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Neighbors,
One verdict won’t solve every problem, but the Derek Chauvin decision was a step toward justice and accountability. At the Capitol and in our community, I will continue to work for solutions to ensure that every Minnesotan makes it home safe. You can read my joint statement with the POCI Caucus here.
Budget Bills Advance
Most of our legislative work has moved to the House floor and we are meeting most days this week to vote on our budget bills. I am advocating for our local and regional priorities as we move toward passage of the final budget before adjournment on May 17.
Yesterday, we approved the Omnibus Workforce Bill. Some highlights of the bill:
- Keeps workers safe on the job
- Helps workers recover from illness or to care for a newborn or family member
- Delivers economic security if a worker loses their job during the pandemic.
Monday, we passed the Omnibus Higher Education Finance and Policy Bill and the Omnibus Education Finance Bill. Both measures look to the future by preparing students for success and planning for our 21st century workforce.
Higher Education should not be a privilege for some. It should be an opportunity for all. I sit on the Higher Education Finance Committee and spoke on the House Floor about my Increasing Teachers of Color provision.
Last week the Minnesota House approved the Omnibus Housing Finance and Policy Bill, which funds programs aimed at helping create more affordable housing, and ensures Minnesotans have a safe place to call home.
The Omnibus Legacy Bill was also approved last week. This measure invests in protecting and enhancing Minnesota's outdoor heritage, clean water, arts and cultural heritage, and parks and trails.
The Omnibus State Government Finance Bill, passed the House on Friday.
Saturday, we were on the House floor for several hours, debating the Omnibus Transportation Finance Bill. It was an interesting – but long – day.
You can watch along here.
You can follow the daily legislative schedules here.
Historic Class of Women
When women support each other we all do better. Our youth deserve to see people in leadership roles who look like them. We are planting powerful seeds for our next generations.
Take a moment to read the Star Tribune article about the historic number of women serving in the Minnesota House and Senate.
Vaccination Update
New data released shows more than 2.3 million Minnesotans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Since vaccine eligibility has expanded, more Minnesotans are getting appointments every day.
It is important to get a vaccine to protect yourself and others. I recently received mine – one more step back to participating in activities we enjoy and spending time with people we love.
I encourage you to check out Minnesota’s COVID-19 mn.gov/vaccineconnector, call 833-431-2053 or check with your health insurance carrier to help you find out when, where, and how to get a vaccine.
You can learn the most recent statistics about who is getting vaccinated, and other key data, by clicking on this link.
SURVEY
Please share your legislative priorities by completing my legislative survey before the end of April. I would like your input about the important issues we are discussing at the Capitol.
Stay Connected
The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website here.
Contact me anytime at rep.heather.keeler@house.mn. I welcome your questions and comments. Also, you are welcome to “like” my Facebook page.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Heather Keeler
State Representative
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