Neighbors, Late Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 3431, the State and Local Government and Veterans Supplemental budget. The Veterans Finance and Policy Bill is included in the legislation and it contains Governor Walz’s no-cost recommendations for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Military Affairs. The legislation also includes provisions to provide the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs with an additional financial management tool, increases the agency’s ability to better compete for and match federal funding for armory projects, and rededicates a bridge in the south metro. Video of the floor debate can be found here. The bill builds on the work of 2023 to improve the function, accessibility, and modernization of our state government services. It modifies evaluation procedures for agency IT projects, streamlines cybersecurity incident reporting, and invests in the economic development in the Capitol area under the direction of the City of St. Paul and the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB). Veterans Homeowners Increased Property Tax Exclusion Passes HouseLast Friday the Taxes bill passed by the full House contained a key amendment which received unanimous support, providing severely disabled veterans with an increase in their property tax exclusion. The amount eligible for this exclusion had not been changed in many years and reflects the increased value of homes around the state. This update makes it easier for disabled veterans to stay in their homes. You can watch the debate on this amendment here starting at 4:09. Other Significant Legislation Passed On Monday, the Minnesota House passed SF 5335/HF 5280 the Human Services Supplemental Budget. The legislation builds upon the state’s budget by taking meaningful action to improve services for Minnesotans with disabilities and ensure quality treatment for individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders. Significant investments include $21.6 million for expanding access to state-operated treatment programs, $19.1 million for reducing recidivism and preventing overdoses, $7.7 million for long-term services and supports, and $4.8 million for Personal Care Assistant services provided by a parent or spouse. You can read the Session Daily story here. Tuesday, we passed House File 5299, the House’s Higher Education Supplemental Budget. The legislation builds on last year’s record funding increase for Minnesota’s colleges and universities that froze tuition at Minnesota State for two years, fully funded the University of Minnesota’s systemwide safety and security request and provided free college to students with household income under $80,000, among other investments. This year, the bulk of new investment went toward the Kids on Campus Initiative. The provision invests $500,000 in the Minnesota State system to establish Head Start Programs on college campuses, providing access to affordable childcare to students. The House also approved House File 3436, the House Transportation Committee’s package of policy proposals. The bill builds off last year’s historic budget, capitalizing on state and federal funds to deliver a generational investment in transportation statewide. Statehood DayThis Saturday, May 11, 2024, Minnesota celebrates 166 years of statehood. The Minnesota State Flag and Seal approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission early this year will become the official state emblems. This is a culmination of months gathering input from and engaging with Minnesotans to find consensus on a flag and seal representing the best of all of us.   Slow mow SummerResearchers from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab have modified the popular No Mow May campaign due to additional research on best practices for pollinators and lawn health. “Slow Mow Summer” takes the sentiment of “No Mow May” and expands it to the entire growing season. Many bee species do not even emerge from hibernation until June or July. Mowing after lawn flowers bloom instead of before is the main goal of “Slow Mow Summer.” You can learn more about how best to help native pollinators, like the Rusty Patched Bumblebee, survive and thrive here.  _______________________________________________________ Let’s show appreciation to our hard-working teachers this week – and every week!  Veterans Crisis LineAnd 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. 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 |