Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega

Maddy summaryHF 989 appropriates $400,000 for fiscal year 2025 and $400,000 for fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the commissioner of employment and economic development. The funds are designated for a grant to 30,000 Feet, a nonprofit organization, to support specific programs targeting African American youth. These programs include youth apprenticeship jobs, wraparound support services, after-school activities, and summer learning loss prevention. The bill directly affects the nonprofit organization and the youth participants in these targeted initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $1.8 million from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the Taste of Minnesota event. The funds will be provided to the Minneapolis Downtown Council to cover specific operational costs, including infrastructure setup, permits, waste management, staffing, security, equipment rentals, signage, and insurance. It directly affects the Minneapolis Downtown Council as the recipient of the grant and the Taste of Minnesota event as the beneficiary. The bill makes no policy changes beyond allocating existing state funds for this specific annual festival.

Maddy summaryHF 1885 appropriates $100,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 for fiscal year 2027 to the Minnesota Department of Health. The funds are specifically for the Beautywell Project to support public awareness and education activities addressing colorism, skin-lightening products, and associated chemical exposures. This one-time appropriation expires on June 30, 2027, and directly supports the state's public health efforts through the Health Commissioner's office.

Maddy summaryHF 2833 requires a commemorative work honoring John Francis "J. Frank" Wheaton, Minnesota's first African American state legislator (elected 1898), on the Capitol complex. It mandates the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board to design and install the memorial by 2027, with annual progress reports to the legislature. The bill also requires the commissioner of education to develop school curriculum materials about Wheaton’s legacy and the Minnesota Historical Society to create public programs and an annual "J. Frank Wheaton Legacy Day." It appropriates funds from the general fund for these efforts, available until June 2028. The bill directly affects Capitol grounds, public schools, and historical programming, focusing on recognizing Wheaton’s civil rights advocacy and paving the way for future Black legislators.

Maddy summaryHF 2837 appropriates $100,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $100,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Housing Finance Agency for the Community Stabilization Project in St. Paul. The grant funds will directly assist both tenants and landlords in St. Paul by providing landlords with regulatory guidance, promoting sustainable property management, improving landlord-tenant relationships to reduce disputes, and helping tenants access rental assistance or payment plans. The bill requires the funding to specifically support tools for landlords to comply with housing rules, reduce rental turnover, and address payment issues for at-risk tenants. This is a targeted funding measure focused on stabilizing housing in St. Paul through practical support for both sides of rental agreements.

Maddy summaryHF 1884 requires Minnesota retailers selling mercury-containing skin-lightening products to display visible warning signs starting August 1, 2026. The signs must state that these products are illegal and warn users of health risks like skin damage, and must be placed where customers can easily see them while shopping. The signage must be developed jointly by state health and pollution agencies and displayed in English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali, French, Ethiopian, and Oromo languages. This bill directly affects retailers in Minnesota who sell such products.

Maddy summaryHF 2831 appropriates $350,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $350,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund to provide a one-time grant to Girls Rock, a nonprofit organization. The funding enables Girls Rock to offer worker training programs, job readiness services, placement support, and related administrative costs (up to 10% of funds). This grant directly supports local workers seeking employment through training and career development services provided by Girls Rock. The funds are available until June 30, 2027, with no ongoing annual funding.

Maddy summaryHF 683 allows Minnesota cities and counties to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV) for local elections, such as mayoral or city council races. It establishes rules for how RCV would work, including counting votes by voter preferences and reallocating votes when candidates are eliminated. The bill permits local jurisdictions to use electronic voting systems that automatically handle vote reallocation, and it appropriates funds for implementation. This bill directly affects local governments choosing to implement RCV and voters in those jurisdictions participating in local elections. It does not change state or federal election rules.

Maddy summaryHF 1007 appropriates $5 million from Minnesota's general fund for the World Junior Hockey Championships hosted in Minnesota during December 2025 and January 2026. The funds, available until June 2027, are directed to Minnesota Sports and Events through Explore Minnesota to cover event-related costs. This bill provides specific financial support for the tournament's operational expenses. It directly affects the state's tourism organization and the event organizer, Minnesota Sports and Events. The legislation is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions.

Maddy summaryHF 2707 appropriates $11.125 million for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support sexually exploited youth or youth at risk of sexual exploitation under Minnesota Statutes §256K.47. At least $9 million annually must fund street outreach, emergency shelter, regional navigators, and housing services for these youth. The bill directly affects vulnerable youth in Minnesota by providing dedicated funding for critical safe harbor resources and housing support. It establishes concrete funding mechanisms without altering existing statutes or creating new requirements.