Dear neighbors,
I am incredibly grateful to have been sworn in for the 4th time to serve as your State Representative. Thank you for this honor, I will continue to do my best to lift up our wonderful community!
It was an incredible experience to join my fellow Native legislators and community members as we started session with the first ever Round Dance in the Capitol Rotunda. Watch here.
DFL Priorities
The 2023 legislative session started last week. My focus is on getting bills passed quickly to make our state better for everyone. Reproductive freedom, affordable child care, supporting public education, paid family leave and sick time and infrastructure funding are a few of my priorities this session.
We have already taken action on several important issues in 2023.
- The first bill we passed off the House floor this year will conform our tax system with the federal system. This will result in some tax reductions for families and businesses and an easier tax filing season. The bill will also ensure that forgiven student loans are not taxable as income. Should President Biden’s student loan forgiveness go into effect, this will guarantee Minnesotans with student loans receive the full benefit. Learn more here.
- The Protect Reproductive Options Act (PRO Act) which will ensure every Minnesotan is free to make their own reproductive health care decisions has passed several important committees. We hope to pass this off the floor soon!
On my end I look forward to continuing my work at the Capitol to make sure our communities of Roseville and Shoreview receive the resources they need to thrive. This is just the beginning of what should be an eventful session, I’ll be sure to keep you informed of future developments!
Judiciary Committee Updates
I am once again the Chair of the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee where my focus is on making our courts and justice system function better for citizens. We have already taken action on several items.
- We moved the CROWN Act which states that race is inclusive of traits like hair texture and hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists. This legislation is critical for people of color who are discriminated against due to their natural hair. This bill then passed off the House floor on Wednesday! You can watch our discussion of the bill here.
- We also passed my bill to raise the state's funding for public defenders to adequate levels. Minnesota has underfunded public defenders for years, resulting in inequality and a lack of justice across our system. This bill will help ensure that everyone can receive their Constitutionally-protected right to public defense. You can watch my introduction on this bill here.
- Lastly, the committee approved the ‘driver’s licenses for all’ bill on Thursday, which would allow undocumented immigrants to earn a driver’s license. This is an important bill which would restore dignity and mobility to our immigrant neighbors while making our streets safer for all.
You can continue to follow the ongoing work of this committee here.
Stay in Touch
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have questions or feedback that you’d like to share. You can follow me on Facebook and you can reach me by email at rep.jamie.becker-finn@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-7153.
Sincerely,
Jamie Becker-Finn
State Representative