Legislative update - March 11, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

It was a busy week at the Capitol, so here’s a quick update on the latest developments.

Vista Outdoor Donation to Ukraine

Earlier this week, Vista Outdoors (perhaps known to many of you as Federal Cartridge) announced that they would donate a million rounds of ammunition to the government of Ukraine. Growing up in Coon Rapids, I had a couple friends with parents who worked at Federal Cartridge. It was a great company then, and it's a great company now. We're lucky to have good corporate citizens in the north metro and I'm proud to represent part of the Vista campus at the Legislature. Read how they are helping Ukraine here.

Sports Betting Moving Forward

On Monday, I announced new sports betting legislation alongside Rep. Pat Garofalo (R-Farmington), and on Tuesday it passed out of the House Commerce committee on a bipartisan 14-4 vote. The proposal seeks to replace illicit gaming with a regulated market. Minnesotans would be allowed to participate using both mobile and brick-and-mortar options, joining over 30 other states who have already legalized sports betting, including every state that borders Minnesota. The revenue generated would be used to fund a regulated market, provide grants to address problem gaming and sports integrity, and provide grants to youth sports programs in areas with high juvenile crime. I was particularly pleased to be joined at the hearing by Olympic gold medalist Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, who praised the bill for its investment in youth sports.  Juvenile crime is unacceptably high across the state, and while there isn’t one simple solution to the problem, we know that kids who are busy playing sports have less time and opportunity to get into trouble doing something else.

Drought Relief

Yesterday, the House approved a package of legislation that will help livestock farmers, specialty crop producers, and communities harmed by 2021’s historic drought. The funding is targeted to small operations unable to access federal crop insurance, and includes measures ensuring equity in the grant process. Additionally, the legislation helps communities recover from the drought by providing grants to local and tribal governments to replace trees and seedlings killed during the drought and to improve water management. Click here for coverage from MPR. 

Bill to Codify New State Sanctions Against Russia

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a bipartisan coalition of legislators introduced legislation to divest Minnesota’s state pension fund from Russia and codify Governor Walz’s Executive Order barring Minnesota from contracting with Russian companies into law. I am proud to support this legislation and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.

Prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the estimated worth of Minnesota's state pension fund investments in Russia was approximately $53 million. Once in committee, the legislation will be amended to also sanction Belarus for its complicity in the Russian invasion. We must do all we can at the state level to stand up for democracy and peace. 

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or 651-296-5513.

It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Champlin families in St. Paul.

Sincerely, 

Rep. Zack Stephenson 
Minnesota House of Representatives | District 36A