# Leon Lillie *American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2005* Leon Michael Lillie (born June 1961) is a member of the [[Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party]] (DFL) who has held a seat in the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] since 2005.[^1] His district, 44B, lies in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. It takes in [[Oakdale]], North St. Paul and Maplewood, along with portions of Ramsey and Washington Counties.[^1] Lillie was first elected in 2004 and has been returned at each biennial election since. As of the source's revision (retrieved 26 October 2026), he had led the House Legacy Finance Division since 2019. That division directs the spending of revenue from the sales tax increase approved in 2008.[^2] ## Early life, education and career After finishing at North High School in North Saint Paul, Lillie studied at the University of Nottingham in England and at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He received a B.S. in political science from Luther.[^3] From 1995 to 2004 he sat on the North Saint Paul City Council. When he was elected to the House, he was employed by Northwest Airlines as a ramp agent and baggage handler.[^3] ## Minnesota House of Representatives Lillie won his seat in 2004 by defeating Scott Wasiluk, a two-term DFL incumbent, in the party primary. The source records that the primary followed video of Wasiluk drinking alcohol in his office at the Capitol.[^2] The Legacy Finance Division, which Lillie has chaired since 2019, allocates proceeds of the 2008 sales tax increase. That money is set aside for protecting drinking water and wildlife habitat and for preserving arts and cultural heritage.[^2] His other committee assignments are Capital Investment; Rules and Legislative Administration; and Ways and Means.[^2] In 2009–2010 he was vice chair of the Commerce and Labor Committee. In 2013–2014 he was an assistant majority leader in the House DFL caucus.[^2] ### Legacy amendment funds Lillie has been a member of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, the body that advises the [[Legislature]] on spending from the Legacy Funds.[^4] In 2022 he was the author of a bill directing $159 million from the Legacy Fund to the restoration and enhancement of natural areas.[^4] The bill came out of negotiations with the Republican Senate. Lillie described it as "a little bit disappointing" and urged further investment in later years.[^4] ### Labor and union contracts Lillie served on the Subcommittee on Employee Relations.[^5] In 2012 he faulted Republican members who voted against state employee contracts that included a two percent raise.[^5] In 2017 he voted to approve union contracts with MAPE and AFSCME, and Republicans outvoted him.[^5] In 2015 he opposed Republican proposals to reduce legislative staff, describing them as "really not Minnesotan".[^5] He has also opposed efforts to make union dues voluntary, and in 2020 he backed state workers' union contracts.[^5] ## Personal life Lillie is married, has three children, and is Lutheran.[^6] His brother Ted Lillie, a Republican, served in the [[Minnesota Senate]] from 2011 to 2012.[^6] ## Notes [^1]: Wikipedia contributors, *Leon Lillie* (revision 1365673112, retrieved 2026-10-26), lead section — birth date, party, House service since 2005, District 44B and its cities and counties. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Lillie [^2]: Wikipedia contributors, *Leon Lillie* (revision 1365673112, retrieved 2026-10-26), section "Minnesota House of Representatives" — 2004 election and primary against Scott Wasiluk; Legacy Finance Division chair since 2019; 2008 sales tax purposes; committee assignments; 2009–2010 vice chair; 2013–2014 assistant majority leader. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Lillie [^3]: Wikipedia contributors, *Leon Lillie* (revision 1365673112, retrieved 2026-10-26), section "Early life, education and career" — schooling, degree, North Saint Paul City Council 1995–2004, Northwest Airlines employment. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Lillie [^4]: Wikipedia contributors, *Leon Lillie* (revision 1365673112, retrieved 2026-10-26), subsection "Legacy amendment funds" — Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council membership; 2022 $159 million bill; quoted remark. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Lillie [^5]: Wikipedia contributors, *Leon Lillie* (revision 1365673112, retrieved 2026-10-26), subsection "Labor and union contracts" — Subcommittee on Employee Relations; 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2020 positions; quoted remark. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Lillie [^6]: Wikipedia contributors, *Leon Lillie* (revision 1365673112, retrieved 2026-10-26), section "Personal life" — family, religion, brother Ted Lillie's Senate service 2011–2012. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Lillie