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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL)

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Legislative Update - December 19, 2019

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Rep. Freiberg

Dear Neighbors,

I hope the holiday season is treating you well. As we get closer to the end of the month, I want to wish you a happy holiday and a joyous new year.

Happy Holidays

After the holidays, the 2020 session will be right around the corner. Here’s a quick update on what we’ve been working on:

 

Minnesota’s Budget Forecast

Minnesota Management and Budget recently released the latest projections for Minnesota’s budget, and though we have a balance of $1.3 billion, there are many other factors to consider as we plan for Minnesota’s future. For one, inflation itself is estimated around $1 billion, and there is also an excess of unfilled jobs, uncertain federal trade policies, and potential economic slowdown to take into account. So while Minnesota is currently in a strong financial position, we need to be diligent and prudent in our work going forward so as not to jeopardize our efforts to deliver the quality education, health care, workforce, and infrastructure Minnesotans deserve.

For more about the economic forecast, you can read a story from MPR here

 

2020 Bonding Bill

A big focus of this upcoming session will be the 2020 Bonding Bill. The House Capital Investment Committee toured the state this year, visiting various projects and infrastructure sites all over Minnesota for consideration in the bill. I was able to join the committee when they came through our community to help advocate for our local projects. The Perpich Center for the Arts, upgrades to the Crystal Police building, and the bicycle and pedestrian underpass at Highway 55 and Douglas Drive are all worthy projects for the 2020 Bonding Bill, and I look forward to championing them this session.

Bonding Tour Gif

Addressing Climate Change

During the interim, we saw thousands of young Minnesotans march for action on climate change, and in response my colleagues and I formed the Climate Action Caucus. We’ve been holding informational hearings on how climate change impacts various policy areas, including transportation, housing, and public health. Our next meeting will cover the impact of climate change on Minnesota’s environment. You can find more information on the Climate Action Caucus, including updates and a meeting schedule, on our website

Recently, Governor Walz announced the creation of a Climate Change Subcabinet as well as an advisory council on climate change, and members of the Minnesota Senate established their Clean Energy & Climate Caucus. This will be a huge issue to take on, especially with Minnesota being one of the fastest-warming states in the nation, but I look forward to starting next session with the momentum we’ve built.

Representative Lyndon Carlson

Last week, my friend, colleague, and district partner Representative Lyndon Carlson announced he will be retiring from the Minnesota House at the end of next session, after 47 years of impeccable service. Rep. Carlson has been an immeasurable source of information, a steadfast champion for our community and state, and a valuable mentor. I look forward to our last legislative session together, and I hope you’ll join me in wishing him a happy and well-deserved upcoming retirement.  You can see my remarks congratulating on becoming the longest serving legislator in Minnesota history here.

Lyndon Carlson

Stay In Touch!

As we prepare for the legislative session to begin on February 11, please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or solutions you may have. As always, you can reach me at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn and at (651) 296-4176. I appreciate your input.

Sincerely,

 

Mike Freiberg