 Neighbors, Ensuring women are in control of their reproductive health was a priority for me as I talked to our neighbors this summer and fall. Since the U.S. Supreme Court acted this summer to restrict reproductive freedom, I was determined to ensure Minnesota families can make their own decisions about when or whether to have a family. Yesterday, with the passage of HF 1, a bill I co-authored, Minnesotans – not the government – will determine whether and when to become a parent. I was proud to vote yes on this important measure. The bill protects Minnesotans’ right to contraception, the right to carry a pregnancy to term, and the right to abortion, and ensures the right to privacy for personal reproductive health decisions. It also prevents interference by anti-choice politicians who seek to enact or defend medically unnecessary barriers to comprehensive reproductive health care. The PRO Act enshrines protections for all reproductive health care, including but not limited to contraception, sterilization, preconception care, maternity care, abortion care, family planning and fertility services, and counseling regarding reproductive health care. In the Minnesota Senate, committees are still acting on the bill. Governor Walz has indicated he will sign it into law once it reaches his desk. Community & Capitol My bill, HF586, was introduced yesterday. This measure will help train the mental health professionals of tomorrow while at the same time giving people from southern Minnesota a place to seek mental health care. This is one of my top priorities this year and I am looking forward to ushering it through the legislative process. This week I met with the Direct Care & Treatment leader and staff to talk about working conditions at the St. Peter Security Hospital. We talked about strategies to better manage the most violent individuals residing in the facility. The work is never ending but it was a productive conversation. We also talked about the intersection of our criminal justice and our civil commitment systems and areas to work on going forward. Yesterday, I met with Nora Smentek. Nora is from Mankato and this session is working as a Page. When I was younger, I was employed as a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) and former state representative Jack Considine was a huge advocate for PCA’s who Nora met when she was younger. I am the lead author on a bill to increase wages for PCAs. In her role as a Page, Nora submitted the bill on the House floor. This is another reminder of the connection between our communities, our people and the work we do at the Capitol. Thanks, Nora!  My Committee Updates This week in the Judiciary Finance & Policy Committee, we advanced two key bills I support. HF 4 allows undocumented residents of Minnesota to earn driver’s licenses. This measure is supported by a broad group of Minnesotans, including law enforcement. It will increase safety and justice across Minnesota by allowing these residents to complete essential errands, once they pass standard licensing exams and tests. HF 100 would legalize adult cannabis use. The Agriculture Finance & Policy Committee heard updates from the Office of Broadband Development and an overview of the Governor’s Broadband Task Force Annual Report. This week, the Minnesota Ag Expo was held in Mankato. This event featured a full trade show floor, speakers, and educational sessions and I hope you were able to experience the rich agricultural and growing industry Minnesota enjoys. In the Human Services Policy Committee, HF 16 advanced. The bill prohibits mental health practitioners or mental health professionals from providing conversion therapy to vulnerable adults and clients under age 18 and specifies such therapy is not covered by medical assistance. The bill also prohibits fraudulent or deceptive advertising practices relating to conversion therapy. 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.gov or call me at (651) 296-3248. 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 District 19B – rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov
487 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-3248 Committee assignments:
Vice Chair: Human Services Policy Judiciary Finance & Civil Law Agriculture Finance & Policy Elections Finance & Policy |