Legislative Update - May 22, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

As the legislative session comes to a close, we are passing the final versions of our budget bills and other priorities. Alongside our DFL Senators, we are ending the gridlock and delivering on the promises we made to Minnesotans. You can read more about our final bills using our nonpartisan Session Daily stories: Veterans and Military Affairs, Housing, Higher Education, Legacy, Agriculture, Early Education, Public Safety and Judiciary, K-12 Education, Jobs and Labor, Environment and Energy, Commerce, State Government and Elections, Human Services, Taxes, Cannabis, and Paid Family and Medical Leave.

Updates

In 2019, Minnesota sued e-cigarette companies JUUL and Altria for unlawfully targeting young people with vaping products to get a new generation addicted to nicotine. Attorney General Keith Ellison reached a settlement that awarded Minnesota $60.5 million. I am proud to author the bill to ensure settlement funds are dedicated to tobacco prevention & treatment.

I’m happy to announce that teachers' pension reform was included in the Tax Bill. It’s not perfect, but it’s a starting point. The work continues. Thank you to Education Minnesota and all the teachers for your tireless advocacy.

We did it! Thank you to Moms Demand Action and the many gun violence prevention advocates. We have passed red flag laws and universal background checks in our public safety budget. Next year we will carry out the work to include safe storage and reporting lost and stolen firearms.

Lastly, I voted to legalize cannabis. Many people need this option for a variety of reasons. I support their right to alternatives. For veterans, this can be a life-saving alternative that federal Veterans Affairs hospitals cannot prescribe. Further, we know that Black Minnesotans have been disproportionately targeted and criminalized compared to their white neighbors, who consume cannabis at the same rates. I’m proud to pass this bill and ensure we have a safe, regulated adult-use market in Minnesota.

Stay in Touch

If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me by email at rep.kaohly.her@house.com or call (651) 296-8799 or like my Official State Representative Facebook Page.

Sincerely,  

Kaohly Vang Her

State Representative