Neighbors, It is hard to believe we are in February already. The legislative pace is steady, but productive and we are accomplishing some of our big goals. Here is my update from the Capitol: On Monday, I joined a bipartisan vote in the full House of Representatives to pass HF 4, known as “Driver’s Licenses for All.” The bill, would allow undocumented residents to obtain a driver’s license. This measure would impact 81,000 of our immigrant neighbors. After passing standard licensing exams and tests, families will be able to complete essential daily tasks like driving to work, dropping kids off at school, or attending medical appointments. This proposal has broad support from law enforcement, the business community, and unions, and they have all testified in support.  All of us deserve to be safe when we’re on the road and getting more people to pass a driving exam and become licensed ensures motorists have a common understanding of the rules of the road, can safely operate a vehicle, and can obtain insurance. 100% by 2040 Last Thursday night, I joined all House DFLers, advancing transformative legislation to pass House File 7. It establishes new clean energy goals for the state and puts Minnesota on a path to produce 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. The measure also while tackles the climate crisis and creates good jobs. The same bill is advancing in the Minnesota Senate and Gov. Walz included the policy in both past budgets and in his proposal for fiscal years 2024-2025. Governor’s Budget Released Last week, Governor Walz released his One Minnesota Budget, focusing on improving the lives of everyone in our state. We look forward to working with the governor to pass a budget prioritizing people and putting Minnesota’s best foot forward as we look to the next two years. When we all work together, we can all succeed. My Committee Action In the Human Services Policy Committee, the Mental Health Legislative Network (MHLN) presented their priorities and legislative agenda. In the Higher Education Finance & Policy Committee, we heard a presentation from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities on its 2023 Capital Investment request. The Children and Families Finance & Policy Committee received presentations on Governor Walz’s budget from Minnesota Management and Budget, Department of Human Services and Department of Education In the Community This weekend I had the opportunity to come home on Friday. I spent the afternoon meeting with constituents at Panera north and had great conversation about current proposals, bills, and concerns. It was great to connect. I also had a wonderful opportunity to connect with our immigrant community on Saturday in preparation for driver’s licenses for all. This was an amazing event, and I was happy to attend.  Join me for a chat at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 11. I hope to see you there!  Stay connected with the legislature It is easy to stay connected to news from the State Capitol. The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time. You can find my information on my House website. You can also like my Facebook page. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Kim Hicks State Representative |