Friends and neighbors,
The Legislature has been incredibly busy during the month of January, passing four bills off the House of Representatives so that the Governor can enact them in record time! Here is a quick overview of what we did this week and last week.
Reproductive Rights
On Tuesday, my colleagues and I joined Governor Tim Walz as he signed the PRO Act into law, making Minnesota the first state to act on a legislative level to protect abortion rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade last June. Now that the PRO Act is the law of the land, Minnesota has put up further safeguards to protect reproductive rights.
Restore the Vote Act
Last night, the Minnesota House voted to pass the Restore the Vote Act. The bill would restore voting rights to individuals convicted of a felony upon completion of incarceration. Twenty-one other states, including our neighbor North Dakota, already restore voting rights upon release, and I was proud to cast my ballot to join them.
Property Tax Division Committee
This week, I took up the gavel for the first time when I chaired Wednesday’s Property Tax Divison committee meeting.
Drivers Licenses for All
On Monday, I voted to pass HF 4, which is also known as “Driver’s Licenses for All.” This bill would allow Minnesota residents to obtain a driver’s license, regardless of citizenship. After passing standard licensing exams and tests, all families will now be able to complete essential daily tasks like driving to work, dropping kids off at school, or attending medical appointments. This measure would impact 81,000 of our immigrant neighbors and has broad support from law enforcement, the business community, and unions.
Increasing Computer Science Courses in Minnesota Schools
Last week, I introduced legislation to fund teacher training for computer science in Minnesota schools and take us one step closer to streamlining computer science education across the state. Currently, Minnesota ranks last in the nation for access to computer high school science courses, with stark disparities among high schools in urban areas. This bill invests in our teachers now to prepare our students for a 21st century economy. I’m proud to be chief authoring HF 759 with colleagues who want to ensure that all of Minnesota’s students have a fair shake at jobs of the future.
Stay Connected
To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication.
You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page and Twitter.
To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at Rep.Liz.Lee@House.mn.gov or 651-296-4277, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe.
It is an honor to serve you.
In solidarity,
Rep. Liz Lee