Defending our Democracy
Dear Neighbors,
Here at the Capitol, committees are concluding as we put together major budget bills to pass on the House Floor. From the House to the Senate, to the Governor’s office, we are looking towards our future through historic investments in education, health care, transportation, climate, and more! As these budget bills pass, I will keep you updated on the great work we are doing to make Minnesota a better state for us all to live in.
Ensuring Equitable Taxes
In a recent Taxes Committee hearing, I spoke about the need for us to have a truly progressive taxation system, which caused a bit of a stir with some of my colleagues. From funding education to bank regulation to literacy, we must recognize that those who have succeeded because of the structure of our government need to pay their fair share to ensure everyone can flourish in Minnesota. I stand by my comments which you can watch here.
Defending Our Democracy
In 2022, with democracy squarely on the ballot, Minnesotans of every race, generation, region, and background showed up to participate in democracy and to protect it. And the best way to protect democracy is to expand it. That’s why we voted this week to pass the Democracy for the People Act, which expands voter participation and limits the influence of dark money in our elections. These are just a few of the policies that will help us ensure that every Minnesotan has the freedom to vote and power is firmly in the hands of the people.
House Floor Votes - Higher Education and Legacy Funding
On Wednesday, the House passed the largest investment in higher education in nearly four decades. Whether it’s a tuition freeze across the Minnesota State system, investing in our tribal colleges, or ensuring today’s students are prepared for tomorrow’s jobs, our Higher Education budget is a crucial component in making Minnesota an Education State. The bill also includes $3.6 million to the Mayo Foundation for its medical school to help train our next generation of health care workers. The cost of higher education has been skyrocketing for decades and I was proud to support this bill to help students gain the skills they need to succeed in life.
We also passed legislation investing over $820 million to continue the important work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s most treasured spaces and places and increasing access for all. I was glad to support this bill, which invests in our outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage, including a bill I presented to the committee earlier this session for SPARK, the Rochester Children’s Museum!
Stay Connected!
Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.andy.smith@house.mn.gov or 651-296-9249, 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!
Warmly,
Andy Smith,
State Representative