Legislative Update from Rep. Huot

Dear Neighbors,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Even if you’re Irish just for today, I hope it’s a lucky day!

When I think about my family’s journey to the United States from Ireland, it’s not unlike the stories we hear of immigrants today coming to America for a better life. As a country just shy of 250 years, we’re still figuring out the Great American Experiment, and it’s an honor to be a part of that progress in my capacity as your state legislator and the great-grandchild of immigrants.

It’s hard to believe we’re roughly midway through the legislative session. Committees are in full swing and we’ve also begun passing bills off to the House Floor. With 67 Democrats and 67 Republicans in the House, all bills that advance to a full House vote must have bipartisan backing. 

One of these we passed directs $9 million dollars to Minnesota’s supportive housing providers who were impacted by harmful federal cuts. This is another example of the feds leaving us as a state to step up to provide emergency gap coverage. We’re doing the best we can with a modest state budget, but with the rate of uninsured in Minnesota climbing to the highest level in 6 years, an average gas price now more than 80 cents higher than one month ago, $160 billion in federal tariffs taken from Minnesotans, rapidly rising energy costs, we’ve got to do more to expand our state economy and grow Minnesota’s shrinking middle class. You can read more about our Affordability Plan here.

Legislation I’m Working On

Strenthening the Integrity of Public Safety

All Minnesotans deserve to be safe in their communities and homes. They deserve to know that when they call for help, they can trust that a trained public safety officer will respond quickly. That’s why I’m glad to see my bill advancing to uphold the integrity of our local police departments.

My legislation would require the removal of any equipment or insignia that could mislead a person to believe a vehicle is used for public safety purposes before resale. Any violation of this law would subject the seller to a civil penalty of $2,500.

Photo: Andrew VonBank, Minnesota House Photography

HOA Bill of Rights

I’ve heard from many in our community who are feeling taken advantage of from their Homeowners Association (HOA). I’m tracking a bipartisan bill moving through the legislative process to give HOA homeowners more of a say about how they want their community run. A few highlights include requiring hard caps on late fees, special assessments, and the total amount HOAs can collect in fines. It also eases restrictions on community policies like whether or not you can fly a flag. You can read more about the bill here. What do you think of this proposal? 

Connected to Community

Big congratulations to the Lady Irish Girls Basketball for clinching a victory over 63-62 Hopkins at the State Championship this year! What a season!

Photo: ISD 197

I appreciated meeting with FFA students earlier this month! It’s always great to see a new generation that brings fresh energy to Minnesota's robust agricultural economy.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime if you need help, have questions, or would like to provide input. I appreciate hearing from you!

Thank you for the honor of representing our Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan neighbors at the State Capitol.

Enjoy the warm up later this week,

John