Legislative Update – February 27, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
The 2024 legislative session is off to a strong start, and I have been attending committee hearings, presenting legislation, and meeting with constituents from our district.
I met with folks from Faith in Minnesota and ISAIAH, attended Rotary Awareness Day, and spoke with Minnetonka Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Fox about public safety and the needs of our Emergency Medical Services teams.
Good Samaritan Law
Last week I was proud to present my bill expanding Minnesota's "Good Samaritan" law to help save more lives of those experiencing drug overdoses. Our current law saves lives but should be expanded to make sure the law protects those assisting someone who is calling 911 to report a potential overdose.
Thank you to Colleen Ronnei, Executive Director of Change the Outcome for testifying in support of this bill which passed the Public Safety Committee with no opposition! You can read more here.
Climate and Energy Committee
This year the Climate and Energy Committee, which I chair, has been hearing updates from department agencies on the impacts of last year’s historic Climate and Energy Budget. Last week, researchers from the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership shared its state of the state’s climate report with the committee.
This year’s unseasonably warm, and in some cases record-breaking, winter shows us that we are getting closer and closer to the risks that scientists have long anticipated. Last year we put our state on the path to 100% Clean Energy by 2040, and I will continue to trust the scientists on the best ways we can reduce our greenhouse gasses and prepare for a cleaner future. You can read more about the committee hearing here.
Other News and Updates
Last Monday, the House passed our first bill of 2024, with a nearly unanimous vote of 128-2. The bill is a technical corrections tax bill that will help ensure that as many Minnesotans as possible will fully experience the benefits of the 2023 Tax bill.
Finally, I want to highlight this article written by Energy News Network: Minnesota reboots community solar program with new focus on lower-income residents.
As the costs of solar panels and installation continue to become more affordable, it is important to make sure our state helps middle-and low-income Minnesotans enter the clean energy economy. That’s why I supported making these changes to the community solar program to lower energy costs for all Minnesotans.
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