Legislative Update – May 23, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
Last night the 2023 Legislative Session came to a close as we successfully passed the final versions of our budget bills and other priorities. Alongside our DFL Senators, we are ending the gridlock and delivering on the promises we made to Minnesotans. Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve our district this session!
You can read more about our final bills using our nonpartisan Session Daily stories: Veterans and Military Affairs, Housing, Higher Education, Legacy, Agriculture, Early Education, Public Safety and Judiciary, K-12 Education, Jobs and Labor, Environment and Energy, Commerce, State Government and Elections, Human Services, Taxes, Transportation, Health, Capital Investment, Cannabis, and Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Chankahda Trail Funding Passed!
Last night we passed two Capital Investment bills that will build infrastructure, support local projects and create jobs in our district and around the state! I am glad to report that both bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. As a member of the Capital Investment Committee, I was glad to secure a $7 million commitment to the city of Plymouth in funding to improve the portion of the Chankahda Trail (formerly Hennepin County Road 47) between CSAH 101 and CSAH 61. The funding would provide for safety improvements, pedestrian crossing enhancements, and access improvements to adjacent neighborhoods.
The improvements to Chankahda Trail included in this bill are critical to improving safety and making Plymouth a better place to live. I worked on this road improvement and modernization project as a member of the city council and while there is still further work to do, this bill is a good start. I was proud to carry this bill and get it across the finish line this year!
Environment and Climate Budget Passes!
On May 18, I voted in support of the 2023 Environment, Natural Resources, Climate, and Energy Budget Bill, which passed on a bipartisan vote of 72-57! I was proud to serve on the Climate Committee this session and I thank Chair Patty Acomb and Vice Chair Larry Kraft for all their hard work on this important issue.
This is the most significant climate change prevention legislation in state history! The climate and energy provisions invest in programs to lower energy costs, create more clean energy jobs, and address and combat climate change. Minnesota is one of the fastest-warming states due to climate change, and this bill puts Minnesota on the path to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The bill also includes much-needed investments in our environment, protecting our air, land, water, and wildlife—including pollinators which are so important for our ecosystem. Some of you may know that May 20th was World Bee Day, and I was glad to join my seatmate, Environment Chair Rick Hansen, to celebrate the day with my pollinator tie!
Health Budget
I also had the honor of serving on the Health Committee this session and on Monday, we passed SF 2995, the health and human services conference committee report. This bill makes significant investments to lower health care costs while improving coverage so everyone can access the care they need.
The bill improves access, coverage, and stability for Minnesotans who need it most. The bill also protects reproductive care and improves dental and mental health coverage, all of which lead to a more equitable health care system. It works to create a robust mental health system with investments like a rate increase for mental health services, mental health grants, and funding for a 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. These investments will build out a system that will save lives, reduce stress on hospitals, and create appropriate spaces for mental health treatment.
Gun Violence Prevention Laws Pass
Governor Walz has already signed our 2023 Public Safety and Judiciary Budget bill. In response to increasing gun violence, now the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., this bill includes criminal background checks and a red flag law. It also makes historic investments in gun violence prevention research grants to determine the next best steps to end gun violence. I was proud to support these common-sense steps to reduce gun violence. I am so glad these provisions have passed and been signed into law!
I am also proud of the Judiciary portions of this bill, which includes many bills I supported while serving on the Judiciary and Civil Law Committee. The budget adequately funds Minnesota’s public defense system to ensure that everyone can receive their Constitutionally protected right to legal representation. With significant investments in public defense and civil legal services, the creation of an Office of Appellate Counsel, the protection of student’s personal information, and the elimination of court document fees, the Judiciary portion of the bill is building a system that will more equitably serve the people of Minnesota.
Stay Connected!
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!
Sincerely,
Ned Carroll
State Representative