Dear Neighbors, I hope you have been enjoying your summer, staying dry from the rain and cool from the heat! It has been a busy summer so far for me, as I’ve been attending events highlighting legislation passed in the 2023-24 session, meeting with other state legislators, and talking with community members about how we can continue to strengthen our district. This newsletter will be my last e-update until after the election. During an election period, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications because it might create an unfair advantage. You can still stay up to date with my legislative work by following my official State Representative Facebook page.  Even though my communications will be limited, I am still available to help with state-level problems, answer your questions, and discuss important issues in our community. So please don’t hesitate to reach out at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.gov if I can assist you in any way. New Laws Take Effect This Month Several new laws took effect on July 1st as a result of our work enacting more solutions to grow the state’s middle class and ensure all Minnesotans have the opportunity to build a better life for themselves and their families. Working alongside Minnesotans, Democrats delivered new investments to lower costs and improve the lives of people across the state. We are investing in childhood literacy, early learning opportunities, stronger delivery models for Emergency Medical (ambulance) Services, delivering ticket price transparency for concerts, games, and events, additional major investments to fix our housing crisis, innovating in technologies like solar and geothermal, and supporting our electric grid to help meet our clean energy goals, expanding our nation-leading Child Tax Credit, and eliminating prior authorization in health, delivering new investments in substance use disorder treatment, services for people with disabilities, and other vulnerable Minnesotans. This just scratches the surface of what an effective, deliberate, and forward-thinking elected body can do for the people they represent. You can read more about these new laws from the nonpartisan office of House Public Information here. Most Consequential Legislature The 2023-2024 Legislature adjourned in late May, and I'm excited to share the progress we’ve made these past two years with members of our community. After many years of divided government that prevented meaningful progress for our state, we got the job done through a host of accomplishments that will benefit Minnesotans for generations to come. House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy wrote an opinion piece in the Star Tribune titled “That was the most consequential legislature in generations”. I encourage you to read and share it to learn more about the work done that will benefit Minnesotans for generations to come.  Over 15,000 Minnesotans Registered to Vote Using Automatic Voter RegistrationRecently, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced in the first seven weeks of operation, more than fifteen-thousand Minnesotans successfully registered to vote through the new Automatic Voter Registration system. SportsbettingThe legalization of sports betting was a popular topic of discussion at the legislature this year, and though it didn’t pass, that doesn’t mean there wasn’t significant progress. House DFLers have listened to and consulted with our sovereign Tribal nations and stakeholders to ensure the best outcome for Minnesotans. Our bill is a step in the right direction to ensure consumer protection while engaging in sports betting. I reached across the aisle on this issue, and for the first time ever, we were able to build consensus on a path for legalized sports betting - setting the foundation for a future solution. I spoke with MinnPost on the topic, which you can read here.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5513. It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Anoka families in St. Paul. Sincerely, Rep. Zack Stephenson Minnesota House of Representatives |