Legislative Update January 27, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
I have spent the last couple of weeks holding and attending committee hearings, meeting with constituents, and attending community events. Last weekend, I participated in legislative forums—including one hosted by the League of Women Voters.
I also visited Hopkins Public Schools’ annual legislative breakfast along with Senator Kelly Morrison. It was great to hear from our school board members, educators, and especially students! I worked this week to introduce a bill increasing funding for the Minnesota Math Corps, a nonprofit organization that helps 4th-8th graders achieve math proficiency!
100% by 2040 Legislation
The last eight years globally have been the hottest on record, and Minnesota is among the top states currently seeing rapid changes to our climate. Scientists know that climate change driven by fossil fuels is impacting our environment, infrastructure, and our health. Minnesota has long been a leader in clean energy, but partisan gridlock in recent years has hindered attempts to combat climate change.
This Thursday, the House DFL majority passed the 100% by 2040 bill, a landmark piece of legislation that will help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. This legislation would require that the state’s utilities use entirely carbon-free sources for electricity production by 2040. This would put us on track with over 20 other states that have also adopted similar goals.
Not only is this legislation critical to protecting our climate, but it also makes economic sense; We know right now that the cheapest form of electricity is wind and that producing solar energy is cheaper than building new fossil fuel plants or importing fossil fuels from other states. This bill ensures that we remove barriers to setting up carbon-free and renewable power sources and invest in jobs right here in Minnesota. I was proud to cast my vote in support of the 100% by 2040 bill this week on the House floor and will continue working to address and combat climate change this session. You can watch my comments on the House floor here.
Free Mammogram Legislation
Last week I also introduced a bill to make diagnostic services and follow-up testing after breast cancer screenings free for Minnesotans. As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand how important early diagnosis is to effective treatment. Additional diagnostic services are necessary for many patients but can come with prohibitive co-pays and other out-of-pocket costs. This bill eliminates those barriers to ensure all patients can have the best chance to detect breast cancer early and help save lives.
This Wednesday, I presented the bill to the Commerce Committee, alongside advocates from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Gilda’s Club Twin Cities. I am glad that the committee passed the bill unanimously! You can watch my comments in committee here!
Staying in touch
Please reach out if you have any questions or feedback you would like to share. You can contact me by email at rep.patty.acomb@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-9934.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative