Legislative Update – April 14, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Here at the Capitol, committees are concluding as we put together major budget bills to pass on the House Floor. From the House to the Senate, to the Governor’s office, we are looking towards our future through historic investments in education, health care, transportation, climate, and more! As these budget bills pass, I will keep you updated on the great work we are doing to make Minnesota a better state for us all to live in.
I had a great meeting recently with Wayzata School Board Members Cheryl Polzin, Milind Sohoni, and Heidi Kader. We talked about how we at the legislature can best support our students, families, and teachers. I also met with Beacon Interfaith Housing about their work to support those in need and how we at the Capitol can continue to invest in safe, affordable housing opportunities.
This Saturday I will be attending Discover Plymouth’s annual showcase at the Fieldhouse Dome at the Plymouth Community Center, I hope you can stop by and say hello!
Sun Sailor Article
A recent article in the Plymouth Sun Sailor highlighted my proposal to convert closed landfills into sites for solar arrays, which could transform over 4,500 acres of otherwise unusable land into 950 megawatts of solar—or enough to power 100,000 Minnesota homes. We need to use every tool available to us when transitioning to a cleaner future, and I thank the Sun Sailor for the opportunity to chat about this bill, which you can read here.
Protecting Our Democracy
In 2022, with democracy squarely on the ballot, Minnesotans of every race, generation, region, and background showed up to participate in democracy and to protect it. And the best way to protect democracy is to expand it. That’s why we voted this week to pass the Democracy for the People Act, which expands voter participation and limits the influence of dark money in our elections. These are just a few of the policies that will help us ensure that every Minnesotan has the freedom to vote and power is firmly in the hands of the people.
House Floor Votes - Higher Education and Legacy Funding
On Wednesday, the House passed the largest investment in higher education in nearly four decades.This bill supports our Minnesota State College system through a tuition freeze, targets financial aid programs and state grants, and supports important job-training programs through technical colleges and programs at the Mayo Clinic. The cost of higher education has been skyrocketing for decades and I was proud to support this bill to help students gain the skills they need to succeed in life!
We also passed legislation investing over $820 million to continue the important work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s most treasured spaces and places and increasing access for all. With investments in our outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage, there is a lot to like in this bill, and I was glad to support it on the House Floor.
Stay Connected!
Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.ned.carroll@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5510, and I will be happy to help.
Warmly,
Ned Carroll,
State Representative