Final Days of the 2024 Session
Dear Neighbors,
We are in the final few days of the 2024 Legislative Session, and I have been working hard to deliver results for our communities and pass legislation that improves Minnesotans’ lives. We will be meeting throughout the weekend up to our May 20 deadline, and I will update you on the final status of bills as they head to the Governor’s desk.
Supplemental Budget Bills
We’ve now passed all our major supplemental budgets. You can read these nonpartisan summaries of our work on K-12 Education, Children & Families, Transportation, Labor, and Housing, Higher Education, Judiciary and Public Safety, State and Local Government and Veterans, Elections, Human Services, Workforce and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture, Commerce, and Energy, Health, and Taxes.
These are all great bills, but as a member of the Taxes, Health, and Economic Development, I’m especially proud of our efforts there. I am continuing to advocate for my provision in our Health bill that would set requirements for notice and public hearings before a hospital closes, reduces, or ends certain services.
As we continue to pass our remaining House proposals, House and Senate members are currently meeting in conference committees to craft consensus legislation for where we differ in these issue areas. These conference committee meetings, and passing these final bills, will likely take up our remaining days of the legislative session. More updates to come!
Other House Priorities
House DFLers are also moving forward on several other important pieces of legislation. We’re working on legislation that puts tougher penalties on straw purchases for firearms and banning binary triggers, updating our adult-use cannabis legalization legislation to prepare for a safe, well-regulated legal market, the African American Family Preservation Act, a great tenants rights package, and a bill supporting emergency medical services, especially in rural areas.
As Speaker Hortman said in response to an eight-hour Republican filibuster on Wednesday, “Minnesotans sent us here to deliver results and build a state that works better for everyone. The Rules of the Minnesota House of Representatives protect both the minority's right to be heard and the majority's right and responsibility to govern. We will continue to give the minority ample time to discuss measures on the floor, but ultimately, we will complete the work of the session”
I couldn’t agree more, and I am thankful for the Speaker’s leadership as we move forward with our 2024 budget bills and legislation that protects Minnesotans’ equal rights.
Statehood Day – New Flag and Seal
In other news, last Saturday Minnesota celebrated 166 years of statehood. The Minnesota State Flag and Seal approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission early this year are now officially in place! This is a culmination of months gathering input from and engaging with Minnesotans to find consensus on a flag and seal that represents the best of all of us.
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