Legislative Update- June 4, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

We are in for a toasty weekend. I hope this finds you well and staying cool! It was great to beat the heat earlier this week and step back into the fun tradition of attending the Plymouth Pie Social. With vaccine administration quickly approaching 70%, and COVID-19 cases trending downward, it’s looking more and more likely we can expect a return to normal.

Our work continues in the Minnesota House of Representatives. We’re working in partnership with the Republican-led Senate and Governor Walz to build and craft components of the agreed-upon budget framework we established at the end of May. Working groups are meeting to find compromise on various provisions within each area of the budget. I’ve been working with legislators serving on the Higher Education Committee, and I’m pleased to share we’re making good progress. We are anticipating a special session in mid-June.

With American Rescue Plan dollars assigned to Minnesota days before adjournment, we knew more time was needed to carefully vet our options in how those dollars will be allocated and invested. Although my immediate focus is balancing our state budget, I am interested in exploring options that update and increase efficiency to the legislative calendar and process.

Legislation to Eliminate Discrimination in Home Valuations Signed into Law

Early last month, Governor Walz signed into law bipartisan legislation I authored that eliminates discrimination in home valuations. The new law increases access to certain types of property evaluations that can be performed by appraisers and modifies continuing education course requirements for insurance, real estate, and appraiser licensees in Minnesota. Additionally, it requires appraiser licensees to take a new course in valuation bias focused on fair housing laws and bias. This is a significant equity issue for homeowners of color, as it allows them to retain the value of their homes during a real estate transaction. I’m grateful for the bipartisan collaboration that went into this new law.

Free State Park Day

We are fortunate to have an abundance of well-maintained and preserved state parks in Minnesota. Four days a year, the state offers free entrance to all state parks, and the summer date is coming up: ???????? ???? ?? Discover nearby parks and more details here.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime with ideas or questions at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn or 651-296-5511. Your input drives my work for our Plymouth community at the state legislature.

Have a great weekend and take good care.

Sincerely,

Ginny Klevorn

State Representative