Neighbors, After the midweek weather-related pause last week, we were back at the Capitol full steam this week. Committees have been meeting all day and into the evening this week as we near committee deadlines later this month. My committees have had full agendas. It has been a very productive week. Yesterday, the full House passed a consumer protection bill related to price gouging during an abnormal market disruption, such as a natural disaster or a pandemic. Also approved was the Pathway Home Act, aimed at preventing homelessness, and a bill to ratify state employee labor agreements. We also took final votes to re-approve the Driver’s Licenses for All and the Restore the Vote bills, which were recently re-passed by the Minnesota Senate and will now go to the governor’s desk for his signature. Committee ActionThis week my bill, HF1821, regarding home and community-based services and requires licensed assisted living facilities was heard in Human Services Policy Committee, which I serve as vice-chair. In the Agriculture Committee, my two bills (HF1473, HF1475) funding the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) were heard and advanced for consideration in the budget bill. Budget ForecastMinnesota Management and Budget released the economic forecast this week and projections remain largely unchanged from the November forecast. House DFLers believe the state budget is not only a fiscal document, but also a moral document reflecting Minnesotans’ values. As we craft our budget, I will listen to you to ensure Minnesota reflects a place where everyone can thrive and succeed. The Community and The CapitolProject Success is interested in partnering with the Mankato school district to give students support they need to achieve their goals. School district officials, the education finance committee chair and I all agree our K12 institutions must be first before expanding other programs. I am in favor of using all the tools we can to help our students succeed and introduced legislation to help bring Project Success to Mankato but will pursue after we fully fund our education system. I want to give a huge shoutout to all the MNSU social work students and professors who came up for Social Workers Day on the Hill. We talked about mental health needs, police/community safety reform, veteran’s issues, and more. Seeing this amazing group of people makes me excited about the possibilities of tomorrow. Thank you all for coming up!   Celebrating WomenMarch is Women’s History Month. This is an excellent time to honor and celebrate the contributions of all women who improve our lives and communities every day.  Stay connected with the legislatureThe 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 |