Legislative Update – September 14, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Earlier this summer I sent out my 2023 Legislative Report, which I’ve also posted online here. Whether it was investing in our education system, enacting paid family and medical leave, or passing common-sense gun violence prevention solutions, we came together and passed legislation that will lift up workers and families all across the state. I was proud to serve as Vice Chair of the Agriculture Committee as we passed a budget that helps families and farmers and supports sustainable land practices.
Back to School!
When we invest in our children and their education, we set up our state for future success, I proudly serve on the Education Finance Committee and I support this year's Education Budget which delivers record funding to local districts like ours!
It also works to fund more mental health resources, stronger literacy education, and provides breakfast and lunch to all, ensuring no student is trying to learn on an empty stomach You can learn more about the full bill here.
Community Meetings and Other Events!
Earlier this summer I was proud to be recognized as a Family Farm Champion by the Minnesota Farmers Union. I was glad to work in partnership with the Union and the Land Stewardship project for healthcare, soil health, and profitability for family farms across the state. I also have been visiting sites around the state alongside members of the House Agriculture Committee to learn about how we can better support healthy food and healthy agriculture next session.
In August, I presented along with my colleague Robert Bierman to the Northfield Rotary Club about the legislature’s historically productive 2023 session. Representative Bierman and I serve on different committees, so it was great to have his expertise and experience as we mostly fielded questions about the impact of various pieces of legislation. (He was born and raised in Northfield where his family’s business still operates and we’re both members of that Rotary club so it was fun to tag-team a legislative update to our fellow Rotarians!)
Democracy Op-Ed
I hope you were able to catch my op-ed earlier this summer in the Northfield News: Pro-voter reforms protect our democracy. As a member of the Elections Committee, I know firsthand that it is imperative that Minnesota continues to be a national leader in democracy so we can continue reflecting the will of and meeting the needs of the people in 58A and across the state.
New Laws Taking Effect
Many laws passed by the legislature this session had an effective date of July 1 or August 1 and have already gone into effect. This includes appropriations from our major budget bills along with countless other provisions. House Nonpartisan Staff has put together a document highlighting some of the major laws that went into effect on July 1 and on August 1.
I have also been receiving questions regarding the legislature’s bill to legalize adult-use cannabis. Our legislation created an Office of Cannabis Management to oversee the legal market and other aspects related to legalization, and as of August 1st, Minnesotans are allowed to possess and use certain amounts of cannabis and cannabis products. You can find more information on a list of topics, including information for consumers, medical cannabis patients, businesses, and more here: https://cannabis.state.mn.us/.
Stay Connected!
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