Neighbors, It has been a busy week at the legislature. Our first committee deadline is today so there is a rush to make sure bills are heard in committee to continue their journey in the process. Monday, legislation I authored that makes members of the Minnesota National Guard who have more than 12 years of service eligible for reenlistment and commissioning bonuses passed the Minnesota House. It is now headed to Governor Walz for his signature. Minnesota National Guard members serve with honor and commitment. They have helped our communities and state during trying times and in difficult situations – especially over the last two years. We want to retain our experienced Guard members and this change can provide them with an incentive to reenlist and continue serving our state and nation. I’m grateful the legislation passed with broad, bipartisan support. Under existing law, the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs is authorized to administer a bonus program to incentivize members of the Minnesota National Guard to reenlist. You can watch floor discussion on the House of Representatives YouTube page.  In the Taxes committee, I presented my first tax bill which expands the Social Security subtraction allowed under current Minnesota law to include “qualified” retirement benefits, which the bill defines as state or federal pension benefits based on service for which the taxpayer did not earn Social Security benefits. In the Labor committee, I presented my bill to fund the care and maintenance of the three new veterans cemeteries in the state. I presented my bill in the Transportation committee that establishes a minimum freight rail crew complement of two individuals and sets a civil fine structure imposed on railroads for violations. Another bill I presented in the Transportation committee requires the commissioner of public safety to issue a Minnesota identification card or driver’s license to persons who are Medical Assistance (MA) enrollees who have been treated for substance use disorder within the past 12 months, without charge if certain requirements are met. In the Human Services committee we continued to hear different ways to address workforce shortages across the state. Also, I presented my SUD bill for its final committee stop. You can watch all committees on the House of Representatives YouTube page. Survey Our first committee deadline is today but there’s still time for you to weigh in on the issues we are considering this session. Please take a moment to complete my legislative survey. Thank you. Stand with Ukraine In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, on Thursday the Minnesota House unanimously passed broadly bipartisan legislation divesting Minnesota’s state pensions of Russian and Belarusian assets, and codifying Governor Walz’s Executive Order barring Minnesota from contracting with Russian companies. Our action is another step, among others taken by many governments and entities, that Minnesotans won’t sit by while Russia wages a violent takeover. This is a terrible situation, and many have felt helpless, but we acted to hit the Russian government and oligarchs in their pocketbooks. I’m hopeful these and other steps will lead to a peaceful resolution and an end to the destruction and loss of life. You can read more about the bill here and a video recording of the floor debate can be found on the House Public Information YouTube channel.  COVID-19 Update Most mask mandates have been lifted, but COVID-19 is not over, and it is still very important to receive the vaccination and booster to protect you and your family. If you are not feeling well, get tested. You can visit this link to order up to four free COVID tests for your household. _________ Stay connected with the Legislature 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. I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn or can call my legislative assistant, Blake Wilcox, at 651-296-8803. 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 |