Since last week, the state Legislature has been on its weeklong spring recess following the passing of the deadline for policy bills on March 27th. Once the legislature returns to normal business tomorrow, Tuesday April 7, there will be a mere two weeks until the deadline for fiscal bills arrives and then a single month before the end of the session.

 

So far, this legislative session has seen significant debate around the response to federal immigration activity and countering and preventing fraud and misuse of state funds. However, with the House of Representatives still tied, there has not been major movement towards passing large bills just yet. While the policy deadline has now come and gone, it is also unclear to what degree new spending will be adopted in a supplemental budget, as Committees have not received targets and the state still faces a long-term budget deficit in future biennia. Even the scope of policy changes, and a possible bonding bill, remains under debate.

 

The 2026 legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on May 18.

 

You are invited to join the Council at API Day at the Capitol, an energetic day of community and civic engagement held at the people’s house of Minnesota. Please join us at this show of solidarity, support, and strength with Minnesota’s Asian and Pacific Islander communities and supporters. We are excited to announce at this time that Minnesota Congresswoman Angie Craig, who represents Minnesota’s Second Congressional District, will join us as a featured speaker.

 

API Day at the Capitol 2026 

Capitol Rotunda 

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155 

Monday, April 20, 2026 

Doors open 9 a.m., rally begins 10 a.m.

 

We are excited to present our guests with an exciting slate of community and legislative speakers, along with resources provided by attending nonprofit co-hosts.

 

No reservation is required, but please allow for extra time to enter the Capitol as additional security measures have been implemented.

 

This event will take place in-person at the Capitol rotunda. More information is available on the Council’s Facebook page.

 

 

Governor Tim Walz recently signed an executive order establishing a Governor’s Council to document the impacts of Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS. The council, composed of community members with a range of expertise and perspectives and informed by The Advocates for Human Rights, will gather testimony, data, and firsthand accounts to ensure people’s experiences are preserved and heard. It will work to make recommendations to prevent future harm and support the state’s long-term recovery.

 

The council is now accepting applications for 12 open appointments of community members. We strongly encourage members of our Asian Pacific Minnesotan community to apply and ensure APMs are included and reflected in the work of this council. Applications to the Governor’s Council on Recording the Truth of Operation Metro Surge and Operation Parris can be submitted on the Secretary of State website. Applications will be accepted through April 15, 2026.

 

Selected individuals should have experience and perspective in the following areas:

 

People with refugee status are continuing to be called into be reinterviewed for refugee status due to Operation PARRIS. It is important that people with refugee status connect to legal help if they have not applied for a green card or if they get a letter or interview notice from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Minnesota State Bar Association is working to match people impacted by Operation PARRIS with pro-bono legal representation. 

 

Call the Refugee and Immigrant Helpline at 1-800-814-4806 to be connected to this program.

 

Contact MSBA if you are an attorney who would like to provide pro bono assistance through the Refuge Status Reverification Interview Project.