Dear Neighbors,
At the Capitol we are finalizing and passing our House budget bills as we enter the last month of session. These bills are hard-fought compromises, and like most compromises, both sides have things they like and don’t like about these bills. However, the key theme with each of these bills is that the DFL held our ground on the progress we made during the last biennium and stopped any attempts to make our state more like the Trump-run federal government.
Environment and Natural Resources Budget Progresses
As Co-Chair of the House Environment Committee I want to report that recently Co-Chair Heintzeman and myself presented the bill in the Ways and Means Committee. This was a budget only bill. We had a $10,000,000 cut for the next two years. There were no inflationary increases. The Ways and Means Committee then voted to send it to the House Floor. I am looking forward to it coming up on the House Floor During the week of April 28th and it being approved and sent to the Senate
House Passes Public Safety and Judiciary Budget Bill
Last Friday, I voted alongside my colleagues to pass the House Public Safety and Judiciary budget bill. Under Democratic leadership, Minnesota has become a safer state with improved outcomes in our justice system, and we can’t afford to go backwards now. This bill works to protect our historic reforms, needed investments, and prevents regressive legislation all while improving victims services, police training, and data protections for judges.
A lot of this bill was about stopping bad GOP proposals and maintaining our historic progress from the last two years, but we achieved some major new wins as well. This bill takes direct action to combat the chaotic actions of the Trump Administration that harm victim services and put Minnesotans’ safety at risk. By funding life-saving victim services programs that help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes, this bill is keeping Minnesota safe.
House Passes 2025 Agriculture Budget
We fought for a people-focused Agriculture Budget that feeds Minnesotans, safeguards workers and consumers from looming threats like bird flu, and supports small, emerging farmers in an economy tilted towards large corporations.
DFLers won increases in funding for Farm to School and Early Care and Local Food Purchasing programs, which nourish our kids while also providing stability to local farmers. We increased workplace protections for meat and poultry workers and ensured retail milk and poultry will be tested for bird flu. We’re also helping the next generation of farmers by increasing down payment assistance for those just getting started in agriculture.
Minnesota Making Progress on Clean Energy
In 2023 and 2024, DFLers made generational investments in a cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient energy system, putting Minnesota on the path to 100% Carbon-Free Energy by 2040.
The latest Minnesota Energy Factsheet shows our policies are working and our investments are paying off, creating high-paying clean energy jobs, lowering costs for families, and building a greener future:
? A new record low in carbon emissions, cutting another 4% between 2023 and 2024.
? Residents and businesses have saved more than $307 million in energy costs from the Energy Conservation Optimization (ECO) Act.
? Minnesota is ranked No. 1 in Midwest for overall energy efficiency, and No. 10 nationwide!
Here at the Capitol, I’m dedicated to protecting our progress from those who are seeking to repeal the legislation that made this positive change possible.
Helping Our Disabled Neighbors
You may have heard about a couple of our neighbors with disabilities who are being forcibly evicted from a home that they – with the help of state funds – made accessible for their long-term needs. This is just plain wrong, and not what we stand for as a state. I’m working on legislation to increase eviction protections for our neighbors with disabilities!
Bill to Fund Little Canada Road Project
I was happy to present my bill to provide $3 million to Little Canada to construct a roundabout, road reconfiguration, and pedestrian safety and accessibility improvements at the intersection of Little Canada Road and Country Drive, and the intersection of Little Canada Road, Lake Shore Avenue, and County Road C.
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