Legislative Update- February 20, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well. Last week, my colleagues and I announced our proposal called The Great Start for All Minnesota Children to invest in early care and learning targeted at Minnesotans from birth to age three. Our state is facing two crises: education opportunity gaps and inaccessible and unaffordable childcare. The soaring costs of childcare in Minnesota are among the highest in the nation- and one of the top concerns shared with me by constituents.

Investing in early care and learning will help our economy, ensuring parents can work, businesses can hire, and communities can thrive. Research shows that the biggest payoff comes in the earliest weeks and months of life. Children, parents, and childcare providers all stand to benefit from our proposal. Read more in this story from the Associated Press. 

New Committee Assignment 

A bit of news: I’ve recently been appointed to the Health and Human Services Policy Committee. I’m excited about this new assignment and the opportunity to use my background as a former EMT. I look forward to working with my colleagues on strategies we can enact to lower prescription drug prices and the overall cost of health care in general without compromising the quality of care.

Presidential Primary

Minnesota’s presidential primary election takes place Tuesday, March 3, but early voting is already underway. You can vote right now via absentee ballot, either by mail or in person at your county elections office. If you’re not sure whether you are registered to vote at your current address, you can check your registration status here.

Several folks have asked me about precinct caucuses and if they’ll still take place even with a primary in place- Minnesota’s major political parties will hold precinct caucuses to elect delegates to Senate District Conventions, Congressional District Conventions, and the State Conventions on Feb. 25th at 7:00 p.m. You can find more information at www.caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us. 

Many Minnesotans have expressed privacy concerns when voting in the primary, which is why I’m coauthoring legislation recommended by Secretary of State Steve Simon that would provide the option for voters to choose whether they would like their information shared. The bill would prevent the national parties from sharing the data with anyone or risk facing significant civil penalties. The law change would take effect for the 2020 primary before the data is scheduled to be transmitted to the parties.

Flag Bill Update

This week, my bill to deliver a flag to family members of military service members and first responders who have died advanced out of the State Government Finance Committee. Currently, family members of fallen soldiers must pay for the Minnesota or American flag that is flown over the Capitol. I’ve been working on this legislation since last year and will continue to do all I can to get it passed.

Intern for a Day Program

Our Intern for a Day Program is off to a great start! Lots of energy and enthusiasm from the students in #ISD 196.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me on any issue, any time. I can be reached at the Capitol at 651-296-4306 or by email at rep.john.huot@house.mn. For additional updates, follow me on my official Facebook page.

Your input is important to me. Thank you for the honor of representing our communities in St. Paul!

Sincerely,

John