Legislative Update – April 19, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Here at the Capitol, committees have wrapped up and we are putting together major budget bills to pass on the House Floor. From the House to the Senate, to the Governor’s office, we are looking towards our future through historic investments in education, health care, transportation, climate, and more! As these budget bills pass, I will keep you updated on the great work we are doing to make Minnesota a better state for us all to live in!
2023 Legacy Budget Bill
In 2008, Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment because all of us want our state to be a great place to live, work, and play. Last week, House DFLers passed legislation investing over $820 million to continue the important work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s most treasured spaces and places and increasing access for all. You can watch my floor speech on the bill here.
I am so proud to be the chair of the Legacy Finance Committee and the author of this bill, which passed on a vote of 69-59. With investments in our outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage, the 2023 Legacy Budget Bill will make our state a better place to live for current and future generations, including by expanding free parks days and arts and cultural education programs. DFLers are expanding opportunities so all communities can access Legacy funding. You can read my statement on the bill’s passage here.
Disability Services Day
A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to meet with some amazing disability services advocates from our area. As a state, we need to fund and support our disability services professionals and the Minnesotans they serve every day, and I will continue to advocate for a state budget that recognizes the importance of their work.
Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Budget
As Minnesotans, we care about protecting our environment and our climate. We value our land, air, water, and wildlife, and know we must address threats and prevent pollution. We know that as one of the fastest-warming states in the nation, we must take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address and combat climate change.
That’s why we passed the 2023 Environment, Natural Resources, Climate and Energy Budget Bill, which addresses current environmental threats and invests in a clean future. We are devoting over $670 million to preserving our natural resources, protecting Minnesotans from dangerous chemicals, and supporting our state’s wildlife. By investing $348 million to lower energy costs, create clean-energy jobs, and keep Minnesota a renewable energy leader, we are putting our state on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050 and creating a brighter future for all Minnesotans.
Free Park Days in 2023!
I hope you have all been enjoying the warm weather we’ve been having this week! I wanted to share that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced its free park days for 2023. All entrance and vehicle permit fees will be waived on:
- Saturday, April 22
- Saturday, June 10
- Saturday, September 9
- Friday, November 24
Our state parks showcase the best Minnesota has to offer including hiking, biking, camping, swimming, skiing, birding, and more. I hope you will take the opportunity to get out and enjoy our state parks this year.
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