Neighbors, Our week has gotten off to a busy and productive start by passing budget bills Monday and today. Today, I ushered the Veterans & Military Affairs budget bill to passage in the Minnesota House. The bill passed by a unanimous vote of 131-0. The bill funds operations of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Military Affairs, while including initiatives to support Minnesota veterans.  Our veterans have served with honor, and this budget acknowledges their sacrifice and service. We also recognize their families who often bear in silence the weight of deployment or absence. We can never fully thank our veterans, but this budget takes steps to tell them and their families we appreciate all they have done. You can read more details of the bill here. Video of all hearings and floor votes are available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.  Budget Bills AdvanceYesterday, the Minnesota House approved the combined Climate & Energy and Environment & Natural Resources Budget bill. The legislation invests over $670 million in new funding for the environment and natural resources, funding the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Board of Water and Soil Resources, as well as the Metropolitan Council Parks, Conservation Corps, Minnesota Zoo, and the Science Museum of Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Climate & Energy section invests over $348 million in new funding to lower energy costs, create more clean energy jobs, and address and combat climate change.  Last week, the House passed the Legacy budget bill, which I supported. The legislation invests resources in outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage. These investments are made possible by voters who passed the Legacy Amendment in 2008. House Democrats are investing over $800 million to continue the important work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s most treasured spaces, while increasing access for all. Last week we also passed the Higher Education budget bill. The measure funds the Office of Higher Ed (OHE), the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MinnState), the University of Minnesota campuses, and the Mayo Clinic Medical School. The budget bill fully funds a tuition freeze at MinnState for two years, addresses the tuition shortfall at the U of M, helps the entire MinnState system address structural deficits, assists all three Tribal colleges with ongoing funds, and invests in the U of M systemwide safety and security. The higher education budget has faced disinvestment over the last ten years, and this budget aims to make up for underfunding. I voted in favor of the bill. ATTN: Medicaid Recipients On May 11, the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) is ending and those on Medicaid will need to update their information. Many people who will lose Medicaid should be able to get low-cost health insurance through the federal and state insurance marketplaces You can watch a short video here for more information. Stay Connected with the LegislatureIt’s easy to stay in touch with 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 |