My BillsLast week I had seven bill presentations, and this past week, I had six (including the House floor vote)! This is a particularly hectic phase of the legislative session as some bills make the cut, and others are set aside to be revisited next year. By my count, I currently have over 20 bills being considered for inclusion in omnibus budget bills, as well as a handful of additional bills that I expect to pass as standalone bills once the Senate acts on the bills I’ve passed off the House floor. My bill for utility price transparency and accuracy for manufactured home parks passed the house floor last Monday (my 6th bill to pass the House floor this session)! The bill, which was the result of many years of negotiations, gives Minnesotans who live in manufactured homes more stability when it comes to utility pricing. I was proud to have a strong bipartisan vote of 123-3 for this common-sense measure that supports many of our neighbors. This past week I presented a bill to create the Office of Youth Restorative Practices. The office will provide structure around building the capacity to use restorative practices and administer a grant program. The broad purpose of restorative practices is to identify the underlying causes of behavior and empower children, families, and communities to take an active role in the prevention and early intervention of behaviors that may lead to involvement in juvenile delinquency, child protection, out-of-home placement, and other areas that negatively impact families. You can see the bill presentation here, and thanks to all the collaborators involved.  The Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act is moving through the committee process. On Tuesday, the bill passed the House Labor and Industry Committee. I’m so thankful for the committee's support and for all the nurses who continue to show up for safe staffing, safe hospitals, and better patient outcomes.  Last week, I presented the 50-Year Clean Water Plan to the House Environment Committee. This bill allocates $200,000 to the University of Minnesota Water Council to develop a science-based plan to ensure that Minnesota has an abundant supply of clean water for the next fifty years. By 2025, over half of the global population will face water scarcity. Record droughts across the nation have caused other states to attempt to buy Minnesota’s clean water, and here in Minnesota, 56% of our water is considered impaired. We are funding this project to promote and preserve our clean water in the future. Lastly, big thanks to the Alliance For Period Supplies for the opportunity to share updates and information about my and Sen. Steve Cwodzinski's bill to end period poverty in Minnesota schools! Watch my interview here. |