Neighbors, As we head toward the end of the legislative session, several compromise bills have been finalized. Yesterday, the House approved the Judiciary and Public Safety conference committee report. The bill supports law enforcement and victims, juvenile justice reform and contains two common sense gun violence prevention measures supported by most Minnesotans. It also invests in community violence prevention grants, acts against crime, and improves the rehabilitation process.  I joined many members on the House floor for a group photo ahead of the vote on the Public Safety bill. House Approves Several Compromise Measures Last WeekThe Minnesota House approved the Higher Education Budget conference committee report. With declining enrollment across higher education, the report provides a record increase in investment for Minnesota’s colleges and universities to reverse this trend. The budget for 2024-2025 funds the Office of Higher Education, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the University of Minnesota campuses, the Mayo Clinic Medical School, and Tribal Colleges. Notably, the budget provides free college to students with household income under $80,000. The House also approved the Legacy Budget conference committee report, which invests in Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and culture, including funds to restore, protect, and enhance Minnesota’s prairies, forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats, with projects covering thousands of acres of land. It also includes funding for the arts and arts education preserving Minnesota’s history and cultural heritage. My provision for a state celebration of the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War was also included in the bill. Lastly, House approved the Agriculture Budget conference committee report, which, in addition to other provisions, includes funding aiming to provide our neighbors experiencing food insecurity with fresh, healthy food through local food banks. Video of all committee, floor and conference committee debates will be available on the House Information YouTube page. Equal Rights Amendment Resolution PassesOn Thursday, The House passed a resolution to recognize the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The resolution asks the U.S. Senate to remove the extra-textual time limit for ratification of the amendment by the states to allow for states to act so the amendment can by fully ratified and incorporated into the United States Constitution. Minnesota ratified the ERA in 1973. Stay Connected with the LegislatureIt is 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 |