 Neighbors, As session moves toward our adjournment date of May 20, we continue to focus on a legislative agenda putting Minnesota families first. In the remaining weeks of session, my priority is to work with our local partners to ensure we build stronger communities for all Minnesotans, ensuring everyone can succeed. In our committees we are hearing many bills – into the evenings in some cases – as our first and second committee deadlines approach on Friday, March 22. I thank everyone who has/will come up to the Capitol to testify and provide input on so many important issues. Committee ActionThis week in the Human Services Policy Committee, I presented my sober homes legislation, which modifies the list of sober home requirements. The modifications include the use of medications for opioid use disorder and co-occurring disorders. My legislation to make various changes to provisions related to substance use disorder treatment eligibility, enhanced rates, and provider qualifications was also heard. I had my first evening committee on Wednesday when the Elections Committee met. We heard a bill to establish an independent redistricting commission, ban former legislators from lobbying for one year, and eliminate the constitutional legislative adjournment date. In the Judiciary Finance & Civil Law Committee, we heard legislation to establish end-of-life options for terminally ill adults. The bill, known as the End-of-Life Options Act, is modeled after an Oregon law allowing legal adults who are diagnosed with a terminal illness and determined to be of sound mind to be prescribed life-ending medication, usually to be taken at home. This is the 10th year this bill has been introduced, and lawmakers have heard from dozens of Minnesotans who want this option for themselves or a loved one. There is no requirement for physicians to assist in the process, but it is another option for a discussion between a terminally ill patient and their doctor. I have been hearing from all sides of the issue and want to include the chart below to outline the process, then everyone can have an accurate understanding of what is being proposed.  2024 Legislative SurveyAs 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. The survey will be available through Friday, March 22. Thank you for making your voice heard! The Capitol and the CommunityThis was another busy week with many groups coming to the Capitol to voice their support for legislation before us.  MSU students supporting legislation banning the sale of flavored tobacco.  Greater Minnesota Growth Leadership Institute business and community leaders were at the Capitol to meet with lawmakers and attend committees.  I was asked to address a group of recovery community organization representatives at the annual recovery day at the Capitol. Post-9/11 Service BonusAny Minnesota Veteran who served between September 11, 2001, and August 30, 2021, may be eligible for a Post-9/11 Service Bonus. More than 20,000 Minnesota Veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism have already received bonuses in recognition of their service. The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is distributing nearly $39.8 million in bonuses. Eligible Veterans are paid on a first-come, first-served basis, so Veterans should apply today before the funds are gone. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2024, or until funding is exhausted. Learn more here.  __________________________________________________________________ We wish all neighbors of the Muslim faith a happy Ramadan  ___________________________________________________________________ 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 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 |