Dear neighbors,
I hope everyone who celebrated holidays this past weekend had a joyful time with friends and family. Legislators just returned from a short break to observe the holidays and are now preparing to head into the second half of the legislative session.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to at the State Capitol recently:
Plymouth Infrastructure Investment
This week, I presented my bill, HF 3379, to the House Capital Investment Committee, which would fund the pre-design and design for several infrastructure projects for the City of Plymouth, including a public parking ramp, reconstruction of Plymouth Boulevard, and an expansion of the Plymouth Ice Center. This project will provide a much-needed investment in our local infrastructure and promote Plymouth as a destination for all families. The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a broader policy bill. Thank you to Mayor Jeff Wosje, Deputy City Manager Maria Solano, Parks and Rec Director Jennifer Tomlinson, and City Councilmember Kimberly Nelson for joining me in the hearing.
House Floor Votes
This week the House began passing policy bill packages in major issue areas, building on the work of our historically productive 2023 session and improving the lives of Minnesotans. The House passed two policy bills supporting our Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs, which passed with unanimous support!
We also passed a higher education policy bill that includes the clean energy sector in our Workforce Development Scholarship Program and expands support in higher education for students who have a disability. We also passed an early education policy bill focused on strengthening our pre-kindergarten and school readiness programs. Finally, we passed a transportation policy package that improves road safety, DVS wait times, child passenger safety, and consumer protections.
Veterans Day at the Capitol
Veterans and supporters are invited to participate in the annual Veterans Day on the Hill, on Wednesday, April 17. Advocate for veterans’ issues, meet with legislators and attend the State Capitol rotunda rally. I hope to see you at the Capitol on April 17!
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