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Dear neighbors,
I hope that this email finds you safe, healthy, and staying warm!
I was remotely sworn in for my second term earlier this month.
It’s an honor to be back serving our community at the Minnesota House of Representatives. While our state once again has the only divided legislature in the country, I am confident that we can build the Minnesota we all believe in if we keep our sights high and organize together. Here’s the latest news from the Capitol:
Defending and Strengthening Our Democracy
Attempts to undermine free and fair elections have no place in our nation. On Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives voted to support my resolution supporting our democracy and condemning violence against elected leaders and U.S. and State Capitols. The resolution passed with strong bipartisan support on a vote of 111 to 8. While more must be done to defend and strengthen our democracy, the first step towards preventing further attacks is rejecting violence and the disinformation that sparked the recent insurrection.
Last week, House DFLers introduced the Democracy for the People Act, legislation that aims to put Minnesotans at the center of our democracy and ensure that it’s responsive to their needs. The bill strengthens and expands voter registration and absentee voting; reduces the influence of corporations and wealthy, well-connected donors; protects voters and election officials; and reforms our state’s campaign finance system to empower small donors. I am a strong supporter and authored several of the provisions last session that were included in the bill.
Leading the Clean Energy Transition
Climate change is impacting Minnesotans right now, from our health to our farms to our traditions. We’ve made progress towards clean energy, but we’re not on track to meet our next targets. In order to protect our planet for future generations, we must take action to transition swiftly to 100 percent clean energy. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the transition would create thousands of good jobs and help Minnesota build a thriving green economy.
I recently joined Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, and Sen. Nick Frentz to unveil a plan to transition to clean energy by 2040. If enacted, this would be the most ambitious clean energy plan in the nation. I am carrying this bill in the House and will keep you updated as it moves through the legislative process. If you’d like to learn more, you can listen to my interview on the latest episode of MPR’s Climate Cast!
In addition to carrying the 100 percent clean energy bill, I am serving as the chair of the House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee this session. I am humbled to have this opportunity and excited to keep pushing forward! You can find information about upcoming public hearings and the work we’re doing on our committee’s webpage.
How to Follow and Participate in the Legislative Process
There are plenty of ways to follow and participate in the legislative process this session. All of our floor sessions and committee hearings will be broadcast on the House’s live stream channels, and House Public Information Services continues to be a great source of nonpartisan news from the Capitol. You can follow their page on Facebook or subscribe to Session Daily for regular updates. You can also follow my official Facebook page.
Please feel free to share any questions, ideas, or feedback you may have. You can contact me by email at rep.jamie.long@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5375.
Sincerely,
Jamie Long
State Representative
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