 Neighbors, It has been a busy week at the Capitol as we are beginning to pass our budget bills. On Wednesday, the House passed the Legacy budget bill. The measure invests resources in outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage. These investments are made possible by voters who passed the Legacy Amendment in 2008. House Democrats are investing over $800 million to continue the important work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s most treasured spaces, while increasing access for all.  We also passed the Higher Education budget bill this week. The measure funds the Office of Higher Ed (OHE), the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MinnState), the University of Minnesota campuses, and the Mayo Clinic Medical School. The budget bill fully funds a tuition freeze at MinnState for two years, addresses the tuition shortfall at the U of M, helps the entire MinnState system address structural deficits, assists all three Tribal colleges with ongoing funds, and invests in the U of M systemwide safety and security. The higher education budget has faced disinvestment over the last ten years, and this budget aims to make up for underfunding. Video of all hearings and floor votes are available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel. Democracy for the People Act PassesOn Thursday, the Minnesota House of Representatives approved the Democracy for the People Act. The bill seeks to protect and strengthen the freedom to vote, reduce the influence of dark money and corporations in our politics, and ensures our democracy is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Minnesotans across the state. Minnesota leads the nation in turnout even though voters are inundated with disinformation. The Democracy for the People Act strengthens our voting systems, gives power back to voters, and protects our election workers. This legislation gives everyone a say in our democracy, no matter where they live or who they support in an election. It also ensures everyone can participate in our democracy.  __________________________ Paid Family and Medical LeaveCaring for a family member or ourselves when sick should not be an either-or dilemma – either collect a paycheck from your job or care for a loved one. The Paid Family & Medical Leave bill will give employees an opportunity to meet family needs without sacrificing a paycheck. With a small investment from employers – and employees – all Minnesotans will have an easier time in a difficult or new family situation. I am a strong supporter of Paid Family & Medical Leave and hope we are able to hear the bill on the floor soon so I can vote ‘yes’ on the measure. The Community and the CapitolI am always so grateful when community members travel to the Capitol to advocate for issues important to them. I enjoy meeting with these groups to talk about their priorities. This week, members of the Land Stewardship Project were here for their Day on the Hill.  Rep. Jeff Brand and I met with several MNSU students.  MedicaidDuring the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, annual renewals for our public health programs – MinnesotaCare and Medicaid – paused. On May 11, the Covid-19 Public Health Emergency is ending and those on MinnesotaCare or Medicaid will need to update their information to determine their ongoing eligibility. If someone is no longer eligible for coverage under Medicaid, they should be able to get low-cost health insurance through the federal and state insurance marketplaces. You can watch a short video here for more information. 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 District 18B – 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 |