Dear Neighbors,
As we mark one month of session, I want to go over some of the highlights from the past few weeks. Together, a unified House DFL majority has worked to protect the environment, preserve personal freedoms, and level the playing field for working families.
Here is an update from Saint Paul.
I recently had the privilege of joining a tour of the Capitol with some future leaders - our local Eagan Girl Scouts!
Funding Supportive Housing
I recently introduced legislation to fill a critical gap in funding for specialized services for families with children who live in supportive housing.
The benefits of supportive housing are clear and profound. It provides safe, non-time-limited housing with on-site services to help these families move forward. Several studies have shown that it is the most effective way to prevent homelessness across generations.
I’m happy to advance this legislation and promise to do everything I can to help our fellow Minnesotans.
100% by 2040
The last eight years globally have been the hottest on record, and Minnesota is among the top states currently seeing rapid changes to our climate. Scientists know climate change driven by fossil fuels is impacting our environment, infrastructure, and our health. Minnesota has long been a leader in clean energy, but partisan gridlock in recent years has hindered attempts to combat climate change.
The House DFL majority recently passed the 100% by 2040 bill, a landmark piece of legislation to help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. Action at the state level is urgently needed to help the U.S. meet our climate goals. This legislation would require the state’s utilities to use entirely carbon-free sources for electricity production by 2040. This would put us on track with over 20 other states having also adopted similar goals.
I was also proud to introduce a bill that would provide grants to local governments to put solar on their public buildings. Right here in Eagan, our police department has a solar-ready roof, and communities across the state could benefit from this potential program. It was great to have a group of constituents visit to advocate for comprehensive policies to address the climate crisis.
Driver’s License for All
Last week the Minnesota House passed legislation to ensure that every resident of Minnesota has the opportunity to earn a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status.
This bill rights a 20-year wrong that deprived undocumented Minnesotans of the ability to obtain a driver’s license. Without driver’s licenses, it’s difficult for tens of thousands of Minnesotans to reliably get to their jobs, school, and medical appointments. Passing this bill will restore a privilege taken away by a governor two decades ago and ensure our undocumented neighbors are able to participate in society with the dignity they deserve. All of us deserve to be safe when we’re driving to work, dropping our kids off at school, picking up groceries, or going to the doctor, and this bill will help ensure that drivers on Minnesota roads are licensed and insured.
This years-long effort has been led by a broad statewide coalition of immigrant-led organizations, unions, immigrants’ rights advocates, and community-based groups. And through their tireless efforts, they built one of the broadest coalitions imaginable in support of this bill: law enforcement, chambers of commerce, agribusiness, faith-based organizations, and workers’ rights advocates. We owe them our deepest gratitude.
Recognizing Our Community Members
The House has heard several pieces of legislation to regulate use of the harmful PFAS chemicals in various committees. These chemicals can be found in soil and water at waste sites, food packaging, household products, and even in our bodies. PFAS chemicals have been linked to several health issues such as cancer, developmental delays, and reproductive issues.
Minnesota has the opportunity to be a leader in preventing further human exposure and environmental contamination by banning the use of PFAS.
You can learn about them here and watch the press conference on this issue here.
Keep in Touch
If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, you can contact me by email at rep.liz.reyer@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-4128. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Liz Reyer
State Representative