Neighbors, As our second committee deadline nears this Friday, committees have been hearing many bills, with meetings stretching into the evening hours. These longer hearings give legislators an opportunity to hear bills to move along in the process. Last week, we passed an important bill to help our neighbors struggling to pay their rent. On Thursday, the Minnesota House passed House File 1440, which delivers a one-time $50 million investment in emergency rental assistance to the state’s Family Homeless Prevention and Assistance Program to address skyrocketing evictions and rent increases. Through much of the pandemic, federal rental assistance allowed Minnesotans to maintain housing stability. Many of those funds dried up in January of 2022, but the economic challenges facing low-income families did not. As a result, Minnesota experienced a skyrocketing eviction rate last year with more than 20,000 filed. Many counties across the state have seen a 100% increase in eviction filings over pre-pandemic levels.  Getting Work DoneOn Friday, I presented my bill to establish an Anoka County Library Advisory Board. Ramsey County Commissioner Trist Matascastillo and Anoka County Commissioner Julie Jeppson testified in support of the bill.  Hastings Veterans HomeOn Sunday, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke announced a deputy commissioner and the Hastings Veterans Home administrator are no longer employed by the department. The announcement follows reports of a difficult work environment, risking care for veterans at the Hastings facility. As chair of the House Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, I want to thank Commissioner Herke for his swift and decisive action in a challenging situation. It was clear something needed to change at the facility, and we look forward to the MDVA bringing in new leadership to make the Hastings Veterans Home a safe and welcoming place for patients and workers. Staying Connected with the LegislatureIt’s easy to stay in touch with State Capitol activities. The 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. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time. You can find my information on my House website. Also, make sure to ‘like’ my Facebook page. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Jerry Newton State Representative |