Neighbors, On Thursday, state budget officials released a new economic forecast showing Minnesota’s economy is growing and our long-term budget outlook is stable. We are also in a strong position to weather unforeseen challenges down the road. Corporate profits are soaring, but many working families still face challenges. Our historic 2023 budget began to tackle the rising cost of childcare, health care, and housing. Throughout the 2024 session, House DFL lawmakers will continue working with our neighbors and community members – rooted in the values we all share – to lower the cost of living and deliver economic security for working families. We are growing the middle class through jobs with good pay, benefits, and working conditions, so Minnesotans can build better lives. Our economic outlook is a testament to the strength and resiliency of Minnesotans, and we will continue to manage our state’s finances in an effective, responsible manner while being responsive to challenges facing people and communities across the state. 2024 Legislative SurveyCan you spare a few minutes to fill out my 2024 survey? As your state representative, listening to my constituents is the most important part of my job. Your responses will help me better understand your viewpoints, concerns, and values. Click here to begin. Thank you for making your voice heard! The Capitol and the CommunityLast Friday I spent the afternoon at Prairie Winds Middle School talking government and how to find out who represents you at the Capitol. I also asked the class to divide up in two groups between who likes apples and who likes oranges. Then we talked about how it is ok to have different likes and how the differences shouldn’t impact relationships. It was a good lesson for everyone!  This Wednesday was Physicians Day at the Capitol. Physicians from Mankato Clinic shared the importance of vaccines, and how insurance companies requiring pre-approval can be harmful to patient care. We also talked about how sober homes should have medication assisted therapy to help with recovery. I pointed out my bill, HF 3954, which addresses the issue.  Kitchen staff at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center and the Moose Lake Sex Offender facility work with people who have been civilly committed. These workers should have the same retirement benefits as others who work directly with patients.  A group of MSU athletic trainers attended their Day at the Capitol this week. They were advocating for an update of laws and for them to be able to work at the top of their education.  Social workers from all over the state, and locally, attended Social Workers on the Hill Day. They were advocating for license protection, and also asked great questions about available resources for sexual assault victims.  Tax Change Bill Passed, Signed into LawGovernor Walz signed our first bill of 2024, with a nearly unanimous vote of 128-2. The bill is a technical corrections tax bill that will help ensure as many Minnesotans as possible will fully experience the benefits of the 2023 Tax bill. I was proud to vote for this bill and all the other tax policies that have been enacted by the DFL trifecta.  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 |