Legislative Update – March 5, 2024
It has been a busy week here at the Capitol, but I have been glad to take the time to meet with constituents traveling to Saint Paul and hear about the issues that matter most to them. I met with some fantastic student groups last week, including the Future Farmers of America (FFA) participants of the Youth Day at the Capitol program, and advocates from democracy organization We Choose Us.
I also met with students from St. Olaf College to talk about advocacy at the state level and spoke with St. Olaf College President Susan Rundell Singer alongside my colleague and fellow Ole Rep. Nathan Coulter. Um ya ya!
Today in the Education Finance Committee, which I serve on, we heard inspiring testimony from students across the state for Student Voices Day. I thank all the students for taking the time to have their voices heard! Last Friday, I joined Jeff Johnson on the KYMN Morning Show, which you can listen to below.
Addressing Corporate Consolidation
Last Monday I was proud to join Attorney General Keith Ellison to announce several bills that address corporate consolidation and unfair business practices. DFLers are introducing bills that update our monopoly laws, take on medical debt reform, and outlaw “junk fees” in our state. I was proud to announce my legislation that would expand last year’s Digital Fair Repair Act to cover agricultural equipment.
Minnesota farmers have enough to worry about without having to go to the manufacturer of their equipment for repairs every time something as small as a sensor malfunctions. Farmers are asking us to expand our Right to Repair laws to help them remain profitable as they support their families and our local economy, and that's why I am proud to author this legislation.
You can read the full press release here.
Other News
This Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed legislation updating the state’s school resource officer policy. Bill author Cedrick Frazier worked closely with all affected parties to craft a bill that was able to secure broad bipartisan support. You can read more about that bill here.
After recent reports of alarming nitrate pollution levels in Southern Minnesota, I began working on legislation to pilot a nitrate-reduction program modeled on local efforts in Olmsted County. The problem of water quality is complex, and cover crops and new regenerative farming practices will be key to ensuring our water is clean and drinkable. You can read more in this Civil Eats article: Can Taller Cover Crops Help Clean the Water in Farm Country?
I spoke to the Star Tribune about my bill increasing on-campus voting options. This will increase participation and make voting more accessible for college students across our state! You can read more here.
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