Dear neighbors,
Another week of the 2024 legislative session is in the books! We’re still hard at work debating legislation and passing policy bills aimed at improving the lives of Minnesotans and growing the middle class.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to in Saint Paul this week:
House Floor Votes
Last week we passed more policy bill packages off of the House floor aimed at building off of our historically productive 2023 legislative session and improving the lives of Minnesotans. This week we passed policy bills relating to Environment and Natural Resources, Commerce, Human Services, and Climate and Energy.
Notably, the Climate and Energy policy bill contained a provision that I authored which would create financial incentives for local jurisdictions to adopt SolarApp+, a federally-developed app that automates and streamlines the permit reviewing and issuing process for residential solar projects. The purpose of this bill is to streamline the approval process at the local level, reduce costs and time for permitting, and create better outcomes for residential solar applications.
Other notable provisions include strong consumer protections, safeguards for children on social media, promoting work opportunities for people with disabilities, and expanding opportunities to protect our native prairies. I’m looking forward to passing more bills that build on our historically productive 2023 legislative session and help Minnesotans afford their lives!
Free Park Day!
On Saturday, April 27, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas will be offering free admission to everyone– no vehicle permits needed! In Minnesota, we are lucky to have amazing state parks all across the state, and these fee-free days are a great opportunity to experience them! You can find out more information about the fee-free days here.
Funding Habitats Across Minnesota
This week, the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) issued its annual Call for Funding Request from the Outdoor Heritage Fund. Approximately $150 million will be available for both metro and statewide grants to aid Minnesota habitat restoration, protection and enhancement.
This is a great opportunity for investment in the habitats that exist in our own community!
Requests are due to the LSOHC on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 4 p.m., with funds for approved programs signed into law during the 2025 legislative session being available on Monday, July 1, 2025.
Since the Outdoor Heritage Fund’s creation in 2008, $1.6 billion in on-the-ground habitat programs have been allocated by the Minnesota Legislature and over 1.4 million acres of Minnesota forests, prairies and wetlands have been restored, protected or enhanced. The latest set of funding recommendations totaling $180 million is currently before the Minnesota Legislature.
Proposal requirements and terms of funding are outlined in the Call for Funding Request. To view details or learn more, visit: www.lsohc.mn.gov. For answers to specific questions, contact LSOHC Staff: www.lsohc.mn.gov/staff. If you have a potential project proposal but are unsure, LSOHC are there to help!
Environmental Funding Survey
Did you know that a portion of Minnesota’s lottery proceeds go towards protecting our environment and natural resources through the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund? Since 1991, the ENRTF has provided approximately $700 million to over 1,700 projects around the state.
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is now gathering input about the future of Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund spending and taking feedback about what environmental issues are most important to you. Make your voice heard about how to improve Minnesota's environment & natural resources.
Take the survey here.
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 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