Legislative Update - April 22, 2022

Dear Neighbors, 

The legislature is back from our Spring Recess, and we’re set to enter the final month of session. There’s a lot to get done in these remaining weeks, which’ll start with us passing our supplemental budget proposals off the House floor and then entering negotiations with our counterparts in the Senate.

We have a unique opportunity this year to make use of a historic budget surplus to help ALL Minnesotans thrive in our state. Historically, Black, Indigenous, and communities of color have been left out of state investment, but with $9.25 billion on the table, there’s a lot of good we can do to ensure marginalized communities are able to share in the economic prosperity they’ve too often been denied. Whether it’s investments in education, healthcare, workforce development, or local projects, I’m dedicated to using our final weeks to push for the investments and change communities like ours deserve. 

The People’s House

With nearly two years of a State Capitol that was closed to the public during the pandemic, it’s an incredible feeling to walk the halls and see Minnesotans back in action, fighting for what they believe in. We all had to adapt to remote work, but I think we can all admit there’s something really special when we can all gather in-person to push for the work that needs to be done. 

Yesterday, the Capitol Rotunda hosted two notable groups, the first being the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans for API Day at the Capitol.

Speaker Hortman speaks to attendees of the API Day Rally

The second was a rally to support our bill to ban no-knock warrants. I was proud to join my fellow co-authors of this legislation that would get rid of this action that has too-often resulted in senseless death and tragedy, as was the case with Amir Locke.

No-knock warrants are an unacceptable, unnecessary tool, and should become a thing of the past. The wide majority of police departments in our state do not use no-knock warrants, and have better results. This method is dangerous for both officers and residents.

Some of the bill’s co-authors with Rep. Athena Hollins, the bill’s author

When the law fails our communities of color, we will work to change the law.

Happy Earth Day

We get one Earth, and it’s important we take care of it. As a member of the House Climate Action Caucus, my colleagues and I are committed to putting forward efforts for a cleaner, greener future. We’re one of the fastest-warming states in the nation, and it’s crucial we take actions now to avoid catastrophes for the next generation - or even sooner down the line. 

This recent MinnPost article highlights how, even with improving air quality, communities like ours are still struggling. You can revisit some of the climate and environment proposals I’m working on, which I covered in last week’s update. You can also read more about our overall caucus Climate & Energy Bill here. 

Stay Connected

This Sunday is Governor Walz’s 4th State of the State address, which you’ll be able to watch live at 6pm here. As we head into our final weeks, I also encourage you to take my legislative survey if you haven’t already. 

Please take my 2022 Legislative Survey

Things will be ramping up and moving fast in St. Paul, but I always want to make time to hear from you. Please reach out at 651-296-4262 or email me at rep.fue.lee@house.mn if you have any questions, comments, or ideas about our work. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Fue Lee
State Representative