Dear Neighbors,
We have about a month left of the legislative session and are in the process of passing our remaining policy bills and supplemental budgets, which will improve the lives of working- and middle-class Minnesotans. We are working hard—our floor sessions are now regularly going until midnight! Here’s an update from the Capitol:
We celebrated Arbor Day with our annual sapling giveaway!
House Floor Votes
The House continues to debate and pass supplemental budget and policy bills, which cover important issues such as education, labor, housing, the environment, and more. Our work this year builds on last year’s historic successes and will do a great deal to improve the lives of Minnesotans. Recently, the House has passed:
- A bipartisan bill using $240 million from the Legacy Amendment fund to invest in our outdoors, clean water, parks and trails, and cultural heritage.
- A K-12 Education bill that boosts resources to improve literacy, moves forward solutions for student wellbeing, and enhances support for teachers.
- An Environment and Natural Resources bill with new investments in tree planting, improving air quality, holding repeat polluters accountable, and handling solid waste and recycling.
- A Children and Families bill that reforms our child protection system and builds on historic investments in economic support for families, food security, and emergency shelter.
- A Transportation, Labor, and Housing bill that invests in railroad safety and public transit, enhances worker rights and safety, improves housing stability for renters and seniors, and funds homelessness prevention.
With bipartisan support we passed a Pensions and Retirement bill which prioritizes educators’ retirement security, improves our pension systems’ health, and strengthens the benefits retirees can expect. Also passed was a bill addressing the “kidfluencer” industry that safeguards young content creators’ safety, requires fair compensation, and ensures their future financial security.
Standing up for Consumers
The DFL also passed legislation to crack down on junk fees to ensure consumers have fair, upfront pricing for event tickets, restaurant meals, hotels, credit cards, and more. I was proud to vote for both of these bills to protect Minnesotan consumers against unfair business practices.
Gun Violence Prevention
Last week we passed a slate of bills that will reduce gun violence and save lives. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the United States and it's time that we take action to make Minnesota a safer place to live. Our bills require the safe storage of firearms, require the report of missing firearms, crack down on straw purchasing, and ban binary triggers. I’m proud to have voted for each of these critical bills.
Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers.
You can find the full list of vacancies here.
Staying in Touch
Please contact me 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.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you.
Warmly,
Tina