The 2025 Minnesota legislative session is set to begin under extraordinary circumstances, marked by significant uncertainty and pressing challenges. The Minnesota State House is now evenly divided, with a 67-67 split between Democrats and Republicans. Meanwhile, the Senate holds a razor-thin DFL majority, with 33 seats to 32. The recent passing of Senator Kari Dziedzic leaves Senate District 60 without representation until a special election on January 28, alongside another special election for House District 40B, following Representative-elect Curtis Johnson’s disqualification for residency issues. These elections will play a pivotal role in shaping the final makeup of the legislature.
Budgetary pressures add another layer of complexity to this session. An initial forecasted surplus of $1.7 billion has been revised down to $616 million, significantly narrowing the scope for new expenditures. Disability services, identified as an area for potential cuts, face heightened scrutiny as legislators seek to balance rising costs with limited funds. These increased costs reflect essential factors, including longer and healthier lives for vulnerable populations, growing service demand, and overdue wage increases for direct support professionals.
Amid these challenges, advocacy efforts will be critical. Disability services are more than budget line items—they represent investments in people’s lives. Effectively communicating this to legislators will require collective grassroots efforts. Advocates must share their stories and demonstrate the real impact of these services on individuals, families, and communities.
To support this, HCO continues to uplift our Grassroots Taskforce, equipping advocates with the resources and confidence to engage in the legislative process. Whether through sharing personal experiences or participating in broader advocacy initiatives, your voice is vital to advancing our shared legislative goals during this pivotal session.
