Recent House Floor Votes
Dear neighbors,
As the legislative session continues to progress, I want to share an opportunity for a community town hall and Q&A. Myself and other Rochester legislators will be holding a town hall on Sunday, March 24th from 2:00-4:00 at 125 Live (125 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901).
Legislation Passed on House Floor
In the last couple of weeks, we have been moving bills through committees and passing legislation off the House floor. First off, participation in the universal school meals program has surpassed the initially anticipated increase by more than 20% across the state. To ensure we’re meeting the need and filling this gap, House DFLers approved legislation to continue these investments so no child goes hungry at school.
The House passed legislation updating the state’s school resource officer policy. By codifying guidance provided by the Attorney General’s office into law, we are providing law enforcement and school districts the uniformity and clarity they’ve sought to ensure SRO services can continue in schools that choose to utilize them. We worked closely with all affected parties to craft a bill that secured broad bipartisan support, passing 124-8.
I was proud to vote in favor of legislation to fund 101 environmental projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil. The funding, which comes from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, uses a portion of our state lottery proceeds to ensure our environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.
Finally, we passed bipartisan legislation expanding our price-gouging laws to protect people who need services after a declared emergency like a flood or tornado. When a community is picking up the pieces after a terrible storm, it’s not OK for companies to come in with skyrocketed prices to fleece Minnesotans who need help.
Debt Fairness Act
Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. That’s why DFLers have introduced the Debt Fairness Act. Too many people are saddled with unmanageable debt, and our current laws have been insufficient at addressing this dilemma. Medical debt depletes peoples’ rainy-day funds and causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether.
The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt, and help working and middle-class families make ends meet.
EMT Training/Paramedic Scholarships Available
DFLers are working to address the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) statewide shortage. One of these initiatives, that I supported, funds a one-time appropriation of $3 million for up to 600 scholarships of $5,000 starting in the fall of 2024 to be awarded by June 30, 2026.
If you or anyone you know might be interested in this opportunity to serve the public and give back to the community, you can find eligibility information here.
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