Legislative Update: March 10, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

I decided to run for office to build a stronger, more inclusive, and participatory democracy in  Minnesota. That’s the work I’m doing in the House and it’s work I can’t do without you. Thank you to the people who have called, emailed, stopped by my office and to all of you who came out last Saturday to our District 63 town hall. We had a robust discussion on our legislative priorities and how we can work together to make it a reality.

Supporting Our Veterans

This week I introduced two bills to assist our veterans who have given so much for our country. First the House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee passed my bill to provide additional grant funding for Every Third Saturday (“ETS”), an organizing serving veterans and helping veterans find their path and purpose after military service. 

ETS has made East Nokomis their home, as serves as an important pillar of our East Nokomis neighborhood, and having ETS there strengthens the ecosystem of support for Minnesota veterans. Additionally, ETS is a good neighbor, investing in the neighborhood and broader Nokomis East Community. Their story -- of starting as volunteers who Every Third Saturday would provide basic necessities for homeless veterans out of a parking lot -- to ETS - an organization providing veterans with emergency assistance, workforce training, and courses like the Warriors Path to support veterans healing and growth. 

Additionally, the committee approved additional funding to rehabilitate and remodel one of the campus buildings of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis and make it operational again. The Minneapolis Veterans Home is an important place for Minnesota Veterans and a central part of our community. It was originally constructed in 1887 for indigent Civil War veterans and currently houses 291 veterans in the skilled nursing facility and 50 domiciliary beds. It is home to veterans from across the Twin Cities and this funding will go a long way to ensure more veterans can be serviced.

I'm so grateful for these advocates and their work on this vital legislation.

Protecting our Climate

As the economic, community and financial impacts of climate change grow, Minnesota must continue to take steps to accelerate our transition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a clean energy economy.

On Tuesday night I presented my bill to set up the Minnesota Climate Innovation Finance Authority, a publicly accountable, mission-driven, sustainable finance authority with the purpose of accelerating the adoption of proven clean energy technologies that will increase the speed and scale of project implementation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We know there are projects that go unfunded and needs that aren’t being met - from energy savings projects for affordable housing properties; to district energy projects; and enhanced energy efficiency for farmers. This bill allows us to fill in the gaps, gain ground, and advance investments in the future.

House Floor Votes

Last Thursday, the Minnesota House passed the Pathways Home Act. This legislation increases funds dedicated to ending homelessness in our state by investing in emergency services programs, transitional housing, outreach, and a pathway to stable housing for all Minnesotans. Emergency services and shelters save lives and keep people safe. The Pathway Home Act invests $150 million through 2028 to preserve and add over 3,000 shelter beds throughout Minnesota to ensure more people can receive services and housing regardless of their background or zip code.

We also voted to put new guardrails into state law to prevent unconscionable price gouging during times of emergency such as a pandemic or natural disaster. Minnesotans deserve to be protected from bad actors seeking to profit off their needs and fears in a time of crisis. Voting for this bill is a vote to hold people accountable when they take advantage of our family, friends, and neighbors.

Stay in Touch

Thank you for your time, energy, and all you do to make our community a great place for everyone. Please reach out to me with your input and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. My email is rep.emma.greenman@house.mn.gov or you are always welcome to call me at the Capitol at 651-296-4200 and follow my Facebook page for updates.

It’s an honor and a privilege to be your State Representative and I look forward to working with you to create a stronger, brighter future for all Minnesotans!  

Best, 

Emma Greenman

State Representative