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Neighbors,
The process of taking an idea and turning into a law can be incredibly complicated to follow. My advocacy prior to being a legislator allowed me a glimpse into that process. Now as a freshmen legislator, I want to take people along the path of a bill each week in my updates. There are resources available, but I’d like to give a bit more personal approach to lawmaking.
The first step is to identify your idea to create or improve a bill – this will depend on your interests or your experiences. You certainly don’t have to be a lobbyist or elected official, but working with your own state legislator or a lawmaker who shares your vision, is the best way to start the process; then we’ll have the professional legislative staff work on the correct wording and “jacket” the bill. Next week I’ll talk about what happens with those jackets.
Some of the bills I’m authoring and are starting their way through the committee process include money appropriated for the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota (HF680 / HF681), and capital improvements for MSU – Mankato (HF394).
Committees
In the Behavioral Health Policy Division this week, there was bipartisan support for easing access to mental health care and increasing support for homeless Minnesotans. In the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, we heard about the tremendous efforts put forward by the members of the National Guard in 2020.
Meeting with local partners
This week, I met with members of Greater Mankato Growth and the Mankato school board. I’m working collaboratively with our local leaders to maximize our efforts and achieve our goals for a better community!
Top 30 Jobs
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has posted a list of the top 30 jobs in demand in the state. If you or someone you know is seeking employment, check here for the list and how you can be connected to future employers.
Legalizing Cannabis
Several of my House colleagues have introduced a plan to responsibly legalize adult-use cannabis in Minnesota. The legislation creates a regulated cannabis market while addressing legitimate concerns around youth access, public health, and road safety.
Stay connected with the Legislature
The Minnesota House continues to operate remotely. The House ensures 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.
Also, 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.
I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn or 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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