Dear Neighbors,
The first month of session has passed in a bit of blur as we are striving to be historically productive. For too long gridlock has dominated politics at the Capitol, so we are working hard to make up for lost time.
On my end, I had three bills heard in committee this week, so I’ve been busy shepherding them through.
1. Helmets to Hardhats - Helping Heroes Transition
- My first bill I presented was heard in the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee funds a program called Helmets to Hardhats that helps active-duty military members and vets transition into careers in the building trades.
- I am incredibly grateful to my bipartisan co-authors and committee members who passed it onto the next step unanimously!
- Watch my presentation here.
2. Banning PFAS in Firefighting - Protecting the Protectors
- On Tuesday, I stood next to our firefighting heroes to ban the use of fire fighting foam with cancer-causing PFAS in our state. We must do everything we can to make sure those who serve and protect us are themselves protected from dangerous chemicals.
- PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are very toxic. PFAS chemicals are linked to immune system disorders, lower birth weights, infertility, lower IQ in children, thyroid issues, and deadly cancers. You can learn more about them here.
- You can watch some of the powerful testimony from firefighters here.
3. K-12 Education Tax Credit - Helping Families
- The last bill I presented expands eligibility for the K-12 Education Tax Credit, which helps low and medium income families pay for afterschool and summer programs, school supplies, musical instruments, and other needed educational materials.
- My bill more than doubles the income limit, which has been stuck at the same level for over a quarter century, and increases the credit amount by $500 per child.
- This bill is a bipartisan effort. It will lift up students and families, eliminate barriers, and reduce inequities.
- Watch my testimony on this here. It was fun to be joined by some former colleagues and collaborators from my time at Youthprise in presenting the bill!
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.matt.norris@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-2907. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Matt Norris, District 32B
507 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155