Here’s an update from St. Paul: 100% Clean Energy by 2040The last eight years globally have been the hottest on record, and Minnesota is among the top states currently seeing rapid changes to our climate. Scientists know that climate change driven by fossil fuels is impacting our environment, infrastructure, and our health. Minnesota has long been a leader in clean energy, but partisan gridlock in recent years has hindered attempts to combat climate change. Yesterday, we passed the 100% by 2040 bill, a landmark piece of legislation that will help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. Action at the state level is urgently needed to help the U.S. meet our climate goals. This legislation would require that the state’s utilities use entirely carbon-free sources for electricity production by 2040. This would put us on track with over 20 other states that have also adopted similar goals. Not only is this legislation critical to protecting our climate, but it also makes economic sense. Wind power is the cheapest form of electricity, and producing solar energy is cheaper than building new fossil fuel plants or importing fossil fuels from other states. This bill ensures that we remove barriers to setting up carbon-free and renewable power sources and invest in jobs right here in Minnesota. I’m proud to cast my vote in support of the 100% by 2040 bill and will continue working to address and combat climate change this session. Governor’s Budget ProposalGovernor Walz rolled out his budget proposal this week. With a $17 billion surplus, his proposal includes a variety of cuts and investments to lower costs and address critical deficiencies Minnesotans are facing. You can read more details of the proposal here. Legislators in the House and Senate will craft our own two-year budget blueprint, and the governor’s proposal is a good starting point for us to assess as we align and fine tune the components of our shared goals to help Minnesotans afford their lives. Paid Family and Medical LeavePaid Family and Medical Leave is a priority for the House, Senate, and Governor. I’m proud to be a co-author of HF 2, which will ensure paid family and medical leave for Minnesotans. Currently, some Minnesotans are eligible for paid family leave through their employer, but many can only receive unpaid leave. As a small business owner myself, it’s important for me to be able to give workers time and financial security to be with their loved ones during the most challenging moments of their lives. We all know that the first weeks after birth or having the ability to care for an aging parent or ill family member is a critical time for families. If passed, the legislation will ensure up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave for workers per year. District 56 Town Hall- February 4On Saturday, February 4 at 9:00 a.m., Rep. Huot, Sen. Erin Maye Quade, and I will hold a District 56 Town Hall to discuss the 2023 legislative session. Everyone in our community is welcome to share their ideas, priorities, and to ask questions about issues important to them. The event is nonpartisan and will take place at Falcon Ridge Middle School Auditorium (12900 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley). I hope to see you there!  Keep in TouchNot everyone can make it to a coffee hour, or to the Capitol to share their thoughts, but please know I’m always accessible via email at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn.gov or phone 651-296-5506. Your input is important, and I appreciate hearing from you. Have a great weekend! I hope to see you on Zoom tomorrow. Robert Bierman
State Representative |