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The eleven Tribal Nations joined the Minnesota House of Representatives for a historic Sovereignty Day
THIS WEEK IN THE LEGISLATURE
DEER MANAGEMENT FEE TRANSFER
On Tuesday I presented HF600 to change the disposition of fees collected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for deer hunting licenses. In 2017, the annual fee for adult deer licenses was increased from $28 to $34. At that time, Minnesota hunters agreed to support the fee increase with the understanding that the DNR was to dedicate much of this revenue to the deer management account rather than the general fish and wildlife trust fund. In 2018, a similar bill to this one was introduced and passed as a part of the Omnibus Bill that was ultimately vetoed. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future environment and natural resources appropriation bill.
Check out the Session Daily recap from House Public Information Services here.
PROTECTING POLLINATORS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS FROM NEONICOTINOIDS
On Wednesday I presented HF721 to prohibit the use of neonicotinoids from wildlife management areas (WMAs). This bill ensures that Minnesota’s WMAs remain a safe haven for bees and other wildlife.
Bees and other pollinators need clean food and a safe place to build their homes to survive. With the widespread and intensive use of bee-toxic neonicotinoids (“neonics”) across the state, the resources bees need to survive are harder to find. Minnesota’s WMAs and other natural areas remain some of the few places left where bees and other pollinators can find a true refuge. This bill protects the fundamental mission of Minnesota’s WMAs to protect wildlife for the benefit of all Minnesotans.
HOUSE PASSAGE OF HELP AMERICA VOTE ACT (HAVA) FUND
Yesterday I voted for the passage of HF14 to appropriate $6.6 million from the federal government under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) to support the Secretary of State’s efforts to secure our elections infrastructure against cyber threats. The bill passed the House on a 105-23 vote.
Check out the Session Daily recap from House Public Information Services here.
DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR ALL
Yesterday Majority Leader Ryan Winkler introduced HF1500 to allow all Minnesotans to get a driver’s license regardless of immigration status. I support this bill because ensuring everyone has access to driver’s licenses will improve public safety for everyone, grow the state economy and treat our immigrant communities with dignity and respect.
This effort is led by a broad statewide coalition of POC/immigrant-led power organizations, unions, immigrants’ rights advocates, community-based groups and collectives, law enforcement, chambers of commerce, agribusiness, faith-based organizations and workers’ rights advocates.
FIELD HEARING: TRANSPORTATION FINANCE & POLICY DIVISION
On Tuesday, February 26, state legislators will be visiting North High School in Minneapolis to hold an official field hearing. The hearing will be conducted by the Transportation Finance & Policy Division of the Minnesota House of Representatives. All members of the community are invited to attend, and the committee welcomes public testimony.
6:00 p.m. -- 8:30 p.m.
North High School Auditorium
1500 James Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
The following bills have been added to the agenda for the Transportation Finance & Policy Division Field Hearing.
Bills:
- HF195: A bill I introduced to prioritize bus upgrades in areas with poor air quality.
- HF489: Representative Dehn’s bill to provide free public transit on election day.
Individuals and groups that wish to provide testimony to the committee may do so by contacting the committee administrator: John.Howe@house.mn
More information about the committee can be found on the Transportation Finance & Policy Division website.
I encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Also, I am available during select hours on Monday and Friday mornings most weeks for in-district meetings, if Northside residents aren’t able to make it to the Capitol. If you would like to send me a message or set up an in-district meeting, you can reach me by phone at 651-296-4262 or by email at rep.fue.lee@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you! |
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