Dear Neighbors,
The 93rd Minnesota Legislature concluded its most consequential two-year session in state history on Monday, May 20, 2024. After many years of divided government and Republican gridlock that prevented meaningful progress for our state, I’m proud to share that my House DFL colleagues and I got the job done, passing landmark legislation that will benefit Minnesotans for generations to come!
Minnesota has long been considered the “education state,” but decades of chronic underfunding have held our children back from their true potential. Democrats strengthened learning opportunities with historic investments in public schools, funding free school meals, and resources for school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. We also created more pathways to college and career training when we created the North Star Promise – which guarantees free tuition for students from families earning less than $80,000 annually.
I'm thrilled to share some exciting news! My bill, HF 3699, was funded at $1.3 million to provide revitalization grants to family childcare providers across the state. This will allow them to make small expansions and open up more childcare seats. Additionally, my bill, HF 3492, received partial funding to begin licensing teachers across Minnesota to teach computer science.
Furthermore, HF 4249, which creates the Explore Film Office, successfully passed the legislature. This initiative is expected to generate millions of dollars in jobs and economic activity for the state.
Finally, I'm pleased to announce that I collaborated with the Chair of the Environment Committee to secure funds for another air monitor in our district, specifically around the neighborhood of the Northern Iron Foundry.
Below is a small snapshot of bills we passed this year to improve the lives of all Minnesotans, border- to- border:
- Expanding our nation-leading Child Tax Credit so families don’t have to wait all year until tax filings to receive payments
- Worker protections and better wage compensation equity for TNC, rideshare drivers
- Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act
- Insurance coverage for wigs for cancer patients and prosthetics
- Funding for services for crime victims
- Passing stronger tenant protections
And more!
The amount of work we accomplished for Minnesotans was significant, however there is more work to do to ensure our state is the best place to live, work, earn an education, and raise a family.
Thank you for the great honor of representing our vibrant community in the Minnesota House of Representatives. I could not have done this work without your support, advocacy, and continued feedback on matters that mean the most to you. I will continue working and meeting with communities across the state this summer and fall and I encourage you to reach out to my office if there is anything I can assist you with.
Our office is temporarily moving to the Centennial Office Building. For in-person meetings, please reach out to my legislative assistant Robin at: robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov for more information.
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 here. For meetings, please email my legislative assistant Robin at: robin.mercer-taylor@house.mn.gov, 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.
Zoo siab,
Rep. Liz Lee- District 67A
Minnesota House of Representatives