Friends and neighbors, I hope you’re staying warm out there! Here at the Capitol, things continue to move quickly as we work to fulfill our promises to Minnesotans. Let’s dive in. Reproductive Rights On Tuesday, Governor Walz signed the PRO Act into law, making Minnesota the first state to act on a legislative level to protect abortion rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last June. Now that the PRO Act is the law of the land, Minnesotans will never have their reproductive rights taken away by rogue politicians. Drivers Licenses for All On Monday, I voted to pass HF 4, known as “Driver’s Licenses for All.” The bill would allow undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license. This measure would impact 81,000 of our immigrant neighbors. After passing standard licensing exams and tests, families will be able to complete essential daily tasks like driving to work, dropping kids off at school, or attending medical appointments. This proposal has broad support from law enforcement, the business community, and unions, who have all testified in support.  All of us deserve to be safe when we are on the road and getting more people to pass a driving exam and become licensed ensures motorists have a common understanding of the rules of the road, can safely operate a vehicle, and can obtain insurance. 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 that 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. DFLers are committed to taking bold action, and just last week, we voted to pass the 100% by 2040 bill, a landmark piece of legislation that will help our state address climate change head-on and prepare for a carbon-free future. This would put us on track with over 20 other states that have also adopted similar goals. It feels great to see progress. Restore the Vote Tonight, HF 28, known as “Restore the Vote,” will be heard on the House floor. The bill would restore voting rights to individuals who have been completed their term of incarceration after being convicted of a felony. This bill is the very first bill the Elections Finance and Policy heard in committee this session, and I can’t wait to vote for it when it heads to the floor this evening. Working for Bloomington In addition to these important state-wide causes, I am chief authoring a few bills that will directly benefit the Bloomington community. HF 807 is a bill to get funding for a Bloomington veterans memorial. HF 1044 will help fund our new public health and wellness facility. I’m looking forward to seeing these wonderful community additions come to fruition. Stay Connected To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.nathan.coulter@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4218, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe. It is an honor to serve you. In solidarity, Rep. Nathan Coulter |