Legislative Update - March 26, 2021

Dear Neighbors, 

This was a busy week at the Minnesota House, with us passing several important bills and releasing the DFL budget proposal ahead of our Easter and Passover break next week. When we return, the latter half of the legislative session is crunch time, with more time spent on the House floor passing bills, and committees forming the bills that will be our starting points in negotiation with the Republican-controlled Senate.

For my work, much of that will be focused on the budget target for the House Capital Investment Committee. As chair, I’ll be leading the effort to use our committee’s $1.653 billion budget to craft a bill that robustly invests in communities and creates jobs throughout Minnesota. With a focus on affordable housing, climate-conscious infrastructure, and equity-centered projects, the House Capital Investment Committee will use these targets to ensure all Minnesotans, regardless of their race, region, or economic standing, can benefit from this capital investment bill.

Heroes Week

This has been “Heroes Week” at the Minnesota House because we’re passing bills that meet the needs of Minnesotans who have sacrificed the most to protect all of us. This pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but it hasn’t impacted Minnesotans equally. House Democrats are determined to meet the needs of workers, families, and first responders who have sacrificed the most to protect all of us. These Minnesotans are the heroes of this pandemic, and our state has the resources to ensure they don’t get left behind.

Last night, we passed several bills, including legislation extending worker’s compensation benefits for public safety and health care workers, earned sick and safe time for all Minnesota workers, equal pay for women, and assistance for laid off hospitality and service sector workers. 

While Republicans in the Senate would rather pass tax breaks for giant corporations, we’re delivering assistance to the Minnesotans who need it, and we’re just getting started. 

Vaccine Eligibility Increases on Tuesday

Starting Tuesday, March 30, all Minnesotans 16 and older will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. This is the moment we’ve been waiting for. While there will certainly be a high demand, please remain patient but diligent in your efforts to get a vaccine appointment, especially as we continue to prioritize at-risk Minnesotans.

If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, I encourage you to check out Minnesota’s COVID-19 Vaccine Connector, a tool to help people find out when, where, and how to get a vaccine. It can let you know when you’re eligible to be vaccinated, connect you to resources to schedule a vaccine appointment, and alert you if there are vaccine opportunities nearby. To sign up, visit mn.gov/vaccineconnector or call 833-431-2053. Minnesotans can also contact their healthcare provider, local pharmacy or use the Vaccine Locator Map to search for vaccine providers in their area.

Supporting Minnesota Students 

On Monday, the House passed a strong summer learning package to address learning loss and help students recover from a difficult year. The bill invests in summer programs for students of various ages, field trips and hands-on learning, mental health services, and more. It will help meet students’ academic and emotional needs and make sure they have the tools to succeed as we move forward.

Stay Connected

We start our Easter and Passover break this weekend, returning to committee meetings on April 6, but the work continues. This break is a great time to reach out with any questions or comments you have on our work in the Minnesota House. 

You can reach me at rep.fue.lee@house.mn or 651-296-4262. It’s an honor to serve as your state representative, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, 

Fue Lee

State Representative