Dear Neighbors,
This week, DFLer David Gottfried was sworn in as the House’s 134th member after winning a special election for an open seat in Roseville. That means the House is back to the 67-67 tie voters delivered in November, and the previously negotiated co-governing agreement is now in effect. House committees will rotate gavels, with DFL and Republican co-chairs setting their respective agendas and bill hearings.
I’m looking forward to coming together on the places we agree and finding compromises that move our state forward. I’m already working on multiple bills that can get bipartisan support, and I’m dedicated to fighting for a responsible state budget that helps working families thrive and protects Minnesotans from the chaos coming out of Washington.
Meeting with Constituents and Constituents Led Bills
Thanks to folks from MAPE for visiting the other day. Always happy to support our wonderful public employees who contribute to our high quality of life here in Minnesota!
I had a great time at the East Side Health and Well-being Collaborative Legislative Engagement Day. It was an honor to kick off their event. It was great to share my East Side connections, hear from their partner organizations about the essential work they are leading for the community, and give insight into how they can affect change at the Capitol.
Then, this Tuesday, I presented a bill based off of an issue constituents were confronting where they were being evicted from a property that the state made improvements to so they could live there. This bill would prevent evictions on properties where the state has made significant improvements.
Upcoming Town Hall
Join Reps. Lillie, Sen. Tou Xiong and I for the SD44 Town Hall where you can join us in a discussion about the 2025 session and what's on the horizon for Minnesota. You can find more details and sign up here.
Standing Firm on Reproductive Freedom
I joined my colleagues in voting down a “born alive” bill that made its way to the floor last year. Let’s be clear: doctors already provide appropriate medical care, and to suggest otherwise, is false, offensive, and dangerous. This bill was based in falsehood about the care doctors provide and parents seek. We have a responsibility to legislate honestly. There is no such thing as abortion during labor and delivery. That’s not how medical care works, and it’s wrong and irresponsible to suggest otherwise.
Real ID Taking Effect in May
Beginning May 7, 2025, Minnesotans 18 years of age or older will not be able to use their standard driver's license or identification card to board domestic flights or enter certain federal facilities. Instead, they will need one of three options:
- Minnesota REAL ID driver's license or identification card.
- Minnesota Enhanced driver's license or identification card.
- Other federally-approved forms of identification. They are listed online here, but include:
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Foreign government-issued passport
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
- Permanent resident card
- Border crossing card
- Federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID
- U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
If you are not sure which license type is right for you, check out the Driver Vehicle Services’ website here.
Keep in touch
It 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.
Sincerely,
Peter Fischer