Dear Neighbors, I hope this email finds you doing well and enjoying the sunshine. We’re working at a steady pace at the legislature, on course to end the session on time by May 22nd. Last week and this week, the House is discussing and amending budget bills ahead of floor votes. So far, we’ve approved our Higher Education, Legacy, Environment and Clean Energy, Housing, Veterans, Elections, State and Local Government, K-12 Education, Agriculture, Transportation, Early Childhood, and Labor and Jobs budget bills. As the vice chair of the Education Finance committee, I’ve been working closely with Chair Youakim on crafting our K-12 education investment package for our students and public schools. I’m particularly excited about our proposal to fully close the English Language learning and special education cross-subsidies, or budget shortfalls, so those funds can be freed up to address other needs in the classroom. We also propose committing long term, reliable funding for our students and schools formula by tying future increases to inflation.  As a member serving on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I was proud to vote for state investments to help our veterans access their federal benefits, supportive services to maintain housing, employment, and transportation, and my provision to expand PTSD care to military members and their spouses.  Servicemembers are not the only ones who sacrifice while serving; family members also make tremendous sacrifices while their loved ones are deployed overseas or elsewhere. Governor's State of the State AddressGovernor Walz delivered his State of the State Address last week. The House and Senate are working in partnership with Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan to get the job done for Minnesotans. The era of gridlock is over.  It was an honor to escort the administration to the House Chamber ahead of the governor's State of the State Address, outlining the progress we've made, and how we can continue to work together in these final four weeks of session.  Keep in TouchPlease continue to reach out anytime at rep.mary.frances.clardy@house.mn.gov or 651-296-3533 with input or questions. I’m always happy to provide assistance. You’re also welcome to follow me for more community and Capitol updates on my official Facebook page. Thank you for the honor of representing our Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, Lilydale, and Sunfish Lake neighbors in St. Paul. Have a great rest of the week. Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |