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Dear Neighbors,
We’ve started the process of finalizing our proposed budget here at the Minnesota House. Amid a week of tax committee hearings and passing bills off the House floor, there is a greater sense of urgency to finish what we set out to do back in January of this year. Here’s a quick update on our work in St. Paul.
Ag Omnibus Bill
In late March, each committee was given a budget target and was asked to prioritize bills heard and laid over in the hearings. Last week the Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy Division crafted our omnibus bill. It was my honor to chair the committee as Chair Poppe presented the legislation. As is the nature of all budgets, some truly great ideas don’t make the cut, but I’m confident we put together a bill that will innovate and support Minnesota’s food and agricultural industries for the next few years.
We’ve allocated money for hemp production, improving food access at all levels, increased meat inspections, and providing policies & resources to deal with Chronic Wasting Disease on farm sites. After passing this off the House floor, the next step will be negotiating with our colleagues in the Senate. You can take a look at a more in-depth spreadsheet of the proposed investments in the bill here.
State of the State Address
Governor Tim Walz delivered his first State of the State Address last week, focusing on the stories and accomplishments of exceptional Minnesotans. Governor Walz called on us to come together to build a better state, and as the only legislature in the country not controlled by a single political party, his words rang true as we work towards our final weeks of session. His message also included the statement that “the state of the State is strong.” You can watch the State of the State Address below:
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Driver’s Licenses for All
On Friday, we wrapped up the week with a debate in the House on legislation that would allow undocumented residents to have valid driver’s licenses in Minnesota. It’s a concept that isn’t new to our state, as undocumented residents were able to obtain licenses until 2003. Now, a coalition of law enforcement, business leaders, clergy, the Minnesota Farmers Union, Land Stewardship Project, and legislators of both parties voted for change. The bill (HF 1500) passed off the floor with bipartisan votes, but its fate in the Senate is unclear. I voted for this bill because I believe our roads are safer when the drivers on it have been properly trained and licensed, and it was the right thing to do. You can read more about Driver’s Licenses for All here.
A Day in the Life
I had the opportunity to bring some local journalists along for the day last week as I went about my work at the State Capitol. If you’d like a read on what I’ve been working on, what my experience as a legislator has been like, and how quickly these days can fill up, I recommend you take a look. You can read the article here.
Keep In Touch!
As always, I want to hear from you. You can reach me at (651) 296-8634, or at rep.jeff.brand@house.mn if you ever need anything. I look forward to hearing from you.
Your partner in Saint Paul,
Jeff Brand
State Representative, District 19A |
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