Legislative Update - February 3, 2023

Dear Neighbors, 

Monday started us off on a high note with the passage of House File 4, the “Driver’s Licenses for All” bill, off the House floor. This bill, which I co-authored with my colleagues, ensures our undocumented neighbors once again have the ability to test for and obtain a driver’s license. 

This years-long effort is led by a broad statewide coalition of immigrant-led organizations, unions, immigrants’ rights advocates, and community-based groups. Through their tireless efforts, they built one of the broadest coalitions imaginable in support of this bill: law enforcement, chambers of commerce, agribusiness, faith-based organizations and workers’ rights advocates.

Without driver’s licenses, it has been difficult for tens of thousands of Minnesotans to reliably get to their jobs, school, and medical appointments. Passing this bill will restore a privilege taken away by a Republican Governor two decades ago and ensure our undocumented neighbors are able to participate in society with the dignity they deserve. We’re waiting on the Senate to pass it next, and then Governor Walz will be able to sign this into law. 

Giving Communities What They’re Owed

On Wednesday, I brought a bill of mine before the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee that would require 40% of the money resulting from litigation or settlement for an environmental permit violation to be transferred to the community health board in the area where the violating facility is located.

My bill would ensure communities could then work with the health board to develop a plan to use the money. When it comes down to it, residents are the experts on their own communities, and they should be brought in on these important decisions - we’ve seen this first hand in our own neighborhoods as we’ve combatted pollution. 

I’m happy to say this bill was advanced through the committee, and you can watch the full hearing here. 

Thursday’s Floor Session

On Thursday, in addition to our debate on the rules that will guide our work this biennium, we also passed two more bills off the House floor - one establishing Juneteenth as an official state holiday, and another restoring the vote to those who have served their prison time for a felony conviction. 

Juneteenth commemorates the liberation of African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. By learning from our past we can better address the harmful racial disparities of the present and build a state that is more inclusive for all Minnesotans.

Voting is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy, and it ensures citizens have a voice in decisions that impact their lives. Twenty-one states automatically restore voting rights after incarceration ends, including red states like North Dakota and blue states like Illinois, but not Minnesota - where the current law disproportionately keeps BIPOC Minnesotans who have served their time from having their voices heard on election day. The bill we passed, which I co-authored, will make the change we need.  

Stay Connected

If you have any questions about the bills we’re working on, please feel free to contact my office. You can contact me at rep.fue.lee@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4262, and I will be happy to help. I would also like to introduce my new Legislative Assistant, Abdulaziz Mohamed, who will also be helping out with any correspondence my office receives. 

I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Fue Lee

State Representative