Legislative Update – April 18, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Yesterday, we passed the 2023 Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Budget on a vote of 69-59, to lower energy costs, create more clean energy jobs, and address and combat climate change. Minnesota is one of the fastest-warming states due to climate change, and this bill puts Minnesota on the path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
We have an opportunity to make a real difference by partnering with the federal government to lower energy costs, expand renewable energy, and ensure all Minnesotans can benefit from our clean energy transition. I am proud of the work we did this year in the Climate and Energy Committee, and I was proud to present this bill. You can read my statement on the bill here.
President Biden’s Minnesota Visit
Last week, I had the great opportunity to see President Biden at Cummins in Fridley. Cummins manufactures electrolyzers—which produce clean hydrogen and reduce carbon emissions. The President was in Minnesota to promote the great work coming out of state and federal partnerships created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), work we are building on here at the Capitol and in the Climate and Energy Committee.
Hopkins Teacher of the Year Finalists!
Last week Education Minnesota announced its list of 11 teachers from across the state who have been named finalists for Teacher of the Year, including two from Hopkins! Congratulations to Fatuma Ali and Allyson Wolff for being recognized for their amazing work and thank you to all our amazing teachers throughout the district. You can read more about the Teacher of the Year process here.
House Floor Votes – Democracy, Legacy, and Higher Education!
In 2022, with democracy squarely on the ballot, Minnesotans of every race, generation, region, and background showed up to participate in and protect democracy.. And the best way to protect democracy is to expand access. That’s why we voted last week to pass the Democracy for the People Act, which increases voter participation and limits the influence of dark money in our elections. These are just a few of the policies that will help us ensure every Minnesotan has the freedom to vote, and power is firmly in the hands of the people.
Last week, the House passed the largest investment in higher education in nearly four decades. Whether it’s a tuition freeze across the Minnesota State system, addressing the U of M’s tuition shortfall, investing in our tribal colleges, or ensuring today’s students are prepared for tomorrow’s jobs, our Higher Education budget is a crucial component in making Minnesota an Education State. The cost of higher education has been skyrocketing for decades and I was proud to support this bill to help students gain the skills they need to succeed in life.
We also passed legislation to continue the important work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s most treasured spaces and places and increasing access for all. With investments in our outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage, there is something in this bill to help all parts of our state, and I was glad to vote yes.
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