Legislative Update – April 19, 2023
Here at the Capitol, committees have wrapped up and we are putting together major budget bills to pass on the House Floor. From the House to the Senate, to the Governor’s office, we are looking towards our future through historic investments in education, health care, transportation, climate, and more! As these budget bills pass, I will keep you updated on the great work we are doing to make Minnesota a better state for us all to live in!
Community Events
Over the weekend I attended the kickoff for turkey hunting season right here in Northfield, met with students from St. Olaf College, local faith leaders in Northfield, and attended a Democracy event with Mankato Indivisible with some of my colleagues. And just this past Monday a group of students from Northfield came up to participate in Youth Day at the Capitol and I got to hear their concerns and ideas about what we’re doing here in St. Paul!
Land Stewardship Project Annual Breakfast
Last Thursday I was thrilled to join the Land Stewardship Project for the 2023 Family Farm Breakfast and Lobby Day! The Capitol was full of passionate advocates for our land, environment, and future! I was a member of LSP before my time in the legislature, and it was exciting to take part in the event for the first time as a Representative! We had great conversations about how we can ensure a strong Agriculture budget that includes soil health, addressing climate change, and increasing community oversight, which I have been working on this session as Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. Thank you to all who came out to advocate for emerging, small- and mid-sized farmers!
Protecting Our Democracy
In 2022, with democracy squarely on the ballot, Minnesotans of every race, generation, region, and background showed up to participate in and protect democracy. And the best way to protect democracy is to expand access. That’s why we voted last week to pass the Democracy for the People Act, which increases voter participation and limits the influence of dark money in our elections. These are just a few of the policies that will help us ensure every Minnesotan has the freedom to vote, and power is firmly in the hands of the people.
House Floor Votes - Environment and Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy & Legacy Bill
As Minnesotans, we care about protecting our environment and our climate. We value our land, air, water, and wildlife, and know we must address threats and prevent pollution. We know that as one of the fastest-warming states in the nation, we must take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
That’s why we passed the 2023 Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Budget Bill, which addresses current environmental threats and invests in a clean future. We are devoting over $670 million to preserving our natural resources, protecting Minnesotans from dangerous chemicals, and supporting our state’s wildlife. By investing $348 million to lower energy costs, create clean-energy jobs, and keep Minnesota a renewable energy leader, we are putting our state on the path to net-zero emissions by 2050 and creating a brighter future for all Minnesotans. The bill also included provisions I authored to create a centralized public drainage registry to increase transparency for public drainage projects and a bill to establish a state lowland conifer carbon reserve and habitat.
In the House, we passed legislation last week investing over $820 million to continue the important work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s most treasured spaces and places and increasing access for all. We know that when we invest in our outdoors, they will be protected for future generations of Minnesotans to enjoy. With investments in our outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage, this bill will help ensure clean air, water, and soil in our district and throughout the state!
Stay Connected!
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Sincerely,
Kristi Pursell
State Representative