Dear Neighbors, On May 20th, we concluded the 2024 legislative session, which also wrapped-up the 2023-2024 legislative term. The final weeks were full of late nights and long meetings as we worked to deliver for Minnesotans under the first DFL-trifecta in a decade. While we didn’t accomplish everything we set out to do, we can say that these two years have been very productive. We worked to lift up Minnesotans and ensure that Minnesota and Rochester is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.  Life happens while the legislature is in session. Here, Rep. Robert Bierman, Vice Chair of the Health Committee, shows me his new grandchild. What We PassedLast year the Legislature passed the state’s budget for 2024-2025. This year we built on that progress by passing small supplemental budgets alongside more substantial policy changes in major committee areas. The House, Senate, and the Governor worked together to reach final agreements in all major budget bills. One of my favorite accomplishments is a strong bill protecting consumers from hidden junk fees, which prevent folks from comparing prices and result in about $3,000 per year in extra costs for a Minnesota family. The ban on junk fees will go into effect on January 1, 2025. You can find nonpartisan summaries about the final agreements here: Transportation, Labor and Housing, Energy and Agriculture, Public Safety and Judiciary, Commerce and Cannabis, Jobs and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Human Services, and Elections. We also passed a gun violence prevention bill that includes tougher penalties for straw purchasers and a ban on binary triggers, a bill that will increase wages for rideshare drivers while keeping companies operating in Minnesota, a health occupations licensure and scope of practice bill, legislation improving our child welfare services and addressing racial disparities, and a tenant’s right’s package. Health Budget and Policy BillMy focus this legislative session was on the work of the House’s Health Finance and Policy Committee, which I chair. During the final weeks I worked closely with my Senate counterpart, Senator Melissa Wicklund, on a final Health budget and policy bill. While we had fewer investments to work with, we reached agreement on a strong bill that builds on last year’s gains. This year’s bill improves health insurance coverage–including reining in some of the worst prior authorization abuses, beginning to reform our EMS (ambulance) system, investing in mental health solutions, supporting small pharmacies, and building the state’s capacity to stop medical system mergers that are not in the public interest. I’m also proud of our legislation reducing the burden and barriers created by medical debt. For too many Minnesotans, quality health care is still out of reach. I continue working to improve our healthcare system so all Minnesotans can get the care they need without going broke. Statehood Day On May 11, 2024, Minnesota celebrated 166 years of statehood. On that day, the Minnesota State Flag and Seal approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission became the official state emblems.  Slow Mow SummerYou’ve probably heard of “No Mow May” and may have even participated in making your lawn more pollinator-friendly! While it’s a catchy slogan, researchers from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab have modified the popular campaign due to additional research on best practices for pollinators and lawn health. “Slow Mow Summer” takes the sentiment of “No Mow May'' and expands it to the entire growing season. Many bee species do not even emerge from hibernation until June or July, when self-heal, ground plum, lanceleaf tickweed, or calico American aster may be blooming in your lawn. Mowing after lawn flowers bloom instead of before is the main goal of “Slow Mow Summer.” You can learn more about how best to help native pollinators survive and thrive here! In spring, when the legislature is done for the year, you can usually find me pulling invasive weeds and planting native vegetation around my house. It’s not much, but every bit helps!  Up NextNow that session is over I’ll be back in Rochester reconnecting with family, friends and neighbors. I hope to see you out enjoying the wonderful parks, community events, and cultural activities that Rochester offers. Be sure to reach out if I can help you with anything. Have a wonderful summer! 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 |