State Representative Ethan Cha

05/05/2026

https://www.house.mn.gov/SessionDaily/Story/19143

A 2025 law created state statute relating to the Veterans of the Secret War in Laos who served honorably with special guerrilla units or other irregular forces “in support of the armed forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending May 14, 1975, a...

05/04/2026

Our Hmong and Lao veterans who served valiantly in the Secret War risked everything for American interests, and were promised support that never fully materialized. Minnesota has a moral responsibility to recognize these heroes who later built vibrant communities in our state, and this initiative represents a critical step toward fulfilling our long-overdue commitment to these courageous individuals.

As the Chief Author of HF3919, we made Minnesota history together. HF3919 SGU Veterans bill passed off the floor today in the House of Representatives.

https://www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily/Story/19143

04/02/2026

Thank you to everyone who showed up to our town hall last night! There is nothing more powerful than hearing directly from our local community.

02/26/2026

Tuesday was the first Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement meeting of the 2026 session. This is my fourth year on this commission

The Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement (LCPR) is a bipartisan commission of the Minnesota Legislature responsible for overseeing Minnesota’s public pension systems. The commission reviews proposed changes to public employee retirement plans, evaluates pension benefit modifications, and examines funding policies and actuarial assumptions to ensure long-term financial stability. It works closely with actuaries, retirement system administrators, and stakeholders to assess the fiscal impact of legislation and maintain the sustainability and integrity of retirement plans totaling $161 billion dollars.

The major plans under its jurisdiction include the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) for state employees, the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) for local government and public employees, the Teachers Retirement Association (TRA), and Saint Paul Teachers Retirement Fund.

02/24/2026

Today, as I walked into the Minnesota State Capitol, I paused at the desk display honoring the children lost in the tragedy at Annunciation. Seeing those empty desks, symbols of promise, potential, and futures cut short, is something I will not forget. As a legislator, it is a sobering reminder that the work we do in this building is not abstract. It is about real families, real communities, and lives forever changed.

We debate policy, language, and amendments. But behind every vote are children who should be safe in their classrooms and parents who should never have to endure such loss. Today strengthened my resolve to approach this work with the seriousness, compassion, and urgency that Minnesota families deserve.

02/23/2026

House File HF2500 would prohibit health insurance companies from using artificial intelligence (AI) or automated algorithms to make prior authorization decisions about your medical care. Instead, coverage determinations, including approvals and denials, would need to be reviewed by a qualified human professional.

Right now, many insurers across the country use artificial intelligence (AI) tools and automated algorithms to help review or flag prior authorization requests. Critics argue these systems can lead to fast, high-volume denials, delays in care, or decisions that may not fully account for a patient’s unique medical situation.

Why it matters: Prior authorization can determine whether patients receive medications, procedures, or treatments in a timely manner. HF2500 aims to ensure those decisions are based on clinical judgment, not automated systems.

02/18/2026

As we opened a new session of the House of Representatives yesterday, it was without Speaker Melissa Hortman. Her leadership and steady guidance shaped this chamber in meaningful ways, and her absence will be felt as we begin our work.

01/15/2026

Attorney General Keith Ellison is launching a form on his website that Minnesotans can use to share information about the impacts that federal actions in Minnesota, including those of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), have had on them personally or someone close to them, or that they have personally witnessed. These incident reports may be critical in supporting Attorney General’s Office actions defending and enforcing Minnesota’s laws and defending the State of Minnesota against actions that violate the State’s rights under the Constitution and applicable federal law.

The surge of DHS agents into Minnesota has done tremendous harm to the people of Minnesota, and I urge those who have personally experienced or directly witnessed that harm to share their stories with my office.

What’s most useful to my office right now are experiences that are specific and as detailed and direct as possible. In order to highlight certain impacts in Court, we may need to speak with eyewitnesses or those directly involved, rather than just collecting stories you have heard secondhand.

My team and I will use these stories and experiences to assist in our ongoing fight to end the federal surge in Minnesota and the chaos, pain, and violence it has caused.

To submit a report, visit: ag.state.mn.us/Federal-Action/

12/05/2025

04/30/2025

During the April 29 floor session, the Minnesota House of Representatives recognized veterans who fought in covert operations in Laos on behalf of Americans ...