Neighbors, Thank you to all who joined Rep. Stephenson and me for our District 35 Town Hall on Tuesday. I enjoyed hearing your questions and discussing the 2023 legislative session. We have several weeks remaining in the session, and I look forward to your continued input on our legislative agenda. Getting Work DoneLast week in the Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee, which I chair, we heard my bill to fund the Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs. You can watch the presentation here. On Thursday, the full Minnesota House passed a consumer protection bill related to price gouging during an abnormal market disruption, such as a natural disaster or a pandemic. Also approved was a bill to ratify state employee labor agreements. Also last week, the Minnesota House passed the Pathway Home Act, ensuring prevention methods are established to create sustainable resources and support systems to keep youth housed in Minnesota.  In addition, on Thursday, we also took final votes to re-approve the Driver’s Licenses for All and the Restore the Vote bills, which were recently passed by the Minnesota Senate. Restore the Vote was signed into law by Governor Walz, and Driver’s Licenses for All should be signed shortly. Budget ForecastMinnesota Management and Budget released the economic forecast last week and the projections have remained largely unchanged from the November forecast. Numbers only tell part of the story. House DFLers believe the state budget is a fiscal and moral document reflecting Minnesotans’ values. As we craft our budget, I will continue to listen to you to ensure Minnesota is a place where everyone can thrive and succeed. Visitors to the CapitolThis week librarians from across the state visited the Capitol for the Minnesota Library Association Day on the Hill.  Celebrating WomenMarch is Women’s History Month. This is an excellent time to honor the contributions of all women who improve our lives and communities every day.  Stay Connected with the LegislatureIt’s easy to stay in touch which the State Capitol activities. The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can find my information on my House website. Also, make sure to ‘like’ my Facebook page. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Jerry Newton State Representative |