Legislative Update from Rep. Michael V. Nelson

Friends and neighbors,  

I want to start off by thanking you for once again choosing me to represent you in St. Paul for the next two years. This year marks the beginning of my 11th term as your State Representative, and I am just as honored to represent you for this term as I was for my first.  

I’ll get down to it – this session is going to be an exciting one. With the DFL in control of the House, Senate, and Governor’s office (creating the “trifecta”) we’re poised to get things done for Minnesotans in a way we haven’t been able to for many years due to Republican obstruction.  

We’re less than two weeks into the new session, and we’ve already moved leaps and bounds to deliver for YOU. I can’t wait to tell you about it.  

Legislative Session Underway

Last fall, Minnesotans delivered a united state government with DFL majorities in the Minnesota House and Senate, while reelecting Governor Tim Walz. I’m incredibly proud of the bipartisan accomplishments we were able to deliver these past few years, but too often Republicans stood in the way of the meaningful changes Minnesotans deserve. 

Last week, our House and Senate leaders unveiled the legislative priorities to move Minnesota forward. My colleagues and I are ready to work hard, work together, and work quickly to deliver on the issues that matter most to Minnesotans.

To be clear: this isn’t an exhaustive list of everything we’re looking to accomplish, but these priorities represent our shared values as Minnesotans and ways we can make our state work better for everybody. 

Labor and Industry Finance and Policy

I’m excited to be serving as the Chair of the Labor and Industry Finance and Policy Committee for the 2022-23 session. Yesterday we passed HF 36, a bill improving worker safety, out of the committee and onto Judiciary Finance and Civil Law committee. All Minnesotans deserve to be safe and respected at work, and this bill is an important step in ensuring safe working conditions. 

Federal Tax Conformity

Yesterday, Governor Walz signed this year’s first bill, HF 31, into law.  

My colleagues and I worked quickly to pass this bill to update Minnesota’s tax code into conformity with federal law. This will result in over $100 million in tax cuts to a wide range of Minnesotans, while simplifying future tax filings.  

This efficient and unified action is just the beginning of an effective legislative session under House DFL leadership. It's encouraging to see the legislation passed unanimously among both Democrats and Republicans. This is what teamwork looks like. 

By passing this bill within the first two weeks of session, the Department of Revenue will be able to incorporate these measures in time for this year’s tax filing season.  

While we moved swiftly to pass this bill, it doesn’t end our discussions at the Capitol about taxes. There are a lot of ideas out there, especially to help young families, homeowners and renters, and Minnesota seniors, and as the session progresses, we will take a hard look at these solutions. 

Adult-Use Cannabis Legalization

Last week, my House DFL colleagues officially introduced legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis. We’ve heard from Minnesotans loud and clear: Minnesota is ready for legalization.  

Our bill creates a safe, well-regulated, and legal marketplace, including best practices for consumer protection, health, and public safety. It also includes a robust expungement program, so people who have disproportionately been caught in the criminal justice system due to cannabis can move on with their lives.  

Protecting Reproductive Freedom

Politics have no place in a doctor’s office. However, last year the U.S. Supreme Court unraveled a half-century of legal protections guaranteeing the right to an abortion.  

The Protect Reproductive Options (PRO) Act received its final committee hearing in the Minnesota House this week and is now eligible for consideration by the full House of Representatives.  

Minnesotans overwhelmingly support the fundamental right of individuals to make their own healthcare decisions. The recent overturning of Roe v. Wade sends a clear message that we can’t take these rights for granted. The PRO Act will codify these fundamental rights into law which is essential in guaranteeing reproductive freedom for the long term. We must act now to ensure a future state Supreme Court can’t take away the bodily autonomy of Minnesotans. 

Stay Connected

To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. 

To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.michael.nelson@house.mn.gov or 651-296-3751, and I will be happy to help.  

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Have a great weekend.  

In solidarity,  

Michael V. Nelson