Neighbors, The 2024 Legislative Session has wrapped up and this year we built on the 2023 session successes. This has been a remarkably productive legislative biennium, and I am proud of the work we did to improve the lives of Minnesotans. The Minnesota House collaborated with Governor Walz and our Senate colleagues to pass all major supplemental budget bills. You can find nonpartisan summaries about the final agreements here: Transportation, Labor and Housing, Energy and Agriculture, Public Safety and Judiciary, Commerce and Cannabis, Jobs and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Health, Human Services, and Elections. Other measures approved this session included a gun violence prevention bill including tougher penalties for straw purchasers and a ban on binary triggers, a bill to increase wages for rideshare drivers while keeping companies operating in Minnesota, a health occupational licensure and scoping bill, legislation improving our child welfare services and addressing racial disparities, and a tenants’ rights package. Veterans LegislationLegislation passed for our veterans include: - Contains Governor Walz’s no-cost recommendations for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Military Affairs.
- 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.
- Rededicates a bridge in the south metro.
- Includes referral bonuses for the National Guard, adjustments to help the National Guard investigate and prosecute crime, and language to broaden the definition of trespassing on National Guard facilities.
- Allows county veteran service officers to obtain certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, and other vital records without charge and establishes an additional state veteran cemetery in northwestern Minnesota.
HonorI was incredibly honored to receive the Minnesota Superior Civilian Service Award from Minnesota National Guard Adjutant General, Major General Shawn Manke. It has been a privilege to serve Minnesota and the United States.  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 |