Sen. Susan Pha

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2026 to support youth outdoor programs. The funds will be granted through the Minnesota Humanities Center to the Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA), directly benefiting AEDA's youth-focused outdoor programming initiatives. The legislation authorizes a specific grant for these programs, with no additional policy changes or requirements outlined in the bill text. As a funding measure, it does not alter existing laws or create new obligations beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 20 is a commemorative measure that honors the life and legacy of Richard "Paaj Yeeb" Her, a Hmong veteran and community leader. The resolution acknowledges his service in the Royal Lao Army, his role in refugee rescue efforts, and his contributions to the Hmong community in Oregon after immigrating to the United States. It formally recognizes his sacrifice and dedication to freedom, justice, and democracy. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare an official copy of the resolution for transmission to Mr. Her's family.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies how Minnesota allocates cannabis tax revenue. It directs 10% of the 80% of cannabis gross receipts tax going to the general fund (totaling 8% of the tax) to a new Cannabis Youth Grant Program. The program funds youth initiatives focused on prevention, skill-building, and community engagement - including after-school programs, peer education, and restorative justice projects in communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis criminalization. Grant recipients must demonstrate how their programs prevent early cannabis use, improve mental health, and build leadership skills. The state must report annually on grant allocations and outcomes to legislative committees.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $500,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for Hmong Town Connections to renovate the Maplewood Sears complex into an arts space. The funding directly supports Hmong Town Connections, a community organization, to create a dedicated venue for local artists and cultural activities. The key provision is the allocation of state funds specifically for building renovations at that location. This is a concrete funding measure with no additional policy changes beyond the renovation project.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Department of Revenue to publicly post certain corporate franchise tax information on its website within one month after the third calendar year following a corporation's taxable year. It specifically applies to corporations with $250 million or more in annual gross sales or receipts, making available their franchise tax returns, calculation forms, and corporate identity for state tax purposes. The disclosure does not include federal tax information. The requirement becomes effective for data needed after December 31, 2025. This affects large corporations operating in Minnesota by increasing transparency around their state tax filings.

Maddy summarySF 2191 appropriates $553,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $553,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to support Minnesota's diaper distribution program. The funds will be granted to the Diaper Bank of Minnesota through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. This program provides diapers to low-income families across the state, directly aiding households facing financial barriers to essential hygiene products. The bill ensures continued funding for an existing service without creating new requirements or eligibility rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Minnesota's Housing Finance Agency to allocate at least 25% of its Housing Affordability Fund (Pool 3) in fiscal years 2026 and 2027 specifically for grants supporting workforce and affordable homeownership development - such as single-family homes, townhomes, and manufactured homes - under Minnesota Statutes § 462A.38. Funds directed this way cannot be used for loans, administrative costs, or other financing programs. The agency must also report annually by June 30 on the number and amount of grants issued, broken down by home type, income category, and county. This directly affects the Housing Finance Agency's budget decisions and local housing programs receiving these targeted grants.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $627,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide technical assistance grants to small rural communities in Minnesota. The funds will go to Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) to offer economic development support to communities unable to afford such services, with up to $270,000 also allocated for implementing specific economic development projects alongside the technical assistance. The grant program is a one-time funding measure targeting rural areas needing help with economic planning and development initiatives.

Maddy summarySF 2577 appropriates $4.9 million from the general fund to Restoration for All (REFA), a nonprofit organization, to build a multipurpose services building. The project will provide culturally relevant mental health and suicide prevention services specifically for Minnesota's African immigrant refugee communities, while also supporting the elderly, underrepresented college students, and providers of assisted living services under Minnesota law. The funding covers property acquisition, design, construction, and equipment for the building, with the grant available until the project is completed. This is a one-time appropriation for a specific facility, not a new law.

Maddy summarySF 2656 appropriates $300,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the city of St. Paul for a mural and statue honoring Tou Ger Xiong at Lake Phalen's Tou Ger Xiong Island. The bill directs the city to design and construct this public artwork, which will commemorate Tou Ger Xiong's contributions to the community. The funding is allocated for fiscal year 2026 and comes from an existing state fund dedicated to cultural projects. This bill directly affects the city of St. Paul by providing state resources for a specific memorial project.