Legislative Update: March 10, 2023

Neighbors,

Thank you to all who attended our District 38 Town Hall last Saturday. We had a productive and robust conversation on the issues mattering most to Minnesotans. As we move forward with session, please continue reaching out to me on how we can be partners here at the capitol. 

In the last week, the House has taken multiple steps to invest in the solutions Minnesota families deserve. From helping farmers to protecting the health of our state, here is an update from Saint Paul. 

Combating Catalytic Converter Theft

Thursday night, the House Floor voted to concur with the Senate on the catalytic converter theft prevention bill. Catalytic converter thefts have seen a stark increase in the past two years, with law enforcement often unable to track these thefts or trace back the converters. We have seen Minnesotans and auto dealerships struggle with this rise, and that’s why House DFLers are working to urgently address the issue. This bill would prohibit the possession of a detached catalytic converter with a few narrow exceptions and gives law enforcement the ability to address situations where individuals are found with multiple detached catalytic converters.

This approach will hold thieves accountable and regulate those profiting from the theft. I’m optimistic this will be the year both the House and Senate acknowledge this is a significant problem we must swiftly confront.

Capital Investment Projects Bill Passes

Last session, a bipartisan agreement was reached on the framework of legislation to invest in local jobs and projects throughout Minnesota, but like many important proposals, Republican leadership chose to walk away instead of completing this work. Efforts to deliver on that legislation never stopped for DFLers, and now the Minnesota House has taken the first bipartisan step in finishing the business of 2022 by approving nearly $1.9 billion in investments for local jobs and projects throughout the state.

The package of legislation we passed addresses hundreds of critical infrastructure projects that have gone unfunded for too long. There are leaky roofs in state buildings, an outdated campus chemistry laboratory, unstable riverbanks, kids taking unsafe routes to schools, housing that needs to be built for our most vulnerable and failing wastewater infrastructure. 

These and other projects are crucial to communities throughout the state, and inflation is only causing them to go up higher in cost the longer we delay. This legislation requires a supermajority to pass, meaning the Senate, like the House, will need Republican support to get this funding over the finish line.I hope you’ll join me in calling on Senate Republicans to swiftly pass this legislation. We need to finish the work of 2022 so we can move on to the business of 2023. 

Banning Harmful Chemicals

Throughout the legislative session, the DFL majority has been moving forward with a bill to ban the use of “forever chemicals” like PFAS in a variety of products such as carpets, cookware, cosmetics, children’s products, ski wax, and more. All Minnesotans deserve to be safe from toxic chemicals, and it is long past due to prohibit these chemicals once and for all. 

I want to thank the advocates on this issue for their courageous testimonies during this process. I’m looking forward to hearing this and other legislation to keep Minnesotans safe in the Agriculture Committee and voting them into law. 

Stay in Touch

Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with anything. I am best reached through email at rep.samantha.vang@house.mn.gov or please contact my Legislative Assistant Matthew at matthew.sauser@house.mn.gov. I always appreciate hearing from you. You can also follow along on my official Facebook page here. 

Sincerely,

Rep. Samantha Vang

651-296-3709

rep.samantha.vang@house.mn.gov