Neighbors, We continue to put in long hours on the House floor passing policy and finance bills. On Wednesday, the House passed the Military Affairs Policy Bill, which includes Veterans’ Metro Meals on Wheels, recruitment bonuses, and bringing the Minnesota National Guard criminal justice statutes in line with the federal code. Other Legislation Passed This Week:Yesterday, the House passed the Environment and Natural Resources Budget and Policy Bill. The legislation includes significant investments in tree planting and addressing emerald ash borer, policies strengthening and enforcing Minnesota’s air quality statutes, and substantial provisions dealing with the state’s solid waste problems. The discussion can be viewed here. Also, yesterday we passed the Transportation Supplemental Budget Bill, which delivers $88 million in robust investments in railroad safety, public transit, climate change, driver’s examinations, and more. Watch the full discussion here. On Tuesday, the Minnesota House passed the Education Supplemental Budget Bill. The legislation builds on the historic 2023 investment in our public schools by adding $37 million to the Read Act and providing districts with increased financial flexibility. It also expands Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten programs by 5,200 seats beginning in 2025, one year ahead of the schedule set in last year’s budget. Video of the floor debate can be found here. Earlier this week, the Minnesota House passed legislation requiring lost or stolen firearms to be reported to law enforcement within 48 hours after they are known to be lost. This bill will help prevent gun trafficking, assist in recovering lost or stolen guns, make firearm owners more accountable for their weapons, and give our law enforcement another tool to help keep our communities safe and free of gun violence. Watch the debate here. Minnesota Leading the WayA report has found Minnesota continues to lead the way in reducing climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by producing more than half its electricity from carbon-free sources. Last year, DFLers passed legislation requiring utilities in the state generate 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2040. You can read more about the report in this Minnesota Public Radio article.  How Minnesotans can avoid door-to-door home improvement scamsEvery year, scammers are out to cheat Minnesotans out of their money. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued information on how to avoid these home improvement cons. You will also learn how to report a scam and access a link to a publication on home improvement scams.  MDVA Hosting Commemoration of 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam WarThe Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs is hosting three days of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Vietnam-era veterans and their families, allies, and anyone wishing to thank our veterans can see historical displays, view Vietnam War documentaries, walk through the resource fair, and more. Learn more about the commemoration event here.  Veterans Crisis LineAnd a reminder if you, or another veteran is struggling with mental health issues, the Veterans Crisis Line can help in times of need. Veterans can use this option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the previous phone number—1-800-273-8255 and Press 1—by text (838255), and through chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.  Stay Connected with the LegislatureIt is easy to stay in touch with State Capitol activities. The Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can find my information on my House website. Also, make sure to ‘like’ my Facebook page. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Jerry Newton State Representative |