Sen. Sandy Pappas

Maddy summarySF 2131 authorizes Minnesota local jurisdictions (such as cities and counties) to adopt ranked choice voting for local elections. The bill establishes procedures for how communities can implement ranked choice voting, including allowing electronic voting systems that automatically transfer votes when candidates are eliminated. It also includes funding to support implementation and amends election laws to integrate ranked choice voting into local election processes. This bill directly affects how local offices - like mayors or city council members - are elected in communities that choose to adopt the system.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2.5 million from the general fund for capital improvements at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota's St. Paul location (709 University Avenue West). The funding supports design, construction, renovation, and equipment for accessibility upgrades, expanded transitional housing for youth and parenting youth experiencing housing instability, a therapeutic preschool, and improved office spaces for employment, financial counseling, housing, and behavioral health services. It is a one-time appropriation available until project completion, directly benefiting the organization's clients and staff. The bill specifies concrete uses for the funds without altering broader policy or creating new programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $18 million in state bond proceeds to fund infrastructure improvements in St. Paul's Midway area, directly supporting the city's redevelopment of blighted properties. The funds will cover street upgrades, utilities, sidewalks, stormwater systems, and other public amenities needed for redevelopment projects. The affected area is specifically defined as property within boundaries affected by civil unrest during May 2020 (per Emergency Executive Order 20-64), bounded by Snelling Avenue, University Avenue, I-94, and Pascal Street. The state will issue bonds up to $18 million to provide this funding, with the city managing the project under state guidelines.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a dedicated "State Fire Marshal Account" within Minnesota's special revenue fund. It requires that money received by the State Fire Marshal Division - including gifts, grants, reimbursements, and appropriations - for fire safety program administration be deposited into this new account instead of the general fund. The account is then annually appropriated to the Commissioner of Public Safety to fund the division's fire safety programs under Minnesota Statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund for a one-time grant to the Sanneh Foundation, a nonprofit organization. The funds will support the foundation's out-of-school and summer programs focused on mentoring and social-emotional learning for low-income students of color. The appropriation is available until spent in fiscal year 2026. It directly affects the Sanneh Foundation as the grant recipient and low-income students of color in Minnesota as the program beneficiaries.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $750,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $750,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to Neighbors, Inc. through the commissioner of employment and economic development. The funds will directly support Neighbors, Inc. in providing social services outreach, training, capacity building, support services, programming, and administrative support to the community. It is a straightforward grant appropriation with no policy changes beyond funding these specific services.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $650,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $650,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to the Minnesota Children's Museum. The funds are designated to create new hands-on learning opportunities and expand the museum's community outreach across Minnesota. The bill directly affects the Minnesota Children's Museum, which will receive the grant to support these specific programs. It does not change existing laws but allocates state funding for the museum's educational initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the state to sell up to $4 million in bonds to fund accessibility and recreation improvements at Thompson County Park in Dakota County. The funds will support specific projects including an immersive nature play area, accessible picnic spaces, park entrance safety upgrades, a ravine overlook, and improved trails. The appropriation is directed to Dakota County through the Metropolitan Council for construction, directly benefiting park visitors and local residents who use the facility. The bond proceeds will cover all costs for these physical enhancements to the park.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide grants for legal representation. The grants are specifically for organizations serving two groups: children in need of protection or services, and children in out-of-home placement (such as foster care). The grant requires a matching amount of nonstate funds - either cash, volunteer attorney time, or a combination - to be provided by the recipient organization. This funding is in addition to any existing appropriations for children's legal representation.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates funds from the state general fund for a one-time grant to Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities, a nonprofit organization. The grant will fund the design and construction of a new women and children's family shelter at 376 Western Avenue in St. Paul, and capital improvements at their men's campus at 435 University Avenue East in St. Paul. The appropriation is available until the projects are completed or abandoned. The bill directly affects the organization's ability to expand housing services for vulnerable populations in Minneapolis-St. Paul.