Following the establishment of the Minnesota Latino Leadership Alliance (MiLLA) in 2022, and the landmark legislative gains of 2023 and 2024 for our communities, 11 Latino-led organizations and individuals are uniting again in 2025 to promote awareness and visibility around Latino priorities, and to enhance our collective influence. We aim to drive policy and systemic changes that benefit all Minnesotans.

This session, our focus is on budget and policy, advocating for investments that reflect and uplift the contributions of our diverse communities. Minnesota’s Latino population, 367,000 strong, represents only 6.4% of the state’s total population but boasts the highest labor force participation rate at 76.5%. The economic impact of Latinos in Minnesota is profound, with an estimated $5 billion purchasing power; 12,000 Latino-owned small businesses with sales and receipts of almost $2 billion; and individuals and families producing over $600 million in state and local taxes. These figures underscore the vital role of Latino Minnesotans as crucial contributors to the state’s present and future prosperity.

We want to ensure that the state’s investments are fair and beneficial to our communities, thereby fostering more significant contributions from Latinos to a thriving Minnesota. Success in our communities translates to success for Minnesota as a whole.

2025 LEGISLATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS

Our agenda reflects the consensus aspirations voiced by our communities across Minnesota. It does not encompass all the multiple areas and issues that need to be tackled and addressed to improve Latino Minnesotans’ social, economic, legal, and political situation. It presents consensus aspirations that various Latino organizations have heard loud and clear from our communities in each corner of the state.

EDUCATION

Education is a cornerstone for success, and we believe in ensuring high-quality education from preschool through college. Despite strides made, disparities in academic outcomes for Latino students persist. Our commitment extends to equitable admissions processes, dedicated support for multilingual learners, substantial funding for aspiring teachers, and guaranteeing access to comprehensive education for all.

Our agenda includes:

• Add accountability measures and best practices measures to the Learning English for Academic Proficiency and Success (LEAPS) Act.

• Working with the OHE to finalize the Minnesota State Course Placement Practices Review (Cultural Bias Report). This legislative mandate instructs the OHE to document, review, and analyze college admission and course placement policies, practices, and assessments used by the MN State Colleges and Universities system.

• 2025 ITCA Legislation: Strengthen the Aspiring Teachers of Color program, underlining our dedication to attracting and cultivating future educators from our communities.

• Migrant Education Program: supplemental state funding for the Migratory Youth Leadership and Job Skills Program.

• Increase funding for after-school programs and initiatives that support bilingual education, mental health services, and school-family engagement.

• Universal FAFSA Requirement that will increase access to financial aid, helping more students afford college and reducing unmet financial need.

Economic Development, Workforce, and Agriculture

Minnesota faces a worker shortage, exacerbated by retirements and low birth rates. The Latino community, notably young, remains a key player in the state’s economic growth. We must invest in ways that build multigenerational wealth in our diverse communities and recognize the dignity of everyone who works for a living, while supporting agricultural programs and career pathways.

Our agenda includes:

• The Latino Center for Community Engagement – LCCE – (legislation pending). The LCCE will serve as a vibrant hub for celebration, community-specific services, and cultural exchange, bolstering Minnesota’s economy and society.

• Salt/Liability Bill (Legislation Pending): legislation to limit liability for Certified Salt Applicators that follow best practices learned through the MPCA smart salting training.

• Supplier Diversity Initiatives: Promoting diversity within state departments.

• Workforce Development: Supporting legislation that removes barriers for our community to access different professional licenses that will allow them to do professional work and access to job training programs. This will lead to better financial outcomes for our community members.

• Support for Latino-owned businesses, commercial and agricultural: Including lending, capital, technical assistance, land acquisition, and programming.

• Direct appropriations: Includes entrepreneurship lending, career pathways, and technical assistance.

• ITIN expansion for economic development for immigrant communities in the area of insurance.

• Affordable auto insurance program to support new registered drivers.

Housing

Safe, stable, and affordable housing is foundational to the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Yet, many Latino families face barriers such as rising housing costs, discriminatory practices, and a lack of culturally responsive resources. We believe in addressing these challenges by advocating for equitable housing policies, increasing access to affordable homeownership opportunities, and ensuring rental protections that safeguard against exploitation.

We support:

• A Constitutional Amendment for Housing for sustainable, predictable, and ongoing funding solutions to address the housing crisis.

• Workforce housing appropriation for Lagos del Este in Saint Paul.

• Legislation that addresses housing affordability and combats discriminatory practices in the housing market.

Arts and Cultural Development

Latino cultural and artistic expressions are vibrant all over the state and have proven to help transform communities into resilient, vibrant, and lively places. These expressions revitalize communities, foster a sense of belonging, and drive economic revitalization. From murals and music to theater and dance, Latino artistic endeavors promote healing, sustain our diverse identities, and enrich the social tapestry of our state.

In recognition of the transformative power of arts and culture, we advocate for:

• The Minnesota Latino Museum Funding (Legislation Pending): Secure funding for all development stages of the first Latino Museum in Minnesota, which will showcase the arts, history, and the rich cultural heritage of Mexican, Central American, South American, and Caribbean communities.

• Cultural Support Funding: Channel Arts and Cultural Heritage funds to support Latino artists, non-profits, and cultural development, enriching Minnesota’s cultural landscape.

Health Care and Wellbeing

Latino Minnesotans prioritize accessible, high-quality healthcare and a strong public health framework for all. The pandemic highlighted and intensified existing equity challenges within our healthcare system. To bridge these gaps and maintain vibrant communities, the Alliance endorses strategic policies and investments:

• MinnesotaCare Public Option: Advocate for the introduction of a MinnesotaCare public option to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive universal healthcare system.

• Support the Establishment of an Ombudsperson for Safety, Health, and Wellbeing of Agricultural and Food Processing Workers.

• Equitable Healthcare Access: Ensure equitable access to healthcare services that respect and incorporate cultural diversity, aiming for a more inclusive health system.

Democracy and Voting Rights

Democracy and Voting Rights are fundamental to the vitality and integrity of our democracy, relying on the protection and expansion of voting rights to empower new Americans and reinforce community bonds throughout Minnesota. To this end, we support:

• Grassroots Redistricting Reform: Advocate for the establishment of an Independent Redistricting Commission, ensuring a process that is driven and centered by the people, to reflect our communities more accurately and fairly.

• Expanding the Minnesota Voting Rights Act (MVRA): Amend the MVRA to require the collection of data in a centralized and secure manner and give voters access to that data so they can determine if there’s been a voting rights violation and allow for remediation.

• “Cooling off” period for lobbyists: Requiring former legislators to “cool off” before they return to lobby their former colleagues stops the revolving door and levels the playing field.

Belonging and Integration

Latino Minnesotans and immigrants are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family. Minnesota is stronger, safer, and more prosperous when everyone is free to contribute, and everyone has equal access to our state’s many resources based on their economic contributions. Our support focuses on:

• The North Star Act: Strengthen protections for undocumented immigrants, enhancing safety and inclusivity across communities.

• Support data protections for non-citizens.

• Support civil liberties of all Minnesotans from the use of surveillance technologies.

• Support state-level initiatives for legal assistance, immigrant integration programs, and protections for undocumented residents.

Clean Environment

A Clean Environment is essential for the well-being of all Minnesotans who cherish clean air, water, and the natural beauty of our parks, lakes, and wilderness. To ensure that these treasures are preserved for future generations, we advocate for:

• Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund Appropriation: Advance special environment and natural resource projects that better Minnesota’s environment.

• 100% Clean Energy Expansion: Commit to advancing towards 100% clean energy, safeguarding our environment, and promoting sustainability for years to come.