Legislative Update – March 27, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Early on Thursday morning, the House voted to pass my legislation to unlock federal funds for clean energy projects available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 83-47! This bill is critical to ensuring that Minnesota is in the best possible position to receive federal energy-related funds and reach our climate goals. You can read my full statement on the bill's passage here.
Addressing overdoses in schools
Last year, Minnesota saw a 49% increase in fatal teen overdoses, making it the number one cause of death for young people in the United States. That is why I authored a bill to require all Minnesota public schools to maintain a supply of naloxone, a life-saving medicine that can rapidly reverse a heroin, fentanyl, or oxycodone overdose.
While there are many other steps that we need to take to address the underlying issues leading to this increase in overdoses, we must act quickly to save lives and ensure that this medicine is available at school and that staff is trained to use them. Thank you to the Education Finance Committee for hearing the bill.
Climate and Energy Committee Update
The state budget we will enact this year is more than a fiscal document – it is a moral document that should reflect Minnesotans’ values. Last week, on March 21, the House Speaker, Senate Majority Leader, and Governor Walz reached an agreement on a framework for a new state budget. Work in legislative committees is winding down, and chairs will now be hard at work assembling their respective budget bills. Beginning in April, committee work will conclude, and each chamber will pass budget bills off the floor.
As chair of the Climate and Energy Committee, I have been working hard with staff to craft a state budget bill that will help us lower energy costs for Minnesotans as well as address and combat climate change. This week we will be rolling out our budget bill, which includes historic investments in protecting our climate. You can find more details, including links to committee hearing recordings, on our committee webpage.
Free Park Days in 2023!
As the weather continues to warm up and the snow starts to melt, I wanted to share that the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced its free park days for 2023. All entrance and vehicle permit fees will be waived on:
- Saturday, April 22
- Saturday, June 10
- Saturday, September 9
- Friday, November 24
Our state parks showcase the best Minnesota has to offer including hiking, biking, camping, swimming, skiing, birding, and more. I hope you will take the opportunity to get out and enjoy our state parks this year.
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