Legislative Update- February 22, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well on this snowy February Tuesday. 

The legislative session is in full swing, and I’ve been working with my colleagues, Minnesotans, and our Plymouth neighbors, considering new bills, advocating for legislation, and hearing from experts. Here’s an update from the Capitol:

Redistricting

Based on the results of the 2020 Census, boundaries of voting districts were redrawn as they are every decade, and last week the new maps were released, reflecting new legislative and congressional districts. You can read more in this Session Daily article and go to the Legislative Coordinating Commission website for more detailed information. As the vice chair of the House Redistricting Committee, I’m proud of the work our committee delivered in drawing fair maps based on input from Minnesotans, and doing so in a transparent, open process—listening to Minnesotans. I spoke with Mary Lahammer from TPT’s Almanac series about our work and you can watch the segment here.

Reviewing the maps with Rep. Keeler (DFL-Moorhead) and Majority Leader Winker (DFL-Golden Valley).

Public Safety in Transportation

The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee recently held two informational hearings to learn more about and how to address the growing problems associated with traffic and pedestrian safety. The committee received expert testimony from the State Patrol and the Minnesota Department of Traffic Safety showing that despite fewer cars being on the road last year, Minnesota still saw 498 deaths in traffic related crashes. 58 of those were pedestrian related fatalities, which averages more than one death a week. Speed was cited as a key contributor, but also, the lack of access to strong and safe pedestrian infrastructure. The Star Tribune covered the hearings, and you can read more about various proposals on the table to address the surge in fatalities and injuries, here.

Source: Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Locally, I remain committed to improving pedestrian access and overall, making County Road 47 safer for everyone in our community.

Promoting Affordable Housing 

Every Minnesotan needs a safe and stable home. Last week, the House introduced a plan to reduce housing costs. It would preserve and rehabilitate existing affordable housing, help create more housing, and provide assistance to prospective home buyers. The plan also reopens RentHelpMN, the program that provided financial support to renters and landlords who were impacted by COVID-19. You can read more about the plan here. 

A safe ?? promotes better health, safety, education & employment opportunities. Thank you @BelieveInHome for your advocacy on this important issue!

Investing in Early Childhood Education

Today, the House Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee advanced legislation to permanently invest in 4,000 of Minnesota’s Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) slots. The VPK program began in 2017 as one way to provide prekindergarten education services to students who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. Our youngest learners deserve access to early care and learning and continuing these funds permanently is a wise investment we can make for our state and economy.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn or 651-296-5511 to share feedback, ask questions, or let me know how I can provide assistance. Your input drives our work and the results we can achieve together. 

Stay safe today.

Warmly,

Ginny Klevorn
State Representative