Dear Neighbors,
For too long, gridlock has slowed progress at the Capitol. With DFL majorities in the House and Senate, and a DFLer as governor, we are working hard to be historically productive for Minnesotans.
Free School Meals for All Students
Last week we passed a bill to provide free school meals for all students! We pride ourselves on our strong education system and Minnesotans care about quality investments to support our students. But it is time to acknowledge that a hungry student can’t learn. Making sure all kids can eat at school is an important investment in Minnesota’s kids and our state’s future. It will lift a burden off of families to know that their children can get breakfast and lunch at school.
Driver’s Licenses for All
The House recently passed our ‘Driver’s Licenses for All’ Bill which would allow all Minnesota residents to obtain a license regardless of immigration status. Until 20 years ago, driver’s licenses were issued upon proof of ability to safely drive–not immigration status. Changing it back will make our roads safer while restoring dignity to our immigrant communities. Thank you to the community members who have been working tirelessly to educate legislators on the negative impacts of denying driver’s licenses to people who live, work, and are raising families in our communities.
100% By 2040
The last eight years globally have been the hottest on record, and Minnesota is among the top states currently seeing rapid changes to our climate. Scientists know that climate change driven by fossil fuels is impacting our environment, infrastructure, and our health. Minnesota has long been a leader in clean energy, but partisan gridlock in recent years has hindered attempts to combat climate change.
Governor Walz recently signed the 100% by 2040 bill, a landmark piece of legislation that will help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. Action at the state level is urgently needed to help the U.S. meet our climate goals. This legislation will require that the state’s utilities use entirely carbon-free sources for electricity production by 2040. This would put us on track with over 20 other states that have also adopted similar goals.
Making Child Care More Affordable
This week we passed two bills to improve access to affordable child care and early learning. HF 13 increases the maximum rates for all Child Care Assistance Program-eligible children. HF 150 delivers a $52.5 million emergency investment in child care stabilization grants and early learning scholarships. Investing in early care and learning for Minnesota’s children is the best way to ensure they have a bright future, and that parents can participate in the workforce. By prioritizing child care we are making it a little easier for families to get by.
Stay in Touch
Please contact me directly with your questions, comments, and concerns, or if I can ever be of assistance. The best way to reach me is to email me at rep.tina.liebling@house.mn.gov. Please be sure to include your postal address so I’ll know you are my constituent. If you call my Capitol office at 651-296-0573 and leave a message, please include your email and street address. I also encourage you to follow me at my official Facebook page here.
It is an honor to represent you.
Warmly,
Tina