Supporting Minnesotans in Need
Dear Neighbors,
I recently joined a bipartisan group of legislators from Olmstead County at the Rochester Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Legislative Update event late last month. Thank you to the hosts and participants for coming out to hear more about the work we are doing at the Capitol to support small businesses and strengthen local communities.
Saturday Community Q&A
Our previously scheduled Community Q&A and Town Hall had to be rescheduled due to weather and will take place this weekend on Saturday, April 6 from 2:00-4:00pm at 125 Live (125 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901). I hope you can join us!
Basic Income Program
I am proud to be a co-sponsor of legislation authored by Rep. Athena Hollins, which would create a basic income pilot program in Minnesota for those most in need. HF2666 would implement a basic income program to those with income at or below 300% of poverty guidelines. It would provide direct cash payments of at least $500 per month for 18 to 24 months to eligible recipients around the state.
The payments are intended to disrupt poverty, build wealth, and advance equity, in addition to supporting a recipient’s basic needs. Saint Paul has led a similar pilot program in their city and a study found the program improved families’ well-being.
I spoke in favor of the legislation in this week’s Economic Development Committee hearing, and I am excited to see Minnesota leading the nation with this proposal and supporting the everyday Minnesotans who contribute to the health of our state. You can watch my comments in committee here.
House Floor Votes
This week the House began passing policy bill packages in major issue areas building on the work of our historically productive 2023 session and improving the lives of Minnesotans.
We passed a higher education policy bill that includes the clean energy sector in our Workforce Development Scholarship Program and expands support in higher education for students who have a disability. We also passed an early education policy bill focused on strengthening our pre-kindergarten and school readiness programs. Finally, we passed a transportation policy package that improves road safety, DVS wait times, child passenger safety, and consumer protections.
Environmental Funding Survey
Did you know that a portion of Minnesota’s lottery proceeds go towards protecting our environment and natural resources through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund? Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $700 million to over 1,700 projects around the state.
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is now gathering input about the future of Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund spending and taking feedback about what environmental issues are most important to you. Make your voice heard about how to improve Minnesota's environment & natural resources.
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