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Neighbors,
Today we mark the first anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. Since his murder, the world has changed but so many of the root problems leading up to his death have not. More people are talking about the need for everyone to feel safe in their communities.
I will continue to work with community and legislative leaders to examine what proceeded his death and take action to stop this injustice from ever happening again.
Budget Action
Last week, Governor Tim Walz, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka announced a bipartisan agreement for a new two-year state budget. This outline sets up the framework for final negotiations to craft a state budget focusing on our students, families, workers, and small businesses to ensure everyone succeeds. Minnesotans have been hit unequally by the pandemic. Our bipartisan budget prioritizes the needs of those most impacted by COVID-19.
Through the final budget process, I will continue to advocate for the Southern Minnesota Children’s Museum funding, water quality mitigation for the Minnesota River-Mankato watershed, and statewide projects such as Helmets to Hardhats, local bridge replacement and several health and human services provisions.
We continue to craft a transportation compromise plan aimed at improving our roads in every corner of the state.
Minnesota House advances bill to legalize adult-use cannabis
Recently, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed House File 600, which would legalize and regulate cannabis for adult use, and expunge the records of those convicted of nonviolent cannabis-related crimes. The legislation passed on a bipartisan vote of 72-61. The Minnesota Senate has not taken any action on this proposal.
Vaccine Update
The Minnesota Department of Health reports more than 2.8 million of our friends and neighbors have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 2.5 million have received a complete vaccine series. Check out Minnesota’s COVID-19 mn.gov/vaccineconnector, call 833-431-2053 or ask your health care provider to help you find a vaccine.
Following CDC guidance, Governor Walz announced the end of the statewide face covering requirement for vaccinated Minnesotans. It is recommended those unvaccinated continue to wear face coverings indoors, and many businesses are still requiring them for the time being.
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Stay connected with the Legislature
The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of legislative action with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe 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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