Legislative Update – March 28, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Last week, I was glad to attend the Minnesota Citizens for the Arts (MCA) Rally in support of arts funding throughout the state of Minnesota. As chair of the Legacy Committee, I am so proud of the work we have done in my committee to fund arts and cultural heritage projects. Minnesotans told us they wanted to invest in the arts when they voted for the Legacy Amendment in 2008—and every year in committee we work to honor that commitment. Thank you to everyone who came and advocated for arts funding across Minnesota.
North St. Paul Projects
Last week, I presented a couple of bills to the Capital Investment Committee to help our local community. One bill would appropriate funds to North St. Paul to create a new trail around Silver Lake and adjacent to Trunk Highway 120. This trail will connect local businesses and destinations such as the Gateway State Trail and Century College.
Another bill would give a grant to the city to improve the North St. Paul Community Multicultural Outreach Center. The appropriation includes several upgrades to the library and technology center and the construction of a gym and track. It also will fund much-needed replacements of windows, the roof, and the HVAC system. Thank you to North St. Paul City Council member Lisa Wong for testifying in support of the bill!
Legacy Committee Update
The state budget we will enact this year is more than a fiscal document – it is a moral document that should reflect Minnesotans’ values. Last week, on March 21, the House Speaker, Senate Majority Leader, and Governor Walz reached an agreement on a framework for a new state budget. Work in legislative committees is winding down, and chairs will now be hard at work assembling their respective budget bills. Beginning in April, committee work will conclude, and each chamber will pass budget bills off the floor.
As chair of the Legacy Finance Committee, I have been working hard with staff to honor our commitments to protecting clean air and water, wildlife, and habitat as well as preserving our arts and cultural heritage. This week we will be rolling out our budget bill, which will fund great projects across the state of Minnesota. You can find more details, including links to committee hearing recordings, on our committee webpage.
Keep in Touch
If you have any questions, ideas, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to email me at rep.leon.lillie@house.mn.gov or give me a call at (651) 296-1188.
Sincerely,
Leon Lillie
State Representative