Neighbors, This week, we continue to put in long hours on the House floor passing policy and finance bills. Earlier this week, the Education Policy Bill Conference Committee met and reached a compromise agreement on the House and Senate versions of the legislation. It was a great honor to co-chair the conference committee, and our legislation helps students prepare for the future. 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. Ahead of the vote, we held a news conference to talk about provisions in the bill.  Other Legislation Passed This Week:The House passed the Environment and Natural Resources Budget and Policy Bill, which includes significant investments in tree planting and addresses 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. We also 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. Additionally, 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. Saving LivesThis week we passed a slate of bills to reduce gun violence in Minnesota and save lives. Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children in the United States and it is time we take action to make Minnesota a safer place to live. Our bills require the safe storage of firearms, the report of missing firearms, crack down on straw purchasing, and ban binary triggers. All Minnesotans deserve to be safe in their communities, and these are important steps to save lives. I am proud to have voted yes.  Minnesota Leading the WayMinnesota continues to lead the way in reducing climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by producing more than half its electricity from carbon-free sources, according to a newly released report. 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 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.  Stay connected with the legislatureThe 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. You can track bills of interest with the MyBills feature and for general House of Representatives’ information, click on the website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email me any time. You can also connect with me on Facebook here. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Laurie Pryor State Representative |