Our ProgressMy colleagues and I worked quickly to pass a bill to update Minnesota’s tax code into conformity with federal law. This will result in over $100 million in tax cuts to a wide range of Minnesotans while simplifying future tax filings. This efficient and unified action is just the beginning of an effective legislative session. I’m encouraged the legislation passed unanimously! By passing this bill within the first two weeks of session, the Department of Revenue will be able to incorporate these measures in time for this year’s tax filing season. While we moved swiftly to pass this bill, it doesn’t end our discussions at the Capitol about taxes. There are a lot of ideas out there, especially to help young families, homeowners and renters, and Minnesota seniors, and as the session progresses, we will take a hard look at these solutions. HF1, the Protecting Reproductive Options Act, has been signed into law! This bill enshrines the fundamental right to reproductive health care into law. I’m thankful for my colleagues' work to uphold this freedom for all Minnesotans. Also, the 100% Clean Electricity by 2040 bill is now law. A landmark piece of legislation that will help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. This legislation would require the state’s utilities to use entirely carbon-free sources for electricity production by 2040. This would put us on track with over 20 other states adopting similar goals. We have passed a bill in the House to make Juneteenth a state holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the liberation of African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. By learning from our past, we can better address the harmful racial disparities of the present and build a more inclusive and just state. Establishing Juneteenth as a state holiday is an important step forward on the long road to justice. We must continue to learn as a state and nation about the nuances of the Black diaspora while uplifting and affirming the experiences of Black Minnesotans.  We recently passed two bills to improve access to affordable child care and early learning centers. Parents have been talking for years about the growing unaffordability of child care. This has caused many parents to forgo further education or employment, and since the pandemic, we have seen many parents struggle to get back into the workforce because they can’t afford or find adequate child care. Every family deserves access to affordable child care, but some of our neighbors are paying as much as 40% of their income right now. This was a vote to help parents pursue employment and education and ensure children are well cared for and prepared to enter school. I’m proud to vote in support of Minnesota families and children. These bills are top priorities for our community. I have heard directly from people all over Maplewood, Little Canada, and North St. Paul that we must take action on reproductive freedom, the climate crisis, affordable child care, racial justice, and much more. We heard you, and I look forward to more action on these fronts this session. |