Dear Neighbors, With the election concluded, representatives at the Minnesota House can start sending regular legislative updates again. It is good to be back in communication with you. Thank you to the residents of Anoka and Coon Rapids for again trusting me to represent you at the Capitol; it is truly an honor to represent our communities and fight for a better Minnesota alongside you all. This year’s election resulted in a 67-67 tie in the State House, an outcome which hasn’t happened in Minnesota since 1979. DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and Republican Leader Lisa Demuth have been meeting to negotiate how the House will be run in the 2025 session, and last week agreed to an overall committee structure. The membership of committees are equally divided and will be chaired by DFL and Republican co-chairs. Yesterday, Leaders Hortman and Demuth announced the co-chairs of committees. I was honored to be appointed co-chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. The committee has broad jurisdiction over the state budget and appropriations, and is the final committee stop before any spending bill reaches the House Floor. Dr. Martin Luther King famously said, “budgets are moral documents.” I am fully committed to ensuring Minnesota’s budget reflects the values we all share, and the vision we want to realize that everyone in our state – no matter where they live – can have the opportunity to succeed and thrive. As we continue to learn more details about next session, I’ll share updates with you here.  Happy ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving! I hope your holiday weekend is filled with warmth, good company and food, and a time to reflect with gratitude. I’m looking forward to things slowing down a bit and spending quality time with family.  Free Parks DayThe old Norwegian adage “There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” is a good reminder to get outdoors and enjoy what nature offers as the temperatures drop. The Friday after Thanksgiving (November 29th) is one of Minnesota’s “Free Park Days”; an excellent time to revisit a favorite park or explore a new spot. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources creates a great interactive map to plan your next adventure. 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 |