Dear friends, The legislative session is in full swing, and it's encouraging to see such strong civic participation at the Capitol. Minnesotans from across the state are attending committee meetings and engaging with legislators on issues that matter to their communities. We’re hearing about the challenges they’re facing, including high costs for groceries, housing, energy, and health care. I am fighting to level the playing field to give working families the tools they need to succeed and thrive. I’m grateful for the strong engagement that helps ensure the legislature is responsive to the needs of all Minnesotans. As we continue our work this session, your participation in the legislative process remains vital. Your feedback and experiences help inform policy decisions that affect our entire state, like my meeting recently with constituents from Anoka-Ramsey Community College!  Thank you for your continued involvement in shaping Minnesota's future. It really does make a difference. Bipartisan Effort to Improve Infant ScreeningOn Thursday I participated in one of the more moving press conferences I’ve ever been a part of. Parents who lost children to a genetic disease called metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) shared their stories in support of a bill to require all infants in Minnesota to be screened for the condition. Until recently, MLD was a death sentence. But now, a miraculous new gene therapy can save children with MLD, but only if the disease is caught early. Watching these parents, who experienced unimaginable loss, use their stories to help save other children took my breath away. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. I am proud to be a co-author of this bill. You can watch the press conference here. Important Update on Cannabis License ApplicationsOn February 18th, the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) began accepting applications for cannabis business licenses. During this licensing cycle, which will remain open until March 14, OCM will accept applications both from verified social equity applicants and from any applicant seeking to participate in general licensing in the following license types: microbusiness, mezzobusiness, cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical cannabis combination business. More information is available here. I was proud to author the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2023, increasing options for people to treat conditions like PTSD and chronic pain while providing relief for the thousands of minor offenders who have been unfairly swept up in our criminal justice system, and freeing up law enforcement resources to focus on more serious crime. 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 |