Dear Neighbors, Before I provide an update from the State Capitol, I would first like to extend my condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Officer Jamal Mitchell, who was tragically killed in the line of duty yesterday in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. My deepest sympathies go out also to the loved ones of the civilian who lost their life during this tragic incident. All of our public safety workers deserve to return home safe after every shift. I wish peace to the people involved in this tragic incident. Session HighlightsThe legislative session adjourned on May 20, closing the chapter on a historic 2023-2024 biennium. Last year the Legislature passed our major two-year budget bills, and this year the House built on that progress by passing small supplemental budgets alongside more substantial policy changes in major committee areas. Working alongside Minnesotans, the Governor, and our Senate counterparts, we reached final agreements on major initiatives to help build a better life for our neighbors. You can find nonpartisan summaries about these new measures passed into law here: Transportation, Labor and Housing, Energy and Agriculture, Public Safety and Judiciary, Commerce and Cannabis, Jobs and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Human Services, Health, and Elections. These are all great bills, but as the vice chair of the Education Finance committee, I’m especially proud of our successful efforts to feed every child at school, get kids the literacy resources they need so they can catch up on reading skills, and ongoing, reliable funding our schools can count on moving forward. Rep. Bianca Virnig and I also secured $400,000 to update four playgrounds in our region so kids with all abilities in our community are able to have fun and enjoy the equipment.  We also passed a gun violence prevention bill that includes tougher penalties for straw purchasers and a ban on binary triggers, a bill that will increase wages for rideshare drivers while keeping companies operating in Minnesota, legislation improving our child welfare services and addressing racial disparities, and a tenants’ rights package. Inver Grove Heights to Receive $175,000 for Economic ExpansionLate last week, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced state funds in the Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund that are being awarded to nine business expansion projects statewide. One of these includes SOMIC Packaging, Inc., which is currently located in Eagan, and the funds will go toward a new, 48,000-square-foot facility in Inver Grove Heights. This new expansion is anticipated to bring 23 new, local jobs to IGH. Summer Happenings
Education Town Hall Meeting in Inver Grove Heights
I hope you can join House Education Finance and Policy Committee Chairs, Rep. Cheryl Youakim, and Rep. Laurie Pryor respectively, and me, for a town hall meeting and update on how the education investments we made will benefit students in District 53A. We'll gather on June 6th at Veteran's Memorial Community Center (8055 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN) at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to participate in this free, nonpartisan event.  Apply for an E-Bike Rebate by June 5thThe new e-Bike Rebate I helped pass into law is taking effect soon! Applications for the rebate go live on Wednesday, June 5th at 11:00 a.m. and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.The rebate is worth 50-75% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum value of $1,500 off the cost of the e-Bike. Individuals and retailers must apply to the Minnesota Department of Revenue to take part in this program.If approved, individuals will receive the rebate certificate by email. They will then have two months to go to an approved retailer and purchase a discounted e-bike. Retailers will mark the certificate as redeemed and apply the discount amount at the time of purchase. They will then have one month to request reimbursement through the retailer portal. CBS News wrote about the rebate program recently and you can read more here.  Lilydale's regional park is a gem for walking and biking from Lilydale to downtown St. Paul. Free Park Day - June 8Minnesota state parks and trails are waiting for you to explore! The next Free Park Day is Saturday, June 8th with free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed. Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. Find a state park near you using the DNR’s ParkFinder tool.  Keep in TouchAlthough the legislative session has closed for the year, the work is far from over. Please continue to contact me anytime with your thoughts, input, and ideas about how we can keep moving Minnesota and our communities forward. You’re welcome to follow me on my Facebook page for additional updates. It’s an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Forward, Mary Frances Clardy
State Representative |