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Neighbors,
Our main order of business this legislative session is to find more strategies to support Minnesotans and protect their economic security during these challenging times of COVID-19. Committees have begun to meet and we’ve received interesting overviews from several agency commissioners and learned about how they partner with the Legislature.
The Transportation Finance and Policy Committee featured several presentations on the future of transportation. Commissioner Jan Malcolm also gave an overview of the Department of Health, including mental health services.
Mankato meeting
I met virtually this week with the Mankato city leaders. Our conversation focused on funding approved in the 2020 session, including for Highway 14, to ensure that shovels hit the dirt as soon as possible. We also discussed further ways to support our communities. A meeting with Eagle Lake leadership is planned for next week.
Session Priorities
This week, the House DFL announced our session priorities aiming to help those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and help them recover as we go forward. You can read more details here.
Vaccine updates
COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out across the state. You can read the most current information on statewide data by viewing the new COVID-19 Vaccination Dashboard here.
Stay connected with the legislature
In accordance with public health guidelines, the Minnesota House will continue to operate remotely, as they did most of 2020. The House will ensure openness and transparency for the public by expanding the number of simultaneous committees it can? webcast live? from a maximum of two to five, so you can stay current on issues moving through committees this budget session.
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.
As I mentioned last week, you can follow action on the committees on which I serve by clicking the committee page:
Behavioral Health Policy Division – Vice Chair
Health Finance and Policy
Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Transportation Finance and Policy
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I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can call me at 651-296-3248 or send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn. You can also call my legislative assistant, Joe Lenczewski at 651-296-5486.
Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Luke Frederick
State Representative
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