Legislative Update from Rep. Nathan Coulter

Friends and neighbors, 

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July! 

This is my last update until after the election. Whether running or not, legislators cannot use state resources for unsolicited communications during an election period because it might create an unfair advantage. While I won’t be able to send out these updates for a while, you can still follow me on my legislative Facebook page. 

I’m still available to meet, help with state level problems, and discuss issues important to our community. Please feel free to reach out at rep.nathan.coulter@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4218, and I will be happy to help. 

Online Program Managers

I'm incredibly proud to see my work holding predatory Online Program Managers accountable has been noticed by the Chronicle of Higher Education! OPMs are for-profit businesses that often contract with colleges and universities to help with a host of services from recruitment to curriculum. These companies can be a great help when used correctly, but often times charge high rates for insufficient work. My bill, now law, introduces some guardrails to ensure university dollars are being well used on OPMs, rather than high rates returning little benefit while passing along the cost to students.   

Accessibility for All at State Parks

Thanks to the dedicated disability justice organizers in our state, all-terrain track chairs are now available at 13 Minnesota State Parks. Track chairs are all-terrain, electric-powered chairs that can be used on designated trails within the park. These chairs can help visitors explore areas of the state parks in new ways, often on trails that are not suitable for regular wheelchairs.  

Track chairs are available year-round in some locations, and seasonally in others. To reserve a chair, call the park you plan to visit.   

Tree Planting and Green Space in Minnesota

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded over $33 million to fund tree-planting projects across the state, part of a national $1.13 billion investment in 2023. Trees are vital for Minnesota's environment, cleaning our air, and preventing erosion. All Minnesotans, regardless of location, deserve the benefits of a healthy environment with access to trees and green spaces. 

Lawns to Legumes Funding

Do you want your lawn to be more pollinator-friendly? Minnesota residents can now apply for spring 2025 Lawns to Legumes funding. The Lawns to Legumes program aims to increase habitat for at-risk pollinators in residential settings across the state by providing people with cost-share funding, workshops, coaching, and gardening resources. 

Anyone can apply to be reimbursed for up to $400 in costs associated with establishing new pollinator habitats in their yards. Applications will be accepted through November 30, 2024. If you previously applied for the program, you must reapply to be considered for spring 2025 funding.  

Apply online at Blue Thumb’s website. For more information about Lawns to Legumes, visit BWSR’s website. 

Share your Input on Prescription Drug Pricing

DFLers are interested in hearing from Minnesotans about how prescription drug prices impact their health care, what affordability concerns exist, and which drugs might benefit from pricing transparency. If you are interested in providing your insights, you can complete the Public Input on Prescription Drug Price Transparency in Minnesota form to share your experiences and help guide the Minnesota Department of Health’s ongoing drug price transparency work. 

Signing Off

I hope you continue to have a wonderful summer!  

Thank you, as always, for the honor of serving you.   

Rep. Nathan Coulter