Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Dear Neighbors, We’ve reached a major turning point in the legislative session, as several key deadlines have passed and an agreement on overall budget targets has been reached. We’ll get a chance to discuss all of this at in about nine days. Chat with Dave – April 6 at 1:00 pmAfter great conversations in February and March, the next session in this series is coming up on Saturday, April 6. Please join me at 1:00pm at Highland Community Center (1978 Ford Pkwy) in the Village View Room., for an informal discussion with constituents about what’s going on at the Capitol, including the issues important to you.  Supplemental Budget Targets SetOur state’s two-year budget starts in odd-numbered years (e.g., 2023). In even-numbered years like this one, adjustments are made through a “supplemental” budget process. Last week, the House DFL, Senate DFL, and Governor Walz announced an agreement on supplemental spending targets to guide the work of fiscal committees. As I’ve discussed previously, the transformational budget enacted during the historically productive 2023 legislative session has laid the groundwork for enduring prosperity for all. We saw early evidence of that in the supplemental budget forecast (discussed in my most recent e-update), which shows that Minnesota’s economy is growing, and our budget outlook is stable over the long term. Still, we’re hearing from Minnesotans that the overall economic picture doesn’t reflect the reality faced by many working families. During the rest of the 2024 session, House DFL lawmakers will continue to work with Governor Walz and the Senate DFL – while staying closely in touch with our neighbors and community members – to continue building a Minnesota where everyone can thrive. #EverybodyIn.  Minnesota is #1 - AgainContinued evidence that the Minnesota approach – higher public investment, better public goods, healthier and wealthier population – pays off: According to a recent report in Consumer Affairs, we have the best roads in the U.S.! Yes, the potholes in St. Paul have been awful in recent years. But even our own city is catching up after years of underinvestment, with the sales tax that voters approved in November. And Minnesota is building more public transit, bike paths, and pedestrian infrastructure too. Our state is on the move! House Approves More than 100 Environmental ProjectsA healthy environment is fundamental to Minnesota’s past, present, and future. The House recently passed legislation to fund more than 100 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil. The funding comes from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, a product of a portion of state lottery proceeds.  The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) is now gathering input about the future of Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund spending, including the environmental issues most important to you. Make your voice heard! Complete the survey here. Assaults on LGBTQ+ MinnesotansThe House Public Safety Committee recently heard a bill to clarify that someone can’t be physically assaulted based simply on discovery (or concealment) of their sexual orientation and gender identity. One would think that this would already be clear. Unfortunately, the committee discussion showed otherwise. With yesterday being Trans Day of Visibility, I thought that constituents would appreciate seeing my comments in support of the bill.  The Impact of Universal School MealsOur state’s public education system rightly provides teaching, books, and transportation for all kids. Last year, we approved extending that principle to meals at school as well, with the understanding that the learning isn’t possible when a child is hungry. This change has already led to healthier school meals, as discussed in this MPR News piece. And there’s new evidence that it will reduce child obesity – improving lifelong health – too. Healthier, better educated young people will benefit all of us for years to come. Preventing ExploitationThe House recently passed my bill to clarify the age range for certain crimes involving children being sold for sex. As a longtime prosecutor of gender violence, I'm proud to help complete the work that we advanced last session to ensure that those who seek to exploit children are held fully accountable. Every child and youth deserves to grow up healthy and safe. Advocating for Those in Foster CareI recently met with members of Foster Advocates. This organization, led by those who have experienced the foster care system, works to ensure that fosters have the same access to opportunities and outcomes as other young people, and that their voices are included in discussions about reform of this critical system.  Property Tax Savings Tax season is underway! DFLers have worked diligently to ensure that Minnesota families with access to the tax credits and deductions that they've earned, strengthening their financial foundation. Among other things, we've simplified the Property Tax Refund for the benefit of renters, a large proportion of whom are seniors or people with disabilities. Whether you own or rent, learn more by visiting www.revenue.state.mn.us/property-tax-refund.  Thank you for the honor of serving our community, Dave Pinto
State Representative, District 64B
503 State Office Building
(651) 296-4199 Subscribe to my email updates: www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b
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