Neighbors, Our third and final committee deadline is today for most bills to be considered for action this legislative session. The legislature will be on a short Easter/Passover break until early next week and upon returning to the Capitol, we will begin passing our budget bills. Getting Work DoneLast week, many of our committees rolled out their budget bills, which will shape our two-year budget. The committees on which I serve were among those hearing budget bills. As noted in the March 28 update, last Monday, the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee, which I chair, approved our budget bill. Likewise last week, the Climate and Energy Finance & Policy Committee advanced the budget bill and the State and Local Government Finance & Policy Committee also approved our budget bill. After our Passover/Easter break, we will begin taking House floor votes on all the budget bills. Video of all hearings and floor votes are available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel. Veterans Day on the HillOn Thursday, veterans from throughout Minnesota traveled to the Capitol for Veterans Day on the Hill. At a Capitol Rotunda rally, I addressed the retired, prior service, military families, and supporters of our men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. As a veteran myself, I thank all those who made their voice heard at the Capitol last week and every week. Your service is appreciated and honored.  ------------------------------- To all who celebrate, I wish you a Happy Passover and Happy Easter  Stay 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 |