The 2025 session ended without completing key budget bills, while chaotic school policies and stalled reforms continue to harm students and teachers. Negotiations now shift toward a potential special session, where transparency and real solutions are urgently needed. I remain committed to fixing these issues and keeping Minnesotans informed.
The 2025 session ended with major budget bills unfinished, triggering a reset toward a potential special session. Despite a historic spending cut in the budget framework, lack of transparency and behind-the-scenes negotiations are stalling progress. I remain hopeful real solutions—especially for education—will advance soon and will keep you updated.
Minnesota is sliding from an $18 billion surplus to a $6.2 billion deficit due to unsustainable spending, unchecked mandates, and ignored problems. Instead of funding core needs like schools, nursing homes, and disability services, resources are being misdirected. It’s time to face reality, set priorities, and start fixing what’s broken.
Two major mandates—Paid Family & Medical Leave and required summer unemployment for school staff—are placing unsustainable burdens on schools, small businesses, and local governments. With a looming deficit and shrinking resources, these programs must be reformed or repealed. I’m committed to standing up for practical solutions that protect our communities.
As committee deadlines hit, lawmakers advanced a new budget framework that trims state spending and avoids tax hikes amid a looming deficit. I also introduced a bill to tighten oversight of tax-funded nonprofits, while other proposals addressed driving penalties, free college requirements, and restoring balance to the universal school lunch program.
Minnesota schools are sounding the alarm as costly state mandates push districts toward severe cuts and even statutory operating debt. Despite record funding, new one-size-fits-all programs are overwhelming budgets. I’m advocating commonsense reforms to delay mandates, restore flexibility, and keep our schools from financial collapse—before it’s too late.
The House voted on a bill to keep girls’ sports female-only—supported by all Republicans but defeated by one vote. I also advocated for key local water infrastructure projects and supported legislation to strengthen self-defense rights, reduce insurance costs, ensure tax dollars serve Minnesotans, and improve public safety.
Rep. Peggy Bennett co-authored legislation to ensure girls’ sports remain female-only, citing safety, fairness, and strong public support. The bill received a full House vote, with all Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed—falling just one vote short. Procedural options may allow the bill to return for further consideration.
Peggy reflects on the importance of Title IX and her own first chance to play girls’ basketball, stressing that allowing biological males in girls’ sports erodes fairness, safety, and opportunity. She argues that Minnesota must protect female athletes by preserving the integrity of girls’ sports and the intent of Title IX.
Rep. Peggy Bennett highlights key legislative work at the Capitol, including restoring electronic pull tabs for community charities, advancing proposals to improve literacy and restore local control in health education, strengthening nonprofit oversight, limiting benefits for illegal immigrants, and bolstering anti-fraud and public safety measures. She also met with the Shellrock River Watershed Board.
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