Neighbors, The first Human Services Policy Bill House and Senate conference committee meetings are scheduled this Thursday and Friday. House and Senate conferees will compare the two versions of the legislation with the goal of reaching a compromise agreement. It is vitally important that we protect the most vulnerable Minnesotans and to continue to make progress for those with disabilities, in recovery from substance use disorder, recipients who rely on our waiver services to help them thrive, and others. You can stay current on the conference committee schedule and action here. Legislation Passed This WeekYesterday, the Minnesota House passed the Education Supplemental Budget Bill. The legislation builds on the historic 2023 investment in our public schools by adding $37 million in new Read Act funding and providing districts with increased flexibility in using the $35 million of last year’s Read Act appropriations. It expands Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs by 5,200 seats beginning in 2025, one year ahead of the schedule set in last year’s budget. The legislation includes multiple provisions to ensure teachers and paraprofessionals have the training they need to meet student needs, includes multiple provisions to address the growing rate of student absenteeism, and provides students information about their physical and mental health as a state standard so they can adopt and maintain healthy behaviors throughout life. Video of the floor debate can be found here. Earlier this week, the Minnesota House passed legislation requiring lost or stolen firearms to be reported to law enforcement within 48 hours after they are known to be lost. This bill will help prevent gun trafficking, assist in recovering lost or stolen guns, make firearm owners more accountable for their weapons, and give our law enforcement another tool to help keep our communities safe and free of gun violence. Minnesota Leading the WayA report has found Minnesota continues to lead the way in reducing climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by producing more than half its electricity from carbon-free sources. Last year, DFLers passed legislation requiring utilities in the state generate 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2040. You can read more about the report in this Minnesota Public Radio article.  AG warns Minnesotans about how to avoid door-to-door home improvement scamsEvery year, scammers are out to cheat Minnesotans out of their money. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued information on how to avoid these home improvement cons. You will also learn how to report a scam and access a link to a publication on home improvement scams.  MDVA Hosting Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam WarThe Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting three days of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Vietnam-era veterans and their families, allies, and anyone wishing to thank our veterans can see historical displays, view Vietnam War documentaries, walk through the resource fair, and more. Learn more about the commemoration event here.  Stay in TouchIt is easy to stay connected to news from the State Capitol. 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 call (651) 296-5363 or email any time at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.gov. You can find my information on my House website. You can also like my Facebook page. Sincerely, Peter Fischer |