94th Legislative Session, Week 21

Hello? Is It Me You’re Looking For?

After two weeks “on hold” while working groups negotiated budgets and policy behind the scenes, the Minnesota Legislature is officially picking up the line: Governor Walz has called a special session to finalize the state budget.

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol Monday, June 9 at 10:00 AM, with the goal of wrapping everything up by 7:00 AM Tuesday. After weeks of informal negotiations and growing public pressure, the final decisions will unfold in a whirlwind 21-hour sprint.

Read the announcement

View the schedule

Key Health Updates

SRHS Funding – A Mixed Outcome

Sexual and Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) funding is included in the signed budget agreement—but not without significant cuts:

FY2026–27: $500,000 per year

FY2028–29: $75,000 per year

This falls far short of what’s needed to meet statewide community care demands.

MinnesotaCare Expansion – Not Yet Final

A separate vote on Monday will determine the future of MinnesotaCare coverage for undocumented residents. The most likely outcome? Coverage only for undocumented children—a rollback of the 2023 expansion and a direct concession to GOP demands in this year’s negotiations.

This is not what justice looks like—and not what Minnesotans deserve.

Reproductive Justice Wins

There were meaningful—if modest—wins for reproductive health in the final budget, particularly within Medical Assistance (MA):

Home Birth Services Coverage

Certified Midwife Services Coverage

Recognition of Midwifery in Medicaid

Increased Reimbursement Rates for Birth Centers

Together, these are important steps toward dismantling maternal health disparities and supporting community-based birth care.

Other Wins

Vasectomy Insurance Coverage Mandate

A long-overdue move toward equitable, gender-inclusive contraceptive access.

Continued Investment in STI/HIV Prevention

Critical support for frontline sexual and public health work.

Call to Action: Death by a Million Cuts

Both state and federal budgets are carving away at the foundation of reproductive, sexual, and public health. These cuts make care less equitable, less accessible, and less affordable—especially for those already facing the greatest barriers.

On June 14th, we’re coming together with partners from across Minnesota to send one clear message:

Join us. Stand with us.

Say NO to authoritarianism.

YES to health, dignity, and freedom.

RSVP + Info