Dear neighbors, With just two weeks left in the legislative session, we’re focused on delivering results. In the House, lawmakers have finished passing supplemental budget bills and begun negotiating with members of the Senate. Our goal is to find bipartisan compromises that will improve Minnesotans’ lives. I was appointed to the conference committee that will develop the final Environment and Natural Resources bill. I’m excited to be part of the committee and look forward to the work ahead. I also had the honor of serving as Speaker Pro Tempore on Friday! I opened our floor session and presided over the singing of the National Anthem by John DeCausmeaker, the anthem singer for the Minnesota Wild. It was a great way to end a busy week at the legislature.  On Monday, my bill to allow Breeders’ Fund money to be used for the care and training of retired racehorses was signed into law by Governor Walz! I’m grateful to Senator Zach Duckworth for carrying the bill in the Senate and to the Minnesotans who worked with me to advance this legislation. Ensuring Public Safety and Justice for All Our Public Safety and Judiciary bill provides resources that law enforcement, local governments, and communities need to keep Minnesotans safe. It also makes our justice system more equitable and effective. Some of the highlights are: - Funding for local crime prevention and community policing programs
- Co-responder programs that will strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and non-law enforcement personnel, including social workers, violence interrupters, and mobile crisis teams
- Mental health services and support for young Minnesotans who are involved with the juvenile justice system
- More funding for public defenders and Legal Aid to make sure Minnesotans receive their Constitutionally-protected right to public defense
- Programs to help people who’ve served their time rejoin their communities and reduce recidivism
- Expanded services for victims
Expanding Access to Health Care and Reducing CostsA bill I authored is part of the Health and Human Services budget the House passed last week! This legislation funds stabilization grants for child care providers. The grants child care providers have received over the past two years helped many of them keep their doors open, but they’re set to expire soon. By continuing these grants, my bill will help providers continue serving children and families throughout Minnesota. Other notable provisions will: - Expand health care and dental coverage
- Lower prescription drug prices and cap co-pays on insulin and other life-saving medications
- Protect Minnesotans from the dangers of lead exposure
- Revitalize Minnesota’s health care workforce with rate increases, a Workforce Incentive Fund, loan forgiveness, and more
- Improve access to behavioral health services
- Support people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Increase access to affordable child care and support providers
Fighting for Workers and Small Businesses We want to build an empowered workforce and a thriving economy for all Minnesotans. That’s why we passed legislation to: - Extend Paid Family and Medical Leave to all workers
- Give bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and other hourly school workers access to the same unemployment benefits other workers receive
- Combat auto and catalytic converter theft
- Help businesses recover from the pandemic
- Ban anti-competitive noncompete agreements and “no-poach” clauses that keep wages low
- Prohibit social media platforms from delivering harmful content to minors through the use of an algorithm
This legislation, which we approved last week, also includes a bill I authored to protect residents in homeowner’s associations. Under my legislation, HOA’s are required to give more details when issuing a fine or foreclosure. Finding Solutions to the Climate Crisis We’re investing in clean energy and initiatives that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy costs, and create jobs across Minnesota. Our Climate and Energy bill contains funding for: - The Weatherization Assistance Program that can help Minnesotans save hundreds of dollars a year by making their homes more energy efficient
- Solar for Schools, a popular grant program that helps schools purchase and install solar panels
- A program to help local governments buy solar energy systems and install them on public buildings
- Infrastructure improvements to help communities withstand severe weather and impacts of climate change
The Climate and Energy bill also contains a bill I introduced to stop HOAs from passing restrictions that ban residents from installing solar panels on their own homes. Supporting People Who Need It Most House DFLers want to create new tax credits and rebates for those who need them the most. We’re focused on putting more money back in the pockets of people who are struggling to make ends meet and cover the rising costs of child care, housing, and other essentials. That’s why our Tax bill will: - Provide families with up to $3,000 in tax credits for each child who is four years old or younger, with a cap of $7,500
- Establish a tax rebate of $325 for every child under 17
- Make sure senior citizens who earn less than $58,600 for single filers or $75,000 in joint income will not pay any Social Security taxes
- Expand homeowner and renter’s credits to help seniors remain in their homes
- Increase the maximum Homestead Credit Refund
- Expand the renter’s credit to an additional 156,000 Minnesotans
- Assist homeowners who’ve experienced a spike in property taxes
- Increase the student loan tax credit from $500 per person to $1,400
Helping College Students All Minnesotans deserve to get a world-class education. In addition to advocating for investments in E-12 Education, which I outlined in my last legislative update, House DFLers are providing support for college students. Our Higher Education bill delivers: - A free two-year college education for more than 15,000 Minnesotans
- Inclusive Higher Education grants to open doors for thousands of students with intellectual disabilities
- More aid for students who are eligible for the State Grant program
- Support for students who are parents
- Loan repayment programs for future teachers and other Minnesotans in high need positions
- Additional scholarships and support for students who are preparing to be social workers
If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share with me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me by email at rep.ami.wazlawik@house.mn or call (651) 296-3018. Sincerely, Ami Wazlawik
State Representative |