Legislative Update – May 19, 2024Dear Neighbors, Today is the final day of the 2024 Legislative Session, and I have been working hard all weekend to deliver results for our communities and pass legislation that improves Minnesotans’ lives. We will be in session all day today, and I will update you on the final status of bills next week as they head to the Governor’s desk.  Supplemental Budget BillsWe’ve now passed all our major supplemental budgets. You can read these nonpartisan summaries of our work on K-12 Education, Children & Families, Transportation, Labor, and Housing, Higher Education, Judiciary and Public Safety, State and Local Government and Veterans, Elections, Human Services, Workforce and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy, Health, and Taxes. These are all great bills, but as a member of the Economic Development, Higher Education, Human Services, and Children and Families committees, I’m especially proud of our efforts there. As we continue to pass our remaining House proposals, House and Senate members have been meeting in conference committees to craft consensus legislation for where we differ in these issue areas. We've now started passing these conference committee reports and will continue to do so today. I’m proud to report that I was appointed to serve on the Cannabis bill conference committee, and worked closely with my colleagues to craft a bill that ensures a safe, well-regulated market that is set up and make sure that everyone, especially those historically harmed by cannabis prohibition, can take part in the adult-use cannabis marketplace. The bill has re-passed the House and now awaits action in the Senate.  Other House PrioritiesHouse DFLers are also moving forward on several other important pieces of legislation. We’re working on legislation that puts tougher penalties on straw purchases for firearms and banning binary triggers, the African American Family Preservation Act, a great tenants rights package, and a bill supporting emergency medical services, especially in rural areas. As Speaker Hortman said in response to an eight-hour Republican filibuster on Wednesday, “Minnesotans sent us here to deliver results and build a state that works better for everyone. The Rules of the Minnesota House of Representatives protect both the minority's right to be heard and the majority's right and responsibility to govern. We will continue to give the minority ample time to discuss measures on the floor, but ultimately, we will complete the work of the session” I couldn’t agree more, and I am thankful for the Speaker’s leadership as we move forward with our 2024 budget bills and legislation that protects Minnesotans’ equal rights.  Statehood Day – New Flag and SealIn other news, last Saturday Minnesota celebrated 166 years of statehood. The Minnesota State Flag and Seal approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission early this year are now officially in place! This is a culmination of months of gathering input from and engaging with Minnesotans to find a flag and seal that represents the best of all of us.  |