Rep. Esther Agbaje

Maddy summaryHF 2591 establishes a new fifth tax bracket for Minnesota individual income tax, targeting high earners to replace revenue lost from federal Medicaid funding changes. The bill amends tax law to create a top income bracket (applying to income over $1.667 million for married couples filing jointly) with a rate set by the commissioner of revenue. This rate must be calculated to generate revenue equal to the amount of federal Medicaid funds Minnesota lost, as certified by the commissioner of management and budget. The new tax rate applies to taxable years 2026 and 2027, affecting only taxpayers in the highest income bracket.

Maddy summaryHF 2497 appropriates $1,000,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to the Stairstep Foundation for African American cultural festivals and events. The funding covers specific costs like event infrastructure, staffing, safety, permits, equipment rentals, and programming for these festivals. This is a one-time grant for fiscal year 2026, directly providing resources to support the operational needs of these cultural events.

Maddy summaryHF 2215 creates a state-run low-cost auto insurance program called the "Minnesota Lifeline Insurance Program" for low-income residents who meet specific eligibility criteria. The Commissioner of Commerce must establish this program, requiring a facility to develop and operate it, set affordable rates based on claims data and administrative costs, and offer online applications through a dedicated website. The bill appropriates state funds for the program, mandates annual reports to the legislature detailing participation and costs, and requires rates to cover claims, expenses, and investment income while remaining accessible. This program directly affects low-income Minnesotans who struggle to afford standard auto insurance, providing them with a state-supported alternative.

Maddy summaryHF 2209 appropriates state funds from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund to support the Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts. The bill allocates money for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund after-school educational programs focused on dance, voice, and drama. Up to a portion of the grant may also be used for capital improvements to the Center's facilities. This bill directly provides financial support to the Lundstrum Center for its youth programming and physical infrastructure.

Maddy summaryHF 2478 appropriates $750,000 from the workforce development fund for fiscal year 2026 and another $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 to provide a one-time grant to Project for Pride in Living (PPL). The funds are specifically designated for PPL to deliver job training and workforce development services targeting unemployed or underemployed individuals. This bill directly supports PPL's programming and the people it serves through these targeted services. The appropriation is a one-time funding measure, not a recurring budget item.

Maddy summaryHF 2507 establishes a program to fund affordable homeownership projects specifically targeting African American households and using African American workers in development. It appropriates money for grants to cities, tribal governments, nonprofits, and community land trusts to cover costs like land acquisition, environmental cleanup, design, rehabilitation, and construction training. Projects must serve African American households earning 80% or less of the state median income for African Americans and prioritize African American-run workforce development and housing programs. The program requires grant funds to directly support both affordable housing construction and job training/employment opportunities for African Americans.

Maddy summaryHF 1485 requires Minnesota health insurers and medical assistance programs to cover over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive drugs, devices, and products without cost-sharing (like co-pays or deductibles). It applies directly to health plans and enrollees, mandating coverage of all FDA-approved OTC contraceptives at the point of sale without prescription requirements or quantity limits. The bill also requires health plans to list covered contraceptive services accessibly and cover provider-recommended methods based on medical necessity. This law takes effect January 1, 2026, for health plans offered, issued, or renewed after that date.

Maddy summaryHF 45 appropriates $1 million for fiscal year 2026 and $1 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Outreach Program. This funding directly assists the commissioner of children, youth, and families in operating outreach efforts to help eligible Minnesotans access food assistance benefits. The bill provides specific, dedicated funding for the program under Minnesota Statutes, section 142F.12, without changing eligibility rules or benefit amounts. It ensures consistent financial support for outreach services that connect residents to existing nutrition assistance programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for the Capri Theater in North Minneapolis. The funds will support the theater's youth and adult arts programming, community engagement, and its role as a hub for economic development. The grant aims to benefit over 20,000 annual visitors, emerging and established artists, and local organizations through expanded arts and educational offerings.

Maddy summaryHF 1105 amends Minnesota law to require the state health commissioner to *conduct* maternal death studies annually, changing the previous language from "may" to "must." This directly affects the Minnesota Department of Health, which must now systematically analyze preventable maternal deaths to improve healthcare systems. The bill mandates these studies to identify preventable causes and inform medical, health, and welfare service planning. Its key provision is making the maternal death study process mandatory, aiming to reduce preventable deaths through data-driven system improvements. The law applies statewide to all maternal health outcomes covered under Minnesota's health system.