Neighbors, The 2023 legislative session kicked off January 3, and I’m pleased to report that the DFL state government trifecta is already working hard and working together to deliver on Minnesotans’ priorities. While the Legislature is in session now through May, I’ll send regular updates like this to keep you informed about the latest developments. Stepping into a new roleThis year, my colleagues elected me to serve as House Majority Leader. I’m honored to step into this new role and lead our House DFL team during this historic time.  Announcing legislative prioritiesOn Jan. 4th I joined House Speaker Melissa Hortman and the new Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic to announce many of our top legislative priorities for 2023. Our priorities are inspired by Minnesotans’ stories and grounded in our shared values. We’re working as quickly as possible to build a state that works better for everyone because we know Minnesotans’ priorities have been held up in divided government for far too long.  Codifying reproductive freedomPoliticians have no place interfering with your private, personal health care decisions. On Jan. 19th the Minnesota House made history by voting to codify reproductive freedom in state law. You can watch my speech on the House floor here. It was an honor to have Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in town to put the national spotlight on our state. After the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, Minnesotans spoke loud and clear that they value reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy. The Minnesota Supreme Court’s decision in Doe v. Gomez in 1995 established the right at the state level to an abortion, but we know that the makeup of Supreme Courts and legal precedent can change over time. We’re not taking reproductive freedom for granted anymore, and that’s why we are taking swift action to protect Minnesotans’ rights for generations to come. Taking action on climate changeOn Jan. 26th, just last night, the Minnesota House passed important legislation that moves our state towards 100% clean energy by 2040 and phases out the use of fossil fuels. Minnesota is one of the fastest warming states in the nation. We know the climate crisis is here. Now, with a DFL state government trifecta, we have a real opportunity to fight back. It’s an honor to once again author the 100% by 2040 clean energy bill, but enacting ambitious clean energy standards is just the start of our work. The House Climate and Energy Committee is in good hands with new chair Rep. Patty Acomb, and I encourage you to follow the committee’s work on the Minnesota House website.  Keep in touchYour voice and your story matters. Our state government works best when Minnesotans get involved. My office is here to serve you. Please keep in touch with your questions, comments, and ideas. You can contact me by email at rep.jamie.long@house.mn.gov; by phone at 651-296-5375; and by postal mail at 459 State Office Building, Saint Paul, MN 55155. Sincerely, Rep. Jamie Long |