May 31 at Democratic gatherings in both South Carolina and California. The leaders expressed confidence that — despite some deep remaining differences that quickly flared up Thursday — they will have enough votes to pass everything. Many progressive Democrats are angry, and the Senate Republican minority didn't sign off on the deal but supports parts of the agreement. GOP House Speaker Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring, paid tribute to the governor for 'getting us all into the same room' to talk through differences. Republicans claimed a big win by blocking any general tax increases, except for a small bump in the state's recreational cannabis tax. 'We worked well together, and I'm very proud of the work that we did,' Demuth said. 'Am I perfectly happy about it? No. And I know I'm not alone in standing with other leaders here that are not happy about every part. But we worked very, very well together.' The top House Democratic leader, Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, said the governor's role was crucial. 'I'd like to really thank the governor for his strong leadership in these negotiations, keeping us all focused on the end goal of fiscal responsibility, and having those hard conversations and getting through the hard things,' Hortman said. The deal includes a compromise that Walz floated to try to resolve one of the biggest sticking points. A top Republican demand was that a state-funded health care program for the working poor, called MinnesotaCare, should exclude undocumented immigrants. The deal lets undocumented children stay in the program, but undocumented adults will have to seek coverage elsewhere. That retreat sparked an angry protest by progressive legislators, who pounded on the door to the governor's reception room while the news conference was in progress and chanted, 'You're killing our communities.' They held a news conference afterward to say the agreement will deprive thousands of the state's most vulnerable people of life-saving health care. They said Walz and Democratic leaders should not have given in. 'We can not vote for that. We're not ready to accept that for our neighbors, for our friends, for our families,' said Democratic Rep. Cedrick Frazier, of New Hope.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Auxiliary bishop, Minnesota Catholics urge lawmakers to uphold MinnesotaCare for undocumented people
Kevin Kinney, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, spoke at a Capitol press conference on May 12, 2025, joined by other Minnesota Catholics. Photo by Michelle Griffith/Minnesota Reformer. Kevin Kinney, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Paul-Minneapolis, joined Minnesota Catholics Monday at the Capitol, urging state lawmakers to keep a program that allows undocumented people to receive free or discounted health insurance. 'I'm here because of my love for the immigrant brothers and sisters and (because) we need to continue to reach out and walk with them and help them,' Kinney said at a Capitol press conference. 'We need to be able to offer health care to anyone who is here, no matter how they got here, who let them in. Are we going to let them die on the streets? Are we gonna let them suffer? Or are we going to allow them — all of us — the basic health care that we need?' The bishop's decision to use his moral megaphone — on the heels of the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, who is set to become a leading American advocate for the world's poor and dispossessed — arrives at an auspicious time: Legislative leaders and Gov. Tim Walz are making final decisions on a state budget that could fray Minnesota's relatively robust safety net. Republicans, who share control of the 67-67 Minnesota House, are against allowing undocumented people to access MinnesotaCare. The leaders have been meeting daily for over a week behind closed doors to come to a deal on a two-year budget expected to exceed $60 billion. The session ends on May 19, after which Walz would have to call a special legislative session so lawmakers can agree on a budget by June 30. Otherwise the government shuts down on July 1. MinnesotaCare was created in 1992 to help close the gap in coverage for low-income working families who make more than the income threshold for Medicaid, which is called Medical Assistance in Minnesota. In 2023, the DFL trifecta expanded the social safety net to include undocumented immigrants, which began on Jan. 1 this year. Enrollment has surpassed estimates, and Republicans argue undocumented people should be taken off the rolls to save money and discourage people from moving here for coverage. The Department of Human Services says that its most recent data show that as of April 24, 20,187 undocumented people had enrolled in MinnesotaCare. The program is fee-for-service, meaning the state only pays claims after services are administered. DHS says it has received 4,306 claims for service, costing Minnesota $3.9 million. This is nearly $1 million over what the state had projected by this date, according to DHS. Some of the undocumented immigrants on MinnesotaCare pay a monthly premium, like other residents who are on the program. The Minnesota Catholic Conference — the public policy arm of the Catholic Church in Minnesota — lobbied for the creation of MinnesotaCare in the 1990s. 'How do you steward the gift of life if you don't have access to basic health care? MinnesotaCare is a really comprehensive set of programs and health care benefits, and it's just really important that low-income people have access to good preventative — not just acute — care,' said Jason Adkins, executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference. Adkins said the MCC has met with Republican leaders on the issue, but they 'haven't seen a lot of policy movement.' U.S. House Republicans released a proposal this week that would cut Medicaid coverage for millions of low-income Americans. The bill would also target states that allow Medicaid coverage for undocumented immigrants by reducing federal funding for all childless adults without disabilities to 80% from 90%. It's unclear if this would impact MinnesotaCare, which is not part of Medicaid. Kinney said that the immigration system needs to be fixed at the federal level, but until then, Minnesotans can take steps to ensure all people, regardless of their immigration status, can have access to health care. He encouraged legislative leaders to think of creative solutions to continue to fund MinnesotaCare for undocumented people. 'You know, I don't know what we do, but … we shouldn't let fear take over when we put our priority in the love of (our]) neighbor,' Kinney said.
CBS News
30-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Bipartisan affordable housing package could be on cutting room floor this session, key lawmaker says
The tied Minnesota House on Tuesday approved its housing budget proposal on a bipartisan vote. But it didn't include a package some Republicans and Democrats had high hopes for to boost affordable housing development at a time when the state is short 100,000 homes — and its future this session isn't bright. That "Yes to Homes" agenda, which includes legislation to cut red tape to increase starter homes like townhomes and duplexes among other ideas, likely won't clear the finish line this year, said Rep. Michael Howard, DFL-Richfield, the co-chair of the chamber's housing committee. There are continued concerns from local governments about implementation, he added. "We're still working to see if there's a path this year to move the needle, but the structural change, the big reforms needed to unlock more housing, we are going to have to do more work over the interim and come back next session," Howard told reporters Tuesday ahead of the vote. But the bipartisan House deal does include a provision designed to incentivize cities to approve, on their own accord, the approaches in that bipartisan package: allowing more multi-family housing to be built in commercial districts; permitting more duplexes and townhomes in areas zoned for single-family homes; and eliminating "aesthetic mandates" that can drive up prices. Local governments applying for grants at Minnesota Housing Finance Agency receive points based on a number of factors to determine if their project receives the funding through the agency. This bill would boost the score for cities that adopt those housing policies. "We've made more progress this year on this issue than last year," he said. The House proposal also includes $30 million for the Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program, which can provide emergency rental or mortgage assistance for families on the brink of homelessness and other services to keep people in their homes. Grants for development of housing infrastructure in Greater Minnesota receive $20 million and the legislation expands eligibility for first-generation home buyers' down payment assistance, among other provisions. "Everyone in this chamber agrees that Minnesota is the best place to live, grow up, raise a family, all of those things, but people can't do that if they don't have homes, and that's why we need to continue to drive the message and work on policy that can get us there," said Rep. Spencer Igo, R-Wabana Township, moments before the proposal passed off the floor. The Senate has its own version of a housing spending plan and both chambers will come together in the next few weeks to sort out differences on this issue and others, as lawmakers look at cuts to rein in a potential deficit in the future. The Legislature must adjourn on May 19 and complete its work before then or the governor will have to call a special session.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
East Grand Forks Mayor Mark Olstad reflects on year of big projects during his first State of the City
Apr. 24—EAST GRAND FORKS — In his address to residents and businesses, East Grand Forks Mayor Mark Olstad reflected on the city's accomplishments and major projects of the past year. It was a more casual event — billed as "Life Connected: A Civic Social" — than previous iterations of the annual State of the City. It was also the first one Olstad has hosted since becoming mayor at the beginning of the year, taking over for Steve Gander, who is now a representative in the Minnesota House. Among the accomplishments Olstad highlighted from the past year included the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Red River State Recreational Area campground, substantial work on the creation of a railroad quiet zone through the city and improvements to LaFave Park. "I am pleased to represent this wonderful city on the Red Lake River and Red River of the North," Olstad said. "Today is about getting together businesses, donors and citizens of East Grand Forks and Grand Forks in a more relaxed setting." People from across the business community were there, as well as the department heads of the city. The event was held at the River Cinema, which Olstad also highlighted for the key role it plays in the city's small business community. "Last year, they had 220,000 customers, which drove business to our local restaurants, gas stations and other community events," Olstad said. "They provide jobs to young adults and entertainment for the whole family. ... I appreciate them hosting tonight." Olstad also shared that the Red River campground had its busiest year on record with 12,573 camping nights. The previous record was 11,731 in 2018. The recreation area also saw 20,632 vehicles pass through, and estimates show that 117,000 people visited the campground. In the last year, the city completed a renovation of LaFave Park, including a new boat ramp and improved accessibility. The city is also in the process of revamping the playground at the Griggs Park Trailhead, which is near the park and is used by families using the athletic facilities at LaFave. "If you like to kayak, try out the Red River," Olstad said. The rail quiet zone, a longtime priority of the city, will likely be instituted beginning June 20, Olstad shared. "We've been asked by many other people in the community to do a quiet zone," Olstad said. "Last year, we started that process, so hopefully on June 20 there will be no more BNSF horns going through town." Looking ahead, the city is looking to movement on what is known as the "Simplot" lot. The lot, near the intersection of Highway 2 and Central Avenue, has long been a priority for development, and is currently owned by the J.R. Simplot company, but there have been discussions of a potential transaction. "I'm hoping in the next month or so we'll be able to announce (plans for) this vacant lot that's been there forever," Olstad said. "We've been working with them for a while, trying to get them on board to have us take it over and have a developer come in and spur some more community and retail development."
