Legislative Update - Looking Back On 2023

Dear Neighbors, 

I want to thank you for the honor of allowing me to represent our community in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This year, for the first time in a decade, we were able to move past gridlock and work together under DFL leadership to make historic progress that will improve lives, strengthen our community, and build a brighter future in Minnesota.

Together, we protected reproductive rights, addressed our housing crisis, made major moves towards clean energy, delivered the largest tax cut in state history, expanded voting rights, strengthened gun violence prevention measures, legalized adult-use cannabis, funded major infrastructure improvements, and so much more.

I’m especially proud of what we were able to do for our students. In Minnesota, students are back in the classroom with a historic level of investment and support. The new budget we passed this year delivers over $2.2 billion to our students statewide, and in Minneapolis schools alone we’re seeing over $78.7 million in additional funding, including legislation that more than doubles the funding for English Language Learners.

Minnesota is a state that values education and wants to see every child succeed, but that is not possible when 1 in 6 students are trying to learn on an empty stomach. That’s why I authored our new law that provides free school meals, breakfast and lunch, to Minnesota’s students.

And we’re just getting started. Even during this legislative interim, the work continues to make our community and state a great place to live, work, and raise a family. As we get ready for the 2024 legislative session to begin in February, please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Here’s a quick update on some of the latest news and resources from the legislature:

The Cold Weather Rule

As we near the end of the year, and cold weather sets in, a quick reminder that Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” is now in effect, which protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. 

To ensure your service is safe from disconnection, you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility provider agree on. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website. 

Name A New Snowplow!

What’s become a fun, annual tradition is now back - the contest for naming the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s new snowplows! Do you have a name worthy of joining past winners like Clearopathra, Sleetwood Mac, and Blader Tot Hotdish?

Submit your creative ideas for the “Name a Snowplow” contest by Dec. 15!

Representing Your Values

Almost seven years ago, the Minnesota House DFL started the Minnesota Values Project (also known as MVP), a partnership between Minnesotans, elected officials, and organizations to create a shared vision for the future of our state. 

Working together, we’ve strengthened our communities by improving education opportunities, making affordable health care a reality, and increasing economic prosperity for all Minnesotans.

Through this project, we have facilitated hundreds of meaningful conversations with people across Minnesota about their priorities. We’re continuing this work and want to engage with as many people as possible. Looking ahead to the 2024 legislative session, we’re hoping to hear more perspectives and feedback from Minnesotans. As part of this effort, I’d appreciate it if you took part in the new Minnesota Values Project survey.  

You can take the survey by clicking this link.

The survey only takes a few minutes, and as we build a shared vision for our state, your input is crucial in this process. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Stay Connected

The 2024 legislative session begins on February 12. If you have any questions or comments on our work in the Minnesota House this year - or ideas for what we should take on when I return to St. Paul - please feel free to reach out! You can contact my office at rep.sydney.jordan@house.mn or 651-296-9676. I look forward to hearing from you!

Wishing you and yours a Happy Holidays and New Year!

Sincerely, 

Sydney Jordan

State Representative