Minnesota’s strength lies in our families and neighbors being able to fully thrive and contribute to their communities, so our research, advocacy, and engagement on public policies focus on affordable health care, affordable child care, and tax policies for everyday Minnesotans and so that we can invest in the things that strengthen Minnesota’s communities.
Last year, Minnesota policymakers passed the state’s two-year budget, so new budget legislation is not needed to keep state programs running in 2026. However, a number of budget-related issues will demand attention and require bold action. People all across the state are facing massive federal disruptions to the public services they count on and economic uncertainty. In this moment, state policymakers have an important role in prioritizing and protecting policies that help all Minnesotans be healthy, safe, and economically secure.
State policies enacted in recent years like an innovative advance payment option for the Minnesota Child Tax Credit, statewide paid sick time, and expanded affordable child care, are moving Minnesota toward a more equitable future. At the same time, policy decisions like last year’s repeal of MinnesotaCare eligibility for undocumented adults leave more people without health coverage.
Our priorities for 2026 are aimed at addressing the significant policy and funding challenges facing the state and Minnesotans due to the huge federal law, H.R. 1, passed in July 2025, and other harmful federal actions, and advancing budget, tax, and economic policies that create a more equitable Minnesota.
- Advocate for a robust and fair state tax system that sustainably funds public investments in a more equitable future.
- Protect Minnesotans’ access to affordable health care through Medicaid and other public health care programs.
- Defend Minnesotans’ access to food support through SNAP and other public services.
- Ensure immigrants’ access to public services and tax benefits, and their human rights, and address barriers that keep these Minnesotans from fully participating in our communities and economy.
- Strengthen income-boosting tax credits for lower-income Minnesotans that advance economic well-being and narrow racial and income disparities.
Together We Rise
The federal law, H.R. 1, made sweeping harmful changes and funding cuts to our nation’s core basic needs services, including health care and food assistance, while giving large tax cuts primarily to the wealthy and transferring more responsibilities for delivering and funding those services to the states.
Nonprofits are calling on Minnesota policymakers to be bold and build a strong, stable future, so all of us have what we need to thrive, regardless of who we are or where we live.
Policy Issue Contacts
Nan Madden, Director
ISSUES: Tax policy, tax credits for workers & families
651-757-3084
Carly Eckstrom, Deputy Director
ISSUES: Policies impacting immigrants and refugees, food assistance, state budget policy
651-757-3071
Jessie Luévano, Policy Analyst
ISSUES: Affordable health care & child care
651-757-3065