Neighbors, The 2023 legislative session concluded late Monday night. This year, the Legislature made historic progress by focusing on building a Minnesota that works better for everyone. Our investments in education, health care, climate and the safety of our communities will result in significant changes in the lives of all Minnesotans for years to come. I am especially pleased to finally see the improvements in transportation, capital investment and climate on projects I have been trying to obtain for years, including: Funding to eliminate congestion and accidents on Highway 65 by building bridges at the intersections of 99th, 105th, 109th and 117th Avenues. A third lane in each direction on Highway 10 from Hanson to Round Lake Boulevard. A clean up of the contaminated grounds in Andover. A pedestrian bridge over Coon Rapids Boulevard near the old City Hall. Design work for a new interchange at Highway 610 and East River Road. $9 million in needed irrigation and other infrastructure improvements at the National Sports Center. A $5 million investment for solar panel installation on the massive ice arena at the National Sports Center. As Chair of the Veterans Committee, my veterans bill provided for the finest military museum in the United States to be built just outside the Camp Ripley campus in Little Falls, a $17 million training facility for the National Guard at Arden Hills, a massive infusion of funding for veterans housing and eliminating veterans’ homelessness, expanded benefits for 100% disabled vets and their spouses, bonuses for vets who participated in overseas conflicts, and expanded Minnesota higher education benefits.  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 |