Sen. Erin Murphy, DFL-St. Paul, is the senate majority leader this session of the Minnesota Legislature and recently joined the KAXE Morning Show to discuss key issues.
2025 is a budget-setting year and one of the top priorities is crafting a responsible budget — particularly as a projected deficit looms in Minnesota's future.
"The budget is stably balanced with a rainy day fund, a budget reserve and a modest surplus, which gives us the ability to do the job and do it well for the people of Minnesota," Murphy said.
The DFL's majority in the state Senate is just one seat, which to Murphy, means bipartisanship is all the more important.
"How we disagree matters, and I hope we can show Minnesotans that in a really critical moment in America ... that we are able, here in Minnesota, to do what we were charged with for the people, by the people, which is to balance our budget and invest in their future," she said.
Murphy further explained the effects of federal politics and cuts on Minnesotans. For example, the University of St. Thomas recently lost a $6.8 million grant intended to help train more elementary and special education teachers because of its apparent tie to "diversity, equity and inclusion." The funding loss impacted more than 100 students.
"We're going to continue the work of making sure that Minnesota is the best place to live and work and raise a family. And we know there's uncertainty coming from Washington. And we're going to do our best, despite that," Murphy said.
Also on Murphy's radar is political opposition to key policies passed in 2023 and 2024. Democrats especially are working to keep investments in child care, housing, universal school meals and paid family leave, she said.
"Things like the child tax credit or universal school meals, which on average puts $1,800 annually back into family budgets if they have two kids in public schools."
Paid family leave, she said, allows workers to keep their jobs if they have a child or family member who is sick. "Those are popular, important things we did for Minnesotans, and we're going to work very hard to protect them."
Murphy encouraged citizens to reach out to their elected officials to shape legislative decisions.
"I think it's important for me to remember that I am here in this spot because Minnesotans sent me here," Murphy said. "They're my boss. This is not my seat. It's ours."
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