Dear Neighbors, We are hitting the home stretch here at the Capitol! All of the committees have wrapped up, the big budget bills passed the House floor, and now they are in their respective conference committees. Conference committees are smaller subcommittees of Representatives and Senators that come together to compromise and negotiate differences between the bills that passed the House and Senate. Once an agreement is met, we vote for its passage one more time before sending it to the Governor for his signature. These past few weeks have been long, and while this time during the legislative process has been stressful, I’m happy to know that many of these long-overdue bills have been passed. I’ve been honored to vote yes on them. Here’s an update from Saint Paul. Newest Minnesota LawsRecently, Governor Walz signed three bills into law, all of them making Minnesota a more welcoming, science-following, rights-protecting state. We banned conversion therapy, protected access to abortion, and did the same for gender-affirming care by making Minnesota a safe state for trans refuge. These vital new laws loudly proclaim Minnesota will take you, as you are, with open arms. You can read more about these new laws here.  Delivering the Largest Tax Cut in Minnesota HistoryWith a historic budget surplus, House DFLers are committed to helping Minnesotans who are struggling with increasing costs while responsibly investing in the priorities people value most. The House passed the Tax budget bill which delivers the largest tax cut in state history including credits, rebates, and other provisions. Between 2018 and 2021, the adjusted gross income (AGI) of filers of those earning less than $20,000 annually fell by 9% while the AGI of filers over $500k grew 117%. This bill reforms our tax code to improve fairness and equity across the board. The bill also addresses years of rising property taxes and underinvestment in local communities. For too long, state government has underfunded critical services which make our state function, passing on this responsibility to local governments which leads to large property tax increases. That’s why the House DFL tax bill makes several property tax cuts and significantly boosts Local Government Aid and County Program Aid. This will mean lower property taxes so more people can comfortably live in and afford their homes, while relying on vital services like clean water, first responders, roads, and bridges. I was proud to support this bill. Paid Family and Medical LeaveNo one should be forced to choose between earning a paycheck and taking care of themselves or a family member. Unfortunately, the United States of America is the only developed country in the world that does not guarantee some sort of paid leave for its workforce. Minnesotans have been telling the Legislature for years that our current system isn’t working well for most people. As a member of my union, I was part of the group that got paid parental leave passed for state employees. While talking to neighbors throughout the campaign, I heard that this was an important issue to you, too. This bill will help to make Minnesota the best state in the nation for children and families. I’m so excited that paid family and medical leave will finally get across the finish line, and become a reality for families all over Minnesota. Around the DistrictCongratulations to Woodbury Middle School for the recognition of Honorable Mention for Minnesota Schools of Character from the Synergy & Leadership Exchange!  Utilizing the 11 Principles of Effective Character Education, schools use an evidence-based framework to improve school climate and culture. Great job! Keep in TouchDo you have questions, comments, or exciting news? You can contact me at rep.amanda.hemmingsen-jaeger@house.mn.gov, by phone at 651-296-7807, or on Facebook. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger State Representative |