Legislative Update – February 5, 2024
I’ve spent the last few months preparing for the 2024 Legislative Session, which begins on Monday, February 12th. 2024 is not a budget year, so the legislature will be focused primarily on policy changes as well as passing a bipartisan capital investment infrastructure bill.
As I head back to St. Paul, I want to hear about what issues are most important to you! You can take the Minnesota Values Project Survey, an easy way to share your values, hopes, challenges, and ideas with us on solutions at the legislature. It only takes a few minutes to fill out and can be found here or using the QR code below.
Recent News Articles
I was glad to talk with MPR News for their article: Minnesota kids love outdoor learning. Lawmakers are paying attention. Currently, only about 30% of Minnesota kids participate in an outdoor school program and my legislation would start a pilot program to increase access for economically disadvantaged schools and communities.
I also got a chance to highlight state and federal investments in rural broadband. I called KTTC to talk about a bill I passed last year, which delivered over $100 million in funding for broadband across the state—the largest amount ever. The article also talks about President Biden’s recent announcement for $2.5 billion in high-speed internet for Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Finally, SouthernMinn.com posted a state and local preview of the 2024 session, where I talked about my experience last session as Vice-Chair of the Agriculture Committee and about bills I’m working on this year including expanding rural healthcare access, getting the “right to repair” for agricultural equipment, and increasing outdoor education opportunities!
New Prague Mayo Clinic Hearing
You may have heard recently the concerning news that the Mayo Clinic Health System in New Prague will soon stop providing labor and delivery services. Mayo Clinic Health Systems will continue to provide prenatal, post-natal and outpatient services at its New Prague location. According to state law, a public meeting must be held in advance of any such decision.
I will be attending the public hearing set for tomorrow, February 6, and I encourage anyone interested to do so as well and have your voice heard. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will hold a public hearing on Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. Those interested in participating can join the public hearing via the Microsoft Teams event: Mayo New Prague Public Hearing or by calling 651-395-7448 and using the access code 688 607 696#.
Reproductive Freedom Caucus
January 22nd was the 51st Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, giving those who are pregnant the right to have an abortion. Just over a year ago on January 31, 2023 Governor Walz signed the PRO Act, putting the right to reproductive healthcare into state law.
I am proud to be a member of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, working to protect and expand Minnesotans’ reproductive freedoms. From abortion access to breast cancer screenings and prenatal care, I support access to robust reproductive healthcare for all.
Stay Connected!
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