Dear Neighbors, Last Monday, May 20th, we officially concluded the 2024 Legislative Session, which also wrapped-up the 2023-2024 biennium. The final weeks were full of late nights and long meetings as we worked to deliver the most for Minnesotans under the first DFL trifecta in a decade. While we didn’t accomplish everything we set out to do, we can say that these past two years have been incredibly productive as we provided historic investments throughout our state budget, and enacted policies aimed at lifting up Minnesotans and ensuring our community and state is an exemplary place to live, work, and raise a family.  What We PassedLast year the Legislature passed our major two-year budget bills, and this year the House built on that progress by passing small supplemental budgets alongside more substantial policy changes in major committee areas. Working alongside the Governor and our Senate counterparts, we reached final agreements on all major budget bills, many of which have already been signed into law. You can find nonpartisan summaries about the final agreements here: Transportation, Labor and Housing, Energy and Agriculture, Public Safety and Judiciary, Commerce and Cannabis, Jobs and Economic Development, Environment and Natural Resources, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Human Services, Health, and Elections. We also passed a gun violence prevention bill that includes tougher penalties for straw purchasers and a ban on binary triggers, a bill that will increase wages for rideshare drivers while keeping companies operating in Minnesota, a health occupational licensure and scoping bill, legislation improving our child welfare services and addressing racial disparities, and a tenant’s right’s package. Free Park DayAre you ready to explore? Minnesota state parks and trails are waiting! The next Free Park Day is Saturday, June 8th with free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. Find a state park near you using the DNR’s ParkFinder tool.  Up NextNow that session is over I’ll return to serving students and families as a teacher and spending time in our community. I’ll be sure to keep you informed as new laws go into effect or if there are other important updates related to our community or the Legislature. Be sure to reach out if I can help you with anything. Have a wonderful summer! 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 |