Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Dear Neighbors, As we finish out 2023 and look forward to 2024, I want to give you an update on our accomplishments over the last 12 months. It is the highest honor to serve our beautiful community of Woodbury in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This year, I served on the following committees and commissions: - Agriculture Finance and Policy
- Commerce Finance and Policy
- Housing Finance and Policy
- Legacy Finance
- Pension Commission
The 2023 legislative session was historic, as we worked towards a better future for Minnesotans and made progress on so many issues I’ve been hearing about since I was first elected. Whether it was addressing and combating climate change, making our communities safer, or making our health care system more accessible and affordable for all, this session we stepped up, worked together, and passed the bills Minnesotans have been asking for. Here you can find some of the highlights from this year. Please reach out to my office if I can be of any help in the future. Together, we’re making Minnesota the best place to live, work, and raise a family.  Higher Education:This year, House DFLers made historic investments in higher education in Minnesota, centered on the voices of students. We’ve passed a two-year tuition freeze at Minnesota State Colleges, allowing students and families to save $75 million combined. Additionally, we passed the North Star Promise, providing full scholarships to students in families making under $80,000 to attend a public postsecondary education or tribal college in Minnesota. By investing so significantly in education and future generations, House DFLers have paved the way for a better tomorrow in Minnesota. Education: Every child in Minnesota deserves a high-quality education. We’re investing in Minnesota students by providing historic investments in public education. Our local public schools in Woodbury will receive an additional $52 million! We’re also providing free universal meals, and expanding access to early childhood education and pre-k. Historic Investments in Woodbury:The House Capital Investment Committee has completed its 2023 statewide Bonding Tour. I joined them in Woodbury to advocate for the $7.5 million update of the Water Tower to ensure a safe and reliable source of treated drinking water for the people of Woodbury. Access to safe drinking water is not just a necessity; it’s a fundamental right. My focus remains steadfast on building a sustainable future for our community. Climate & Environment:The climate crisis is arguably the biggest threat we face. Every day we hear of more natural disasters fueled by climate change. We must act swiftly to prevent the effects of the climate crisis on Minnesotans and keep global temperatures from rising. This session, we championed various initiatives to promote the transition towards renewable energy sources and conservation practices, and banning PFAS chemicals. Together we are supplying grants to local governments and tribal nations to utilize solar energy systems on public buildings, providing annual financial aid to soil and water conservation districts, and committing our state facilities to follow energy guidelines to increase resiliency in the face of climate change.  Keep in TouchYou can contact me at rep.ethan.cha@house.mn.gov or 651-296-1147. You can follow me on Facebook as well. I appreciate the opportunity to serve our district in the legislature and look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Ethan Cha State Representative |