Sen. Jen McEwen

Maddy summarySF 3542 is a symbolic resolution from the Minnesota legislature, not a binding law. It urges the U.S. Congress to exercise its constitutional authority to oversee the Executive branch and protect constitutional rights, citing concerns about executive overreach. The resolution directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to transmit copies to congressional leaders and Minnesota's federal representatives, but contains no new policy requirements or funding changes. As a memorial resolution, it expresses legislative opinion rather than creating enforceable obligations.

Maddy summarySF 906 appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the Housing Finance Agency for a one-time grant program supporting housing infrastructure projects in Greater Minnesota (outside the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area). The funds will be used to provide grants for housing development projects, specifically under Minnesota Statutes section 462A.395. This bill directly affects housing providers and communities in Greater Minnesota by providing targeted funding for infrastructure needs. The key mechanism is a single fiscal year 2026 appropriation to expand housing development resources in underserved regions.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to provide grants to businesses in communities bordering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The grants help cover costs for hiring staff to issue visitor entry permits, with each business eligible for up to $15,000 on a first-come, first-served basis. The funds are structured as a "subtraction" for tax purposes and excluded from taxable income under Minnesota law. It directly affects local businesses near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area by supporting their operational costs for permit services.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a binding bill), passed by the Minnesota Senate, urging the U.S. President to respect judicial rulings and uphold the constitutional separation of powers. It specifically references recent actions by the Trump administration, including ignoring a Supreme Court order regarding the case of Kilmar Ábrego García and criticizing judges. The resolution has no legal force; it directs Minnesota's Secretary of State to send copies to the President and federal officials as a formal expression of legislative concern. It does not change any laws or policies.

Maddy summarySF 3407 adopts recommendations from Minnesota's Workers' Compensation Advisory Council by amending specific sections of workers' compensation law. The bill updates the definition of "employee" to explicitly include certain voluntary uncompensated workers, such as those in emergency management, historical societies, natural resources programs, and community service projects. For these volunteers, the bill specifies that compensation for work-related injuries would be calculated based on the "usual wage" paid to similar paid employees in the relevant field. This change directly affects volunteer workers in these specific programs by ensuring they receive wage-based compensation under the workers' compensation system.

Maddy summaryThis bill appropriates $2 million from state bond proceeds to clean up PFAS (a type of harmful chemical) contamination at Lake Superior College's Emergency Response Training Center. The funds will pay for designing, building, and upgrading wells, equipment, and water treatment infrastructure to address the contamination. The money comes from a bond sale authorized under Minnesota law, with the Pollution Control Agency administering the grant to the college. The bill directly affects Lake Superior College's campus operations and surrounding groundwater at this specific facility.

Maddy summarySF 976 appropriates $675,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $729,000 for fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota's arts and cultural heritage fund. The funds are allocated to two specific programs: Wilderness Inquiry's Canoemobile and Pyramid of Outdoor Engagement. These programs provide statewide outdoor educational experiences for youth and families, connecting them to Minnesota's natural resources, public lands, and cultural heritage while aligning with state graduation standards. The bill directly affects participants in these educational programs across Minnesota.

Maddy summarySF 2865 appropriates $23,000 from four dedicated legacy funds ($7,000 from outdoor heritage, $7,000 from clean water, $5,000 from arts and cultural heritage, and $4,000 from parks and trails) to the Legislative Coordinating Commission for maintaining Minnesota's required legacy funding website under Minnesota Statutes § 3.303, subd. 10. This bill directly affects the Legislative Coordinating Commission, which administers the website, and ensures public access to information about how legacy funds are allocated. The funds are specifically designated from existing legacy trust funds, with no new tax or spending authority created. This is a procedural appropriations bill focused solely on website maintenance costs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 22, 2025, as Tom Kesti Day to honor the late Duluth carpenter and community member. The bill formally recognizes Kesti's life achievements, including his work with the Carpenters Union, his contributions to local projects like the Duluth Technology Village, and his volunteer efforts. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to create an official copy of the resolution and send it to Kesti's family. This measure is a commemorative act that does not alter any laws or government policies.

Maddy summarySF 3427 appropriates $8,856,000 from state bond proceeds to fund a community engagement center in Duluth for people experiencing homelessness. The bill authorizes the sale of $8.856 million in state bonds to cover predesign, construction, and equipment costs for the center. Key facilities include a commercial kitchen, warming center, health services, classrooms, and hygiene spaces. The Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Duluth will receive the grant to build and operate the center.