Neighbors, Congratulations to all Rochester graduates. Your future is bright, and I wish you all the best as you pursue your dreams! My, time flies. It is already June and the legislative session adjourned three weeks ago. The 2024 legislative session built on the outstanding 2023 session. I am proud of our work to improve the lives of Minnesotans by collaborating with Governor Walz and our Senate colleagues to pass all major supplemental budget bills which will improve the economy and grow the middle class. Here are nonpartisan final agreement summaries: Transportation, Labor and Housing, Energy and Agriculture, Public Safety and Judiciary, Commerce and Cannabis, Jobs and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, K-12 Education, Health, and Elections. I serve on the Human Service Policy Committee, and I was proud our legislation passed unanimously, emphasizing our shared values to support the most vulnerable Minnesotans. I also serve on the Human Services Finance Committee. The legislative package increased funding for critical access nursing facilities, and funds three food bank programs. I am proud of the legislation we passed increasing mental health rates, my bill to better align mental health codes, and efforts to support kinship caregivers in child welfare. This work was all accomplished by joining forces to help support those in our mental health community and those needing care. As a member of the Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee, the budget bill we passed builds off last year’s record investment and makes higher education more accessible for students. The legislation includes my bill for the Fostering Independence Grants (FIG) program. The FIG program is a financial aid program seeking to eliminate the barrier for Minnesota students who were in the foster care system from age 13 to 27. The legislation transfers $5.04 million to the FIG program and allows it to expand their higher education program model statewide to provide students with ongoing, tailored support and coaching services. Additionally, I serve on the Children and Families Committee, and the budget provisions for this legislation were included in the Education Supplemental Budget bill. The measure advances needed child-protection reforms; funds food banks, food shelves, and emergency shelter; strengthens childcare and early learning and furthers the ongoing transition to the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Finally, we approved a gun violence prevention bill including tougher penalties for straw purchasers and a ban on binary triggers, a bill to increase wages for rideshare drivers while keeping companies operating in Minnesota, a health occupational licensure and scoping bill, legislation improving our child welfare services and addressing racial disparities, and a tenants’ rights package. Child Welfare ConferenceI attended a child welfare conference to learn from others. This session I authored several child welfare bills which include protecting parents with disabilities, looking into child welfare reporting improvements, and provide funding to support kinship caregivers like grandparents who are caring for children when their parents cannot.  Rochester Public Schools Free Meals InformationRochester Public Schools are offering their 2024 Summer Meal Program beginning this week. You can find more information here on how to access meals for your kids. Summer EBT Summer EBT is a new food support program providing funds for income-eligible families with school-aged children to buy groceries while school is out for the summer. More information is available here. Foster Care and Adoption EventAs part of their Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion series, the Fernbrook Family Center is holding a Foster Care and Adoption event. You can learn more here.  Stay Connected with the LegislaturePlease 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 |