Dear Neighbors, I hope you are staying warm! Our work continues at the Capitol. I’m continuing to learn the ins and outs of the job, introducing legislation, meeting with constituents and community advocates, and voting to support legislation that keeps our state moving forward. Here’s an update from St. Paul: Legislation for our CommunitiesI'm carrying a variety of bills for our communities, including one to fund the construction of an all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities at Heritage Village Park, another to enhance economic redevelopment in West Saint Paul, and an infrastructure improvement bill to update the Technology and Business Center at Inver Hills Community College. I'm also working on a bill a constituent brought to me which designates special license plates for veterans who served as multinational peacekeepers in Beirut, Lebanon. With our communities' rich Lebanese heritage and history, I'm glad to carry it. For a full list of the bills I've introduced this session, you can click here.  A Clean Energy Future for MinnesotaThis Thursday, the House DFL majority passed 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. Action at the state level is urgently needed to help the U.S. meet our climate goals. This legislation would require that the state’s utilities use entirely carbon-free sources for electricity production by 2040. This would put us on track with over 20 other states that have also adopted similar goals. Not only is this legislation critical to protecting our climate, but it also makes economic sense. Wind power is the cheapest form of electricity, and producing solar energy is cheaper than building new fossil fuel plants or importing fossil fuels from other states. This bill ensures that we remove barriers to setting up carbon-free and renewable power sources and invest in jobs right here in Minnesota. I was proud to cast my vote in support of the 100% by 2040 bill on the House floor and will continue working to address and combat climate change this session.  Great to meet with Virgil of Lilydale to hear his strong support for using clean energy in Minnesota. Investing in our StudentsYesterday, the House Education Finance Committee, on which I serve as vice chair, held a hearing on legislation which would fund Minnesota schools’ special education budget shortfalls. We also heard a bill to fund full-service community schools across the state. As an educator of 27 years, I have seen firsthand how students benefit when they are supported and have the appropriate academic and social/emotional tools they need to be successful.  As we craft our two-year state budget in Minnesota, it's critical we move forward with students' voices at the forefront of our decision-making. Investing in our VeteransLast summer, I had the chance to learn about the Helmets to Hardhats Program, which helps connect National Guard, Reserve, retired and transitioning active-duty military members with skilled training and quality career opportunities. I toured the apprenticeship program site and was impressed! It was great to see this initiative come full circle when it was discussed in the House Veterans Affairs Committee this week. I support continuing the funding of this program to help Minnesotans transition from military service to career.   Minnesota veterans testifying in support of Helmets to Hardhats. Safer Roads for MinnesotaOn Monday, the House passed HF 4, to restore access for our undocumented neighbors to take a driver's exam, understand the rules of the road, and get insurance so they can legally earn a driver's license. Up until 2003, anyone eligible to drive in our state could apply, regardless of immigration status. Thousands of our immigrant neighbors are already driving as they pay taxes, contribute to our economy with their work, bring their kids to school or the doctor, feed their families, and more. Having them licensed and insured in Minnesota is a public safety issue law enforcement has testified will make our roadways safer. All of us deserve to be safe when we’re driving to work, dropping our kids off at school, picking up groceries, or going to the doctor. Our immigrant community works hard, and they deserve to participate in society with dignity.  Keep in TouchPlease reach out anytime at rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov or 651-296-3533 with questions, input, or ideas. I’m always happy to help when I can. You’re also welcome to follow me on Facebook here. Thank you for the honor of representing you at the State Capitol! Sincerely, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |