Neighbors, The 2024 legislative session convened on Monday, and we are already hard at work. Last year, lawmakers passed a transformational two-year budget with plenty of investments to support working families, help our communities thrive, and grow the middle class. This session, much of our focus is the passage of a bonding bill to fund infrastructure needs across the state. In 2023, we passed a historic package, but there are so many needs remaining. There are a few projects for which I will be strongly advocating, including investment in our Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Lab, which has seen an increased need and demand for the services the agency provides. The BCA lab is a vital step in the legal process to bring criminals to justice. Minnesota State University, Mankato is requesting funding to demolish and rebuild Armstrong Hall to match our modern educational needs. This leading-edge facility will benefit students with an updated learning environment and innovative technology. Not only will this help students from our immediate area, but it will also draw students from around the state, region, country, and internationally to our community to learn, and possibly relocate here. Clean water is important to everyone. The historic 2023 bonding bill helped fund wastewater improvements in Mankato, and in 2024 we are advocating for a new water treatment facility in Eagle Lake to treat their drinking water for manganese. I look forward to working with community partners to advance these important projects as the bonding bill is crafted. CommitteesI still sit on the same committees as last session; Human Services Policy, on which I serve as vice-chair, Judiciary Finance & Civil Law, Agriculture Finance & Policy, and Elections Finance & Policy. VisitorsLocal AFSCME members stopped by my office this week to advocate for safe working conditions and for accountability for individuals who are causing harm.  Cold Weather RuleMinnesota’s “cold weather rule” is still in effect. The rule protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and April 30. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website. Child Care CreditIt is tax filing time, and you may be eligible for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. Learn more about income requirements and qualifications on the Child Tax Credit webpage. You can also learn more at the Minnesota Department of Revenue website 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. You can also visit my House of Representatives website. 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 |