Dear Neighbors,
Before I get to my regular update, I would like to first extend my condolences to the family and colleagues of Officer Jamal Mitchell, who was tragically murdered in the line of duty on Thursday. I also want to express my deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the civilian who lost their life during this tragic incident. I wish all other first responders and civilians who were harmed during this tragedy swift recoveries. As Chair of the House Public Safety Committee, I understand my responsibility to pass policies that make Minnesota a safer place to live and work. I will continue working throughout the interim with law enforcement, other stakeholders, and my colleagues on policy ideas for the next session to eliminate these senseless tragedies.
In honor of Law Enforcement Memorial Day in May, I attended the annual ceremony to remember and honor all officers who have died in the line of duty. This was a powerfully moving event as we reflected on the lives lost of the heroes who put themselves in danger to protect us.
End of Session
Last Monday, May 20th, we officially concluded the 2024 Legislative Session, which also wrapped-up the 2023-2024 biennium. The final weeks were full of late nights and long meetings as we worked to deliver the most for Minnesotans during this biennium.
These past two years have been incredibly productive as we provided historic investments throughout our state budget, and enacted policies aimed at lifting up Minnesotans and ensuring our community and state is an exemplary place to live, work, and raise a family.
What We Passed
Last year the Legislature passed our major two-year budget bills, and this year the House built on that progress by passing small supplemental budgets alongside more substantial policy changes in major committee areas. Working alongside the Governor and our Senate counterparts, we reached final agreements on all major budget bills, many of which have already been signed into law.
You can find nonpartisan summaries about the final agreements here: Transportation, Labor and Housing, Energy and Agriculture, Public Safety and Judiciary, Commerce and Cannabis, Jobs and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Human Services, Health, and Elections.
We also passed a gun violence prevention bill that includes tougher penalties for straw purchasers and a ban on binary triggers, a bill that will increase wages for rideshare drivers while keeping companies operating in Minnesota, a health occupational licensure and scoping bill, legislation improving our child welfare services and addressing racial disparities, and a tenant’s right’s package.
For my part, I worked with my colleagues in the Judiciary and Public Safety realm to craft a final bill which prioritizes victims and victim services to support those who have been most impacted by crime. This bill passed the House with bipartisan support, as did many of my other bills.
I was especially proud that two of my constituent-led bills were signed into law this year. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out to share your ideas and concerns!
Statehood Day
On May 11, 2024, Minnesota celebrated 166 years of statehood. The Minnesota State Flag and Seal approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission early this year became the official state emblems. This is a culmination of months gathering input from and engaging with Minnesotans to find consensus on a flag and seal that best represent Minnesota.
Stay In Touch
Please feel free to contact me directly with your viewpoints or if I can be of assistance. My email is rep.kelly.moller@house.mn.gov and my phone number is 651-296-0141. You can learn about bills that have been introduced here and keep track of the bills I’ve authored here. If you have neighbors, friends, or family who you think would find these updates valuable, please share this with them; they can subscribe here. I also encourage you to follow me on Facebook.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Moller
State Representative