 Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you well and warm on this snowy Thursday! We’re nearly through week three of the legislative session and the pace of our work is propelling us forward to get things done for Minnesotans. Here’s a look at what’s advancing at the State Capitol: Empowering Local Cities, Promoting Transparency, Improving Public SafetyAs the chair of the State and Local Government Committee, a key priority of mine is to ensure we’re improving efficiencies and making sure our local government functions are accessible to all residents.  That’s why one of the first bills we heard adds inflation to state budget forecasts so as we craft our two-year state budget, we as lawmakers can be responsible and transparent in how we implement cuts or investments. We’re expected to vote on this bill in the near future. Just this week, I prioritized legislation to come before the committee to help underfunded counties access more tools to prosecute violent crime, specifically attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, sexual assault, robbery, and burglary; human trafficking/sex trafficking; white-collar theft/fraud; criminal vehicular homicide/operation; etc. There is no place for violent crime anywhere in Minnesota, and I’m glad we passed it out of committee. You can read the press release with more information here. This evening, the House passed HF 1, the Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act. This bill protects Minnesotans’ right to contraception, the right to carry a pregnancy to term, and ensures the right to privacy for personal reproductive health decisions. This bill had a stop in our committee, and I was glad we had an opportunity to vet it before advancing it. I’ve always been an advocate of preserving the privacy of the patient/doctor relationship in any situation or circumstance, because quite simply, as an elected official, it’s none of my business to insert myself in those personal and professional relationships. The bill is heading into its final committee hearings in the Senate. Save the Date- Fire and Ice in Plymouth Save the date! The Plymouth Fire and Ice winter festival is back this year in Plymouth on Saturday, February 4th. The family-friendly event will include games, entertainment, food, and fireworks beginning at 6:30 p.m., all on the ice of frozen Parkers Lake. I hope to see you there!  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime with input, questions, or to let me know how I can provide assistance at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5511. I appreciate your feedback and perspectives on how we can keep moving forward together. Warmly, Ginny Klevorn
State Representative |