 Legislative Update -Dear Neighbors, We had a productive week as we returned from the legislative break. I’m glad I the chance to spend more time with our community and continue to have conversations around the issues our community cares about. I also want to express my gratitude to everyone who attended my first virtual town hall! If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording here. I’m proud to be your state representative and look forward to taking your feedback to the Capitol as we head into the second half of the legislative session! Before we left break, I had the opportunity to join TPT Almanac for the first time. I was honored to join the show to discuss the serious implications of the recent SCOTUS decision on ‘conversion therapy’ and what Minnesotans need to know. Watch the segment here.  Human Services Bill This week, I introduced a bill in direct response to Governor Walz's Human Services proposal that would make massive cuts to programs that serve our vulnerable neighbors. I am grateful for dedicated Integrated Community Supports (ICS) provider Josh Berg and his incredible testimony and partnership in developing this critical legislation. When we come together to center the voices of the people closest to the issue, we commit to finding a solution with safeguards while protecting our vulnerable communities. My bill would set up a legislative study group and prohibit the Department of Human Services from implementing changes to ICS until the group has submitted a transition plan to the Legislature. The bill comes in the wake of DHS’ termination of the housing stabilization program, which was done without legislative approval. The bill would not prevent the department from investigating fraud. It simply would not allow the department to end or make changes to the program until the work group completed its recommendations to the Legislature. Sometimes, part of program integrity is acknowledging when it’s not working the way it should—especially if it is at high risk of fraud and threatens the programs that support our vulnerable communities. This is what it means to take accountability and offer real solutions. By establishing a legislative study group, we welcome all members of the public who care about this issue to share their feedback and stories. Together, we can help shape this legislation and offer clear recommendations for future legislative sessions. I love this work and am honored to serve our community at the Capitol. I’ll keep working with my colleagues and continuing these conversations until we get this done. Watch the full committee hearing here.  Stay Connected! As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts, questions, or concerns. Send me an email to rep.brion.curran@house.mn.gov or call my office at 651-296-4342, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe. Sincerely,  Brion Curran State Representative Proudly Serving District 36B Minnesota House of Representatives |