Week in Review: Feb. 21 – 25

Just less than three months ago, state officials predicted Minnesotans would have a $7.7 billion budget surplus for the fiscal 2022-23 biennium. But the February 2022 Budget and Economic Forecast, to be released Monday, may bring even better economic news with revenues already higher than expected this year.

Although a budget surplus often makes lawmakers’ work more difficult as decisions about what to do with the extra money abound, those types of economic problems are definitely better than the alternative. Whatever the numbers say Monday, they will provide House members the data needed to make final decisions in the weeks to come on the legislation that will help shape the state’s future.

But before looking too far into the future, here’s another look at what you may have missed this week and have a pleasant weekend.

Check out the latest gallery from House Photography and stay up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.

AGRICULTURE
Hemp could be approved as food additive in Minnesota

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17127

CIVIL LAW

Bill calls for repeal of MN’s ‘discriminatory and outdated’ fornication, sodomy and adultery statutes

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17162

Judiciary bill aims to affirm parental rights of the blind

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17151

Default approach shouldn’t be terminating parental rights, bill supporters say

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17132

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Trio of bills aim to address barriers to employment, business growth

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17128

EDUCATION

Bill hopes to boost efforts helping teachers, students improve financial literacy

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17155

Foundational blueprint sought to expand computer science education in schools

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17150

More money sought to expand professional development program for language teachers

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17147

Supporters of full-service community schools seek more funding

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17138

Permanent funding sought for voluntary pre-K, school readiness programs

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17135

Greater guidance for school anti-bullying bills get different results

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17130

EMPLOYMENT

House passes $1 billion plan for frontline worker bonuses

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/sessiondaily/Story/17160

Bill to let retirees return to work without pension problems, passes House

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17156

House panel approves bill to limit use of employee non-compete clauses

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17140

Executive branch labor agreements, compensation plans gain committee support

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17131

Student loan forgiveness pitched as possible solution to rural health worker shortage

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17129

ENERGY

How to get renewable energy onto the grid? Northfield has an idea

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17134

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Supporters say boost in funding vital for disability council to continue its work as advisor, advocate

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17154

Reforms aim to offer consistency, focus on safety, well-being of vulnerable adults

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17145

Minnesotans' tobacco use target of bill that gets health panel's OK

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17144

Legislation aims to spur training, education in effort to ease MN's mental health workforce 'crisis'

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17142

HOUSING

House panel approves bill to restart RentHelpMN’s application process

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17153

Multi-million dollar funding request aims to help homeless youth program

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17143

House panel considers bills to increase housing infrastructure bonds

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17133

MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS

A ‘once-in-our-generation’ event? House bill would support celebration for commissioning of USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17148

PUBLIC SAFETY

Armored vest authorization sought for ‘very vulnerable’ first responders

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17136

RECREATION AND TOURISM

Sagging MN tourism industry could get a boost

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17158

STATE GOVERNMENT

Companion Animal Board creation gets some committee affection

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17161

Lobbyists could be required to disclose financial interests each year

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17152

Rep. Sondra Erickson won’t seek a 13th House term in November

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17141

Poston announces he won’t seek re-election

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17126

TAXES

$15 million in incentive bonuses proposed to spur new peace officer hires

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17159

Would local and county services improve with an incentive program?

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17149

Walz tax proposals get first hearing in House

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17146

Grants for COVID-shuttered venues would be tax-free under pair of bills

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17137

TRANSPORTATION

Legislation envisions rest stops filling gaps in electric vehicle charging network

https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/17139