Dear neighbors,
Another week of the 2024 legislative session is in the books! We’re still hard at work debating legislation and passing policy bills aimed at improving the lives of Minnesotans and growing the middle class.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to in Saint Paul this week:
Arbor Day Celebration
Friday, April 26th is Arbor Day, and DFLers are taking action to protect our environment and honor trees' vital role in our ecosystem. This year we are investing millions in tree planting grants for communities around our state.
Thursday on the House floor, members of the House Environment Committee distributed White Oak, Black Cherry, and Cranberry Bush saplings from Schumacher’s Nursery in Heron Lake, Minnesota.
Floor Action
Last year, DFLers legalized adult-use cannabis, along with the possession and growing of cannabis plants for personal, recreational use. However, buying cannabis legally at a licensed retail business in the state is not set to begin until early next year. The Cannabis Policy bill we passed is meant to expedite the process of setting up a good, legitimate marketplace for cannabis to displace that illicit marketplace that’s in place currently. You can read more about what the bill contains here.
We also passed a strong Tenants’ Rights Policy Bill, which includes provisions to safeguard tenants’ right to organize, protect tenant survivors of domestic violence, clarify tenants’ rights to emergency services, prohibit rental discrimination based on public assistance, and more. More details in the bill are included here.
Rare Impact Award
Recently, I had the honor to be named a 2024 Rare Impact Award Honoree by the National Organization for Rare Disorders. Establishing and serving on the Minnesota Rare Disease Advisory Council has been some of the most important and meaningful work that I’ve experienced here at the legislature. It’s so important that we as lawmakers continue to champion the rare disease community and continue speaking up for those that are living with rare diseases.
Free Park Day
Get your hiking boots ready -- Saturday, April 27 is the next free entrance day to all Minnesota parks! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!
Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!
As a reminder, the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers.
You can find the full list of vacancies here.
Question of the Week
Listening to my constituents is the most important part of my job as your state representative! Each week during this legislative session, I’ll pose a question to you to better inform my work.
This week’s question is:
What issues would you like to see prioritized in the final weeks of the legislative session?
You can send your answers in an email to rep.liz.reyer@house.mn.gov with the subject line “Question of the Week.” I’m looking forward to reading your responses and learning from your experiences. Thank you to all of you who have responded in past weeks!
Stay in Touch
As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any other 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