Legislative Update – April 5, 2024
Dear neighbors,
We are now about halfway through the 2024 Legislative Session, and the House is beginning to pass policy bill packages that build on our work last year and improve the lives of working- and middle-class Minnesotans.
Recently, I have been presenting my legislation approving compensation plans for state government employees in the relevant committees. The bill will be up for a vote by the full House soon, and you can read more here. I was also glad to take some time during AFCSME’s Day on the Hill to meet with constituents in the Capitol Rotunda. Thank you for the work you do and for coming out to make your voice heard!
Funding for 2026 Special Olympic Games
I am proud to be the lead author of legislation to provide a one-time $4 million appropriation to Explore Minnesota for a grant to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The bill was heard in the Economic Development Committee, with Special Olympics athlete Abby Hirsch and 2026 President Christy Sovereign testifying in support of the bill!
The games are scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, at the University of Minnesota and other venues, including the National Sports Center in Blaine. The event is expected to draw more than 4,000 athletes from all 50 states, plus parts of Canada and the Caribbean. They will compete in 19 team and individual sports. When including family members, coaches, fans, and volunteers, the event is projected to draw more than 100,000 people. You can read more here.
Supporting Metro Parks
Last month I hosted an event alongside my colleague from across the aisle, Rep. Jon Koznick to hear about the needs of our Metropolitan Area Regional Park System.
The Metropolitan Regional Parks System includes more than 54,500 acres of land, 56 regional parks and park reserves, and over 415 miles of interconnecting trails. More than 69 million visits were made to the system in 2022, and since the pandemic, the importance of this system to the residents of the region has only grown.
As Chair of the Legacy Finance Committee and a member of the Capital Investment Committee, I know the importance of funding our world-class park system and I am glad to be continuing this work!
House Floor Votes
This week the House began passing policy bill packages in major issue areas building on the work of our historically productive 2023 session and improving the lives of Minnesotans. The House passed two policy bills supporting our Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs, which passed with unanimous support!
We passed a higher education policy bill that includes the clean energy sector in our Workforce Development Scholarship Program and expands support in higher education for students who have a disability. We also passed an early education policy bill focused on strengthening our pre-kindergarten and school readiness programs. Finally, we passed a transportation policy package that improves road safety, DVS wait times, child passenger safety, and consumer protections.
Environmental Funding Survey
Did you know that a portion of Minnesota’s lottery proceeds go towards protecting our environment and natural resources through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund? Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $700 million to over 1,700 projects around the state.
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is now gathering input about the future of Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund spending and taking feedback about what environmental issues are most important to you. Make your voice heard about how to improve Minnesota's environment & natural resources.
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