Legislative Update – June 27, 2024
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been over a month since the 2023-2024 Legislature adjourned, and I'm excited to share the progress we’ve made these past two years with members of our community. After many years of divided government and Republican gridlock that prevented meaningful progress for our state, House DFLers got the job done through a host of accomplishments that will benefit Minnesotans for generations to come.
House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy wrote an opinion piece in the Star Tribune titled “That was the most consequential legislature in generations”. I encourage you to read and share it to learn more about the work done that will benefit Minnesotans for generations to come.
As the Speaker and Majority Leader wrote, we know that there is more to do to build a state that truly works for everyone. Despite the progress we all made together, we know that many of the challenges Minnesotans are facing can't be solved in a two-year legislative session. We're committed to continuing our collaboration with Minnesotans to prioritize the issues they value and ensure everyone has the opportunity to build the better life they deserve.
Bills Passed this Session
I touched on this in our last update, but once again I’d like to highlight bills that I authored and passed this year. From climate to health care to local projects, I’m dedicated to fighting for legislation that improves the lives of Minnesotans in our district!
- HF 4975 – The 2024 Agriculture, Climate, and Energy supplemental budget and policy bill.
- HF 5097 – Legislation helping us upgrade congested parts of the energy grid, develop standards for cost-sharing of upgrades, and more.
- HF 4014 - Legislation making it easier for patients using methadone, a highly effective medication used to treat Opioid Use Disorder, to access their treatment.
- HF 3812 - Expanding Minnesota's "Good Samaritan" law to help save more lives of those experiencing drug overdoses. The change would make sure the law protects those assisting someone who is calling 911 to report a potential overdose.
- A provision included in HF5242, the Transportation supplemental budget, for $200,000 to the city of Shorewood to develop a transportation management organization plan along the marked Trunk Highway 7 corridor.
Climate and Energy Update
Since the Legislative Session ended, I’ve been busy sharing the final outcomes on important legislation with Minnesotans, especially in the Climate and Energy area. I met with folks from the Minnesota Solar Energy Industries Association, attended a meeting with the Health Professionals for a Healthy Climate, and another with Clean Energy Economy MN.
As Chair, we passed legislation that ensures we can hit our clean energy goals by making smart, targeted investments in solar and geothermal, as well as reforming our permitting process and electric transmission system to ensure Minnesota remains a clean energy leader.
I also want to highlight an editorial from U of M Climate Adaptation Partnership Director Heidi Roop in the Star Tribune titled “New climate tool helps predict local effects of a global change,” on tools addressing our changing climate that we worked on together and got passed. You can also check out this recap from the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators on Climate Wins in the 2024 Bill.
Lawns to Legumes Funding
Do you want your lawn to be more pollinator-friendly? Minnesota residents can now apply for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching, and gardening resources.
Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitats in their yards. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you must reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding.
Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website.
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