Dear Neighbors,
We have about a month left of session, and we are working hard to pass our remaining policy bills and supplemental budgets which improve the lives of working and middle class Minnesotans. Here’s an update from the Capitol:
Education Policy Bill
We recently passed a strong K-12 education policy bill that prioritizes policies to improve the experiences of students in Minnesota schools while also making sure the state is measuring and holding schools accountable for meaningful academic outcomes. I was proud to serve on the committee which crafted this bill and will serve on the conference committee that crafts the final version which will head to the Governor’s desk. You can watch me speak on this great bill, here.
House Floor Votes
The House has passed policy bill packages in major issue areas building on the work of our historically productive 2023 session and improving the lives of Minnesotans. So far the House has passed:
- A?public safety package?that passed unanimously and includes bipartisan provisions that protect victim-survivors and make our system more just.
- A labor policy bill that includes provisions to strengthen the minimum wage, ban shadow non-competes, and increase pay transparency.
- A Elections policy bill, which focuses on improved voter access and election transparency. It targets policy areas where the state can improve voter turnout and ensure that voters can push back on voting restrictions.
Standing up for Consumers
The DFL also passed legislation to crack down on junk fees to ensure consumers have fair, upfront pricing for event tickets, restaurant meals, hotels, credit cards, and more. I was proud to vote for both of these bills to protect Minnesotan consumers against unfair business practices.
Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
On April 1, 2024, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council released its FY25 Call for Funding Requests. An estimated $150+ million will be available for habitat work. Eligibility for these grants includes local units of government, Tribal entities, Park & Rec departments, non-profit organizations, SWCDs, watershed districts, and others. Funding is dedicated for projects that protect, restore, and enhance habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. Learn more and apply here.
Free Park Day
Get your hiking boots ready — Saturday, April 27 is the next free entrance day to all Minnesota parks! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. So be sure to get out and visit our wonderful parks!
Join a State Board, Council, or Committee!
The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers.
You can find the full list of vacancies here.
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