Dear John,
While communities across the country rise in defense of dignity, care, and justice, this week’s headlines are a stark reminder of what’s at stake. From Washington, D.C., where protesters filled the halls of Congress to oppose devastating Medicaid cuts, to here in Minnesota, where legislators protected one essential right, ESST, but plan to make cuts to MinnesotaCare that would abandon our immigrant neighbors. The pressure to protect hard-won progress and stand strong against the Trump administration’s onslaught of cruel cuts is mounting.
Check out the following stories for the latest from the halls of Congress and the halls of the MN legislature.
Here’s what we’re reading, watching and listening to this week.
1. Protests at U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee marking up the bill that will kick millions of people off Medicaid
While the House Energy and Commerce Committee markup their bill that will rip health care from millions, folks gathered in and outside of the hearing room to make it clear: the people do not want cuts to Medicaid. We’re grateful to the folks who are showing up to protest these life-threatening cuts and the 25 who were arrested by capitol police. The intention of these cuts are clear: it’s about breathtaking cruelty and shrinking our most important, loved and used programs to fund tax cuts for the rich and a health care system that profits off our pain & suffering.
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2. Minnesota lawmakers reach budget agreement days before session's end
The wins we worked together to secure in 2023 were motivated by the belief that we can build a Minnesota that takes care of all of us. Today, we’re seeing cuts to these wins that violate this very principle, excluding our immigrant family, friends, and neighbors from receiving the healthcare they need because the GOP need to point fingers to justify their racist and violent policy. We're going to improve our lives by going after the billionaires at the top—not by scapegoating immigrants. We oppose this rollback with everything we got and are taking that energy to double down in solidarity and community with our neighbors - people who are never determined by a piece of paper, but rather our shared commitment to each other.
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3. An Early Learning Scholarship has been crucial for my daughter and me — don’t cut them
While legislators may see numbers on a spreadsheet to weigh a policy's success or failure, countless individuals have had life-changing benefits because of their access. Like TakeAction Member Corrine Martin, who has benefited from Early Learning Scholarships, knows firsthand how critical this program has been to their child’s success. These programs, while focused on children, don’t solely benefit kiddos; they allow parents time they need to do things like further their education, receive help they need, and so much more. Without these resources, we’re leaving countless Minnesotan families behind and not giving them the head start they deserve.
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4. Minnesota joins suit over Trump regime threatening to withhold funds if we don’t comply with immigration enforcement
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison continues his fight for all Minnesotans as the Trump administration attempts to withhold funds because our state will not comply with their horrifying immigration agenda. State funds are not a bargaining chip, and Donald Trump cannot treat Minnesotans or any American people as if we are a business partner he wants to pressure into following his agenda. That is simply not how our government works.
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5. White House $5K 'baby bonus' would do little to offset cost of raising a kid in Minnesota
In a feeble attempt to spur Americans to have more children, Trump has floated a $5k ‘baby bonus’ to new mothers. Short term, one time policies like these, which only provide benefits once, do nothing to spur folks to have children, let alone support that child throughout their lives. Good policy isn’t just a wad of cash you throw at people—it supports folks throughout their whole lives.
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6. ‘Timestamp on our minds’: Philadelphia marks 1985 Move bombing that killed 11
The 1985 MOVE bombing in Philadelphia, where police dropped explosives the headquarters of a Black liberation organization, killing 11 people and destroying dozens of homes, remains a haunting example of state violence against Black communities. Decades later, the city has yet to fully reckon with the trauma and injustice of that day—no official has been arrested for this violence and it took 35 years for the city to apologize. This tragedy underscores how systemic racism and unchecked authority can devastate lives and erode public trust. Remembering MOVE is not just about honoring those lost—it's a call to confront the ways institutions still fail the communities they are meant to protect.
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7. As wildfires continue in northeastern Minnesota, community members step up
Three wildfires are burning across northeastern Minnesota, but our community is stepping up to help first responders and community members affected by the fires. Whether it’s a local bar and grill becoming a resource distribution hub or local churches providing shelter and support, the communities across northeastern Minnesota are showing up for one another amid this tragedy. At the same time, these wildfires highlight the growing impact of climate change. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions are making wildfires more frequent and intense, even in places like northeastern Minnesota. As we support one another, it’s also a reminder of the need for action to address the root causes of these disasters.
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8. EXCLUSIVE: The One and Only Ms. Rachel Opens Up to Mehdi on Her Advocacy for Gaza's Kids
Just about any parent with young kiddos knows Ms. Rachel. She has 14 million subscribers on YouTube alone and amassed billions of views across her platforms. She appeared on Zeteo with Mehdi Hasan to stand strong in her unwavering advocacy for the children of Gaza and children facing conflict worldwide. Ms. Rachel gets it: silence is not a choice.
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9. Ticketmaster will finally show the full price of your ticket up front
Ticketmaster has long held a monopoly on event ticketing and, as a result, has used deceptive and harmful business practices that hurt artists and fans alike. Because of the Federal Trade Commission’s ban on junk fees, you will now see the full price of your ticket before checkout, including fees.
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10. ‘Justice for George’: Vigil, mural exhibits and festivals mark five years since Floyd’s murder
Throughout Minneapolis, remembrance events and exhibits will be held in honor of the 5th anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. Across the city, these events will serve as a moment of reflection, sharing grief, and continuing to find our path forward as a community.
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And that’s a wrap!
Send us what you’re reading, watching, and listening to.
Until next time,
Amanda Otero
Co-Executive Director
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TakeAction Minnesota
705 Raymond Ave Ste 100
Saint Paul, MN 55114
United States
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