Legislative Update - Reflecting on 2023

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for the honor of serving Richfield and South Minneapolis in the Minnesota House. This year, for the first time in a decade, we were able to move past gridlock and work together under DFL leadership to make historic progress that will improve lives, strengthen our community, and build a brighter future in Minnesota.

How did we do it? Together. We were able to meet this moment in partnership with Minnesotans who raised their voice to advocate for change. Together, we protected basic reproductive rights and ensured Minnesota is a welcoming place for all. We sought to make Minnesota the best place to raise a child, passing paid family leave, investing in child care and taking huge strides to cut child poverty. All with an eye toward a future, we invested in a 100% clean energy economy, strengthened our democracy, and finally passed common sense gun violence prevention measures.

As Chair of our Housing Committee, it was an honor to pass a record $1 billion+ investment to address our housing crisis - an investment I celebrated this week with Minnesota Housing Partnership as they recognized their “Legislative Champions” from this year. It was a privilege to be named among them.

Other new laws I authored capped co-pays for insulin, inhalers, and epi-pens at $25 (or less) a month, secured $12 million to revitalize Wood Lake Nature Center, and delivered $10.7 million in new funding for Richfield Public Schools.

Again, I couldn’t have done this without your support. As we look to 2024, and the work that needs to be done to build upon these successes, please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or ideas you may have. Your input is invaluable to our work in the Minnesota House. 

Here’s a quick update on some of the latest news and resources from the legislature:

The Cold Weather Rule

As we near the end of the year, and cold weather sets in, a quick reminder that Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” is now in effect, which protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30.

To ensure your service is safe from disconnection, you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility provider agree on. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website. 

Name A New Snowplow!

What’s become a fun, annual tradition is now back - the contest for naming the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s new snowplows! Do you have a name worthy of joining past winners like Clearopathra, Sleetwood Mac, and Blader Tot Hotdish?

Submit your creative ideas for the “Name a Snowplow” contest by Dec. 15!

Representing Your Values

Almost seven years ago, the Minnesota House DFL started the Minnesota Values Project (also known as MVP), a partnership between Minnesotans, elected officials, and organizations to create a shared vision for the future of our state. 

Working together, we’ve strengthened our communities by improving education opportunities, making affordable health care a reality, and increasing economic prosperity for all Minnesotans.

Through this project, we have facilitated hundreds of meaningful conversations with people across Minnesota about their priorities. We’re continuing this work and want to engage with as many people as possible. Looking ahead to the 2024 legislative session, we’re hoping to hear more perspectives and feedback from Minnesotans. As part of this effort, I’d appreciate it if you took part in the new Minnesota Values Project survey.  

You can take the survey by clicking this link.

The survey only takes a few minutes, and as we build a shared vision for our state, your input is crucial in this process. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Stay Connected

I’m always up for talking about our wins from this year, answering your questions, and getting started on the work for 2024. You can contact me and my office at rep.michael.howard@house.mn.gov or 651-296-7158. I look forward to hearing from you! 

Thank you for the incredible honor of representing our community in the Minnesota House, and thank you for all of your support as we delivered for Minnesotans this year. 

Wishing you a joyous New Year!

In partnership, 

Michael Howard