Our ProgressOn Friday, we passed the Pensions and Retirement Bills. It was my honor to chair the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement and to usher in the largest single investment – totaling $496 million – in our statewide pension plans in state history. DFLers have placed emphasis on ensuring we have healthy statewide pension plans because Minnesotans know when we invest in our retirees, we create a more dynamic state economy. The bill includes $88 million in cost-of-living adjustments for retirees in our state pensions system. These important investments are just one part of our work to ensure Minnesotans have the opportunity to experience an economically secure retirement.  Minnesota is one of the fastest-warming states due to climate change. Our Climate and Natural Resources Budget puts us on the path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 by investing $65 million in solar, wind, and storage throughout our state.  Every child deserves a great start to life. We all benefit when that happens. The House DFL Children & Families budget bills invest more than $2 billion over four years in early care and learning, homelessness supports, food security, child welfare, and more. This year's budget builds for the future through systemic reform. We invest in IT and other system infrastructure, establish a first-ever statewide assessment of kindergarten readiness, and create a Department of Children, Youth, and Families, to place children at the center of state government.  |