Sen. Susan Pha

Maddy summarySF 929 would establish the Minnesota Health Plan to guarantee comprehensive healthcare coverage for all Minnesota residents. The plan requires coverage for all medically necessary care - including medical, dental, vision, mental health, prescription drugs, and long-term services - with premiums based on ability to pay and no co-pays. It mandates automatic eligibility for all Minnesotans (including temporary out-of-state residents and border community visitors), while requiring cost reductions through negotiated provider prices rather than care restrictions. The bill also creates new entities like the Minnesota Health Board and Health Fund to administer the plan.

Maddy summarySF 927 appropriates $500,000 from the workforce development fund for fiscal year 2026 and $500,000 each from the workforce development fund and general fund for fiscal year 2027 as one-time funding. The bill directs these funds to the Hmong American Partnership in Minnesota for job training, employment services, business development, financial services, and capacity-building programs. This grant supports the organization's work in economic empowerment for the Hmong American community. The funding is specific to these services and does not create new ongoing obligations.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes $12 million in state bonds for capital improvements to public water access points and boating facilities on Minnesota's public waters, managed by the Department of Natural Resources. It also allocates $17.8 million in bonds for capital upgrades to state fish hatcheries, including up to $3 million specifically for planning and designing a new St. Paul hatchery facility in the metro area with research and education capabilities. The funds will be drawn from a bond proceeds fund, with bond sales governed by Minnesota's bond laws. The bill directly affects state natural resources management and public users of water access sites and hatchery facilities.

Maddy summarySF 85 authorizes the City of Brooklyn Center to establish up to two tax increment financing (TIF) districts within a specific area called the "Opportunity Site," bounded by Shingle Creek Parkway, Summit Drive North, Trunk Highway 100, and Hennepin County State-Aid Highway 10. The bill provides special rules exempting these districts from standard TIF requirements, specifically by considering them to meet state law criteria (Minnesota Statutes 469.174, subd. 10) and removing the application of another provision (469.176, subd. 4j). This directly affects Brooklyn Center’s ability to fund economic development projects in the Opportunity Site through TIF, which uses future property tax growth to finance current improvements. The authority to create these TIF districts expires on December 31, 2031.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $10 million in state bond funds to renovate and expand St. David's Center in Minneapolis, a facility providing child and family services. The funding will cover predesign, construction, and equipment for the facility to deliver early childhood education, children's mental health services, pediatric therapy, and family support programs. The state will issue bonds up to $10 million under Minnesota law, with the money available until project completion. Hennepin County will receive the grant to manage the renovation, which must improve educational and health outcomes for Minnesotans. Nonstate funds spent since January 2024 will count toward required project contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $22.9 million for fiscal year 2026 and $12.9 million for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The funds support two housing programs: the economic development and housing challenge program (Minnesota Statutes §462A.33) and low/moderate-income housing programs (§462A.07, subd. 14). Crucially, $1.2 million annually must be dedicated exclusively to housing projects for American Indians, with unused funds available for other eligible housing activities under the same statutes. The bill directly affects housing agencies and communities receiving these funds, particularly American Indian housing providers.

Maddy summarySF 84 appropriates $1.5 million in state bond proceeds to fund the planning, design, and engineering of a new public works maintenance facility in Brooklyn Center. The funds will be provided as a grant to the city through the commissioner of employment and economic development. The state will issue bonds up to $1.5 million to cover this appropriation, following standard bond procedures under Minnesota law. This bill directly affects Brooklyn Center by enabling the city to develop a new facility for maintaining public infrastructure like roads and equipment.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to issue up to $3 million in bonds to fund public infrastructure improvements at Brooklyn Center's Opportunity Site. The funds will support the city's predesign, construction, and equipping of essential infrastructure - including utility upgrades, stormwater systems, roads, and public parking - to improve access and usability for the public. The appropriation comes from the state's bond proceeds fund and is directed to the city of Brooklyn Center via the commissioner of employment and economic development. The bill directly affects Brooklyn Center residents and visitors by enhancing infrastructure at this designated economic development site.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Minnesota's landlord-tenant laws to clarify definitions, expand tenant protections, and update eviction procedures. It directly affects landlords, tenants, and courts by establishing new rules for how rental agreements are handled and how disputes are resolved. Key changes include adding legal definitions for tenant associations and organizers, clarifying what constitutes a lease violation, and allowing courts to automatically remove eviction records from public view in specific situations, such as when a tenant wins the case or the eviction was based on marijuana possession. The legislation also prohibits landlords from charging extra fees for service or support animals and requires clearer disclosure of pet policies in leases.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors Dr. Yang Dao, a respected academic and leader within the Hmong community in Minnesota. The document formally recognizes his significant contributions, including being the first Hmong person to earn a doctorate, his extensive work teaching anthropology and writing about Hmong history, and his role as a musician and public servant. By passing this resolution, the Senate acknowledges his life's legacy and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send an official copy of the document to Dr. Dao.