North Hennepin News

The Minnesota Legislature is approaching the end of its 2025 regular session, with lawmakers working to finalize key budget decisions amid a projected $6 billion deficit and an evenly divided House. Representative Danny Nadeau (R-Champlin) provided an update on recent developments at the Capitol, noting that this session has seen several challenges, including special elections, uncertainty at the federal level, and a delayed start for many House members.

Nadeau reported that legislative leaders have reached agreement on joint global budget targets between the House, Senate, and Governor after missing their May 2 deadline. He explained that there was disagreement over pension funding levels: "You may recall the Senate proposed a one-time $45 million target for pensions, while the House called for $124 million in ongoing funding. Unfortunately, the joint pension target falls far short of what is needed to fund a career rule for teachers."

He described efforts throughout the session to address teacher pensions and broader education priorities: "Throughout the session, we worked hard to develop solutions that not only create a career rule for teachers, but also increase school funding and flexibility, provide mandate relief, drive innovation, stabilize district budgets, and return more decision-making authority to local schools. We knew it would take tough votes, but we stayed the course."

Nadeau expressed concern that some legislative priorities are being overshadowed by new programs from previous sessions but pledged to continue advocating for change as negotiations continue: "Unfortunately, our priorities appear to be taking a back seat to some of the new programs passed last session. Still, I will keep pressing for change. We may have fewer options, but a lot can happen in the final days of session."

One bill set for a vote is the Education Finance bill, which had been delayed due to disagreements over unemployment insurance benefits for hourly school workers. Nadeau indicated his support despite reservations: "Although not perfect, I will be voting yes on this bill."

Key provisions highlighted by Nadeau include redirecting more than $150 million into classrooms over four years; investing $40 million in the READ Act to support literacy initiatives; reducing direct funding for legislatively named nonprofits in favor of allowing schools more choice in partnerships; sunsetting unemployment insurance benefit mandates in September 2028; reallocating $77 million from a light rail project to fund school unemployment insurance mandates for two years; denying an increase request from the Minnesota Department of Education's budget; and rejecting a proposed reduction in education funding exceeding $680 million.

Nadeau encouraged constituents to contact him with questions or concerns.