Neighbors, As we near our scheduled May 20 adjournment date, many committees are wrapping up their work for the session. This week, the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, which I chair, did not meet, but bills pertinent to veterans and veterans’ organizations were heard in the Capital Investment Committee. The Department of Military Affairs presented Governor Walz’s capital investment requests, which includes funding for several readiness centers around the state, and a universal fighter aircraft hangar for the 148th Fighter Wing based in Duluth. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs presented their 2024 agency requests, which include upgrades and renovations for Minnesota veterans’ homes and state veterans’ cemeteries. You can watch the Capital Investment presentations on these important issues here. Supplemental Budget Framework Legislative leaders and Governor Walz have agreed on the supplemental budget framework for the 2024 session. The budget allows lawmakers to address the most urgent challenges impacting working families and communities. In addition, it maintains our stable economic forecast into future years. We are committed to investing in statewide infrastructure projects to help communities protect access to safe drinking water, fix roads and bridges, encouraging innovation at our colleges, universities, and tech schools, getting tools to our first responders to they can answer the call during emergencies, and help all Minnesota communities thrive. Veterans Day at the Capitol - April 17Veterans are invited to participate in the annual day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 17. See the information below on how you can talk to legislators about your priorities. I hope to see you at the Capitol on April 17!  And a reminder if you, or another veteran is struggling with mental health issues, the Veterans Crisis Line can help in times of need. Veterans can use this option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1—by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.  ____________________________________________________________________ Happy Easter to all who celebrate!  ____________________________________________________________________ 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 |