Dear Neighbors,
This week has been especially busy at the Capitol as we work to catch up on delays from last week's snowstorm. Aside from catching up on committee work, the budget forecast which we’ll use to craft our budget bills was released. The outlook is very positive, especially as this is the first year where we fully account for inflation in the forecast. I'll keep you updated as the legislature begins to shift our focus to deciding budget matters. You can read more about it here.
Here are updates on some of what I’ve been up to recently.
Pathways Home
On Thursday we passed the Pathways Home Act. This act will significantly increase funding to critical state programs that support shelter providers across Minnesota in their direct response and service to Minnesotans who are currently unsheltered. While we need more than shelters to solve our housing crisis, they are still critical to saving lives and getting folks the resources they need to work towards a permanent solution.
We also passed legislation to prevent price gouging during emergencies. In the first days of the pandemic, we saw people take repeated advantage of the situation by price gouging critical products. With this bill, items we rely on will remain affordable in times of need.
Conversion Therapy Ban
I am incredibly proud that we voted to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy. We need to affirm and celebrate all youth no matter their identity. Thank you to all of the courageous advocates in the queer community who fought relentlessly to end this hateful practice. It is because of their relentless advocacy and determination that Minnesota will finally ban this dangerous and discredited practice.
Women’s History Month
March is Women's History Month! Let’s use this month to remember and honor all of the amazing women who paved the way for us. There is still a lot of work we need to do to stand up for equal rights in Minnesota and I am committed to pursuing this important work at the Capitol.
Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention
We passed a bill to prevent the theft and sale of stolen catalytic converters. HF 30 seeks to crack down on the theft of catalytic converters by prohibiting anyone from possessing a used, unattached catalytic converter unless the owner has the vehicle identification number (VIN) for the vehicle, and the date the converter was removed from the vehicle. It prohibits the sale and purchase of catalytic converters by anyone other than registered scrap metal dealers and would impose a fine of up to $10,000 for unlawful possession and sale. I know this is a really important issue for our community so I’m happy that we were able to accomplish this important measure.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.josiah.hill@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4124. 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,
Josiah Hill, District 33B
415 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155