Dear Neighbors,
Session has come to an end and I can say without a doubt that these last two years have been incredibly rewarding as I’ve worked to pass legislation that has real positive impacts on our community. Our local economy will see significant improvements as these laws take effect, growing the middle class and making our district a great place to live and raise a family. Here’s an overview of what I accomplished in my first term as your State Representative:
Because of my work:
- The Highway 65 redesign in Blaine is fully funded
- Funding for our public schools increased by historic amounts
- State tools for reducing property tax bills were boosted
- $300 million in public safety aid went to Minnesota cities and counties
- Firefighters will be protected from cancer-causing chemicals
- Tens of millions of dollars was directed to support manufactured housing residents
- More veterans and young people are successfully transitioning into Minnesota’s workforce
Increasing Access to Student Mental Health Support
I passed a bill that requires high schools to make space available for students to participate in mental health appointments by video conference or phone.
Enhancing School Safety
I passed a bill that provides funding to do GIS mapping of every school in Minnesota to speed emergency response time.
Tackling Youth Crime
I worked with police and the community to pass a bill to reduce the number of youth committing repeated crimes.
Leading on the Vets and National Guard Bill
I carried the Veterans and Military Affairs Policy Bill on behalf of the Minnesota House. It includes new tools to help the Minnesota National Guard carry out its mission and new ways to support our vets. It passed unanimously!
Expanding Options for Manufactured Housing Residents
I authored a bill that makes it easier to form housing co-ops in Minnesota. It will be especially helpful for manufactured home parks that want to form resident-owned co-ops when their park sells. It passed 128-1!
Supporting the Next Generation of Teachers
I led a bipartisan bill to pilot paying stipends to student teachers. This will remove a barrier that keeps many Minnesotans from pursuing their dream of becoming a teacher.
I’d like to thank all of you for your support and input over the past two years. Without constituent input I would be far less successful at the Capitol! Even though this session is over, I am still your Representative so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns, or suggestions for what we should work on next session!
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