Neighbors, It has been a busy week at the Capitol. Lawmakers are spending long hours on the House floor debating and passing legislation. The Human Services Conference Committee, of which I am a member, met this week to compare and discuss the House and Senate policy bills. Our aim is to craft a final bill to help Minnesotans with disabilities, those in recovery from substance use disorder, and recipients who rely on our waiver services.  Legislation Passed This Week:On Tuesday, the Minnesota House passed the Education Supplemental Budget Bill. The legislation builds on the historic 2023 investment in our public schools by adding $37 million to the Read Act and providing districts with increased financial flexibility. It also expands Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs by 5,200 seats beginning in 2025, one year ahead of the schedule set in last year’s budget. Video of the floor debate can be found here. The House passed the Environment and Natural Resources Budget and Policy Bill, which includes significant investments in tree planting and addresses emerald ash borer, policies strengthening and enforcing Minnesota’s air quality statutes, and substantial provisions dealing with the state’s solid waste problems. The discussion can be viewed here. We also passed the Transportation Supplemental Budget Bill, which delivers $88 million in robust investments in railroad safety, public transit, climate change, driver’s examinations, and more. Watch the full discussion here. Additionally, the House passed the Military Affairs Policy Bill, which includes Veterans’ Metro Meals on Wheels, recruitment bonuses, and bringing the Minnesota National Guard criminal justice statutes in line with the federal code. Saving LivesIt is not uncommon to read reports or listen to news stories about children being injured – or worse – by gunfire. This week we passed a slate of bills to reduce gun violence and save lives. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the United States and it is time we take action to make Minnesota a safer place to live. Our bills require the safe storage of firearms, the report of missing firearms, a crack-down on straw purchasing, and a ban on binary triggers. I am proud to have voted 'yes' on these prevention measures. All Minnesotans deserve to be safe in their communities, and these are important steps to save lives.  Minnesota Leading the WayMinnesota continues to lead the way in reducing climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by producing more than half its electricity from carbon-free sources, according to a newly released report. Last year, DFLers passed legislation requiring utilities in the state generate 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2040. You can read more about the report in this Minnesota Public Radio article.  How Minnesotans can avoid door-to-door home improvement scamsEvery year, scammers are out to cheat Minnesotans out of their money. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued information on how to avoid these home improvement cons. You will also learn how to report a scam and a link to a publication on home improvement scams.  MDVA Hosting Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam WarThe Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting three days of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Vietnam-era veterans and their families, allies, and anyone wishing to thank our veterans can see historical displays, view Vietnam War documentaries, walk through the resource fair, and more. Learn more about the commemoration event 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 |