Legislative Update - Minnesota: Accepting and Protecting

Dear Neighbors, 

Last week, the Minnesota House passed two bills that I co-authored, both of which focus on providing health care to those who need it, and protecting those individuals from the extreme laws passed in other states. 

That Monday, the Minnesota House passed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act, which protects the fundamental rights of Minnesota health care providers and patients from legal attacks and criminal penalties imposed by anti-abortion extremists in other states. With the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we must ensure everyone has equitable access to reproductive healthcare in Minnesota.

This is the second major bill we’ve passed in the House aimed at protecting reproductive rights. The first, the PRO Act, which enshrines the right to an abortion into state statute, has already been signed into law. 

We ended last week by passing another bill to protect access to life-saving health care. Minnesota prides itself on providing world-class health care, but as extreme anti-trans legislation appears in numerous states, including our neighbors, Minnesota must also become a safe harbor for those seeking gender-affirming care.

Research indicates that withholding or delaying gender-affirming care can have dramatic impacts on the mental health of individuals who need it; trans and gender-expansive people who lack access to this care face higher rates of depression, suicide, and substance abuse, while those who receive care have dramatically improved health outcomes. 

Minnesotans know that it’s unacceptable to play political games with the health care people need, and I’m so proud these bills are on their way to becoming law. Next stop, the Senate. 

Delivering for Minnesotans

We’re in the second half of the legislative session, and the effectiveness of the DFL Trifecta is really starting to show results. Last month, legislative leaders and Governor Walz laid the framework for our state budget - a deal typically struck in the final weeks of session under divided government. 

We made national news when the bill I authored to provide universal school meals was signed into law, and people are starting to take note of our progress, especially in stark contrast to the legislation we’ve seen come out of other states that are so focused on division, misinformation, and scoring cheap political points.

I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done this year. You can take a look and these headlines and know that we’re just getting started:

Constituent Corner

Our work could not be as effective as it is without the advocates in our corner, dedicating their time to the issues they believe in. It’s thanks to them that Minnesota is becoming a better place to live. Shout out to everyone that showed up recently to fight for our community and state!

During this year’s “Mental Health Day on the Hill” I met with advocates to discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health in our state. We need to reduce the stigma, increase access, and deliver the mental health resources Minnesotans need.

These visits and others do a great job of spreading awareness on legislative issues. There’s a lot to cover this year and we make up for the gridlock of previous sessions, and as we start the process of putting together our state budget, their advocacy is invaluable. 

We’re currently in our Easter and Passover break at the legislature, returning to work on Tuesday, April 11. If you have an issue you care about, now is a great time to contact me with your questions and comments! You can reach out at rep.sydney.jordan@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4219. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Sydney Jordan

State Representative