Neighbors, Action in committees and floor sessions is picking up in anticipation of our committee deadlines, the first of which is today. The big news of the week was House passage of two Capital Investment, or Bonding Bills. Passage of these bills is a major step toward completing the work set by last session’s bipartisan framework agreement. The package of legislation is split between a $1.5 billion bonding bill (HF 669), using General Obligation (GO) bonds, and a $393 million cash bill (HF 670) through the general fund, totaling nearly $1.9 billion for local jobs and projects throughout the state. The first bonding bill includes $11.5 million for the City of Mankato Water Resource Recovery Facility. Passage of these bills is the first step in securing the needed improvements to this facility, and I will continue to push for additional funding for this and other projects in our area. I was pleased 21 of our House Republican Caucus colleagues joined House DFLers to vote ‘yes’ on the first bonding bill. Now, Senate Republicans must show the same level of cooperation and commitment to advance this key infrastructure bill. We cannot wait any longer. The health and safety of Mankato residents is at stake and all eyes are on the Senate. You can read my statement on the bill. Committee ActionThis week, several of the bills I’ve authored were heard in committee, including HF558 to establish a system for early voting, HF144 to fund improvements to the Eagle Lake water treatment plant, and HF1486, to make technical changes related to SUD licensing and treatment. The Community and the CapitolIt is always nice to welcome district residents to the Saint Paul, and it was great to see so many business and community leaders visit the Capitol as part of the GMG Leadership Institute this week. I joined other area legislators in a conversation with them on the House floor and look forward to working with them in the future.  ___________________________________________________________________ I stepped off the House floor briefly this week to meet with area members of Isaiah who were up advocating for issues important to them.  Minnesota Indian Family Preservation ActYesterday, the Minnesota House unanimously passed the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, protecting Indigenous children and ensuring they continue to have a lifeline to their culture. There is a dark, ugly history around separating children from their tribal nations, and this legislation is an important part of having honest, educational conversations about the experiences of Indigenous people. The erasure of Indigenous people and Tribal Nations isn’t only in our past; it is firmly in our present. You can read more about this bill, which is now on its way to Governor Walz’s desk, here. 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 |