Legislative Update - March 24, 2023

Dear Neighbors, 

We’re in the second half of the legislative session, and the effectiveness of the DFL Trifecta is really starting to show results. Just this week, legislative leaders and Governor Walz laid the framework for our state budget - a deal typically struck in the final weeks of session under divided government. 

It’s just the latest in this long list of headlines showing us delivering for Minnesotans:

For this budget agreement, much of my work will be focused on the $2.29 billion allocated for capital projects. After the Senate Republicans refused to help pass a bonding bill, this budget allocation will be our avenue for investing in the local jobs and projects our state desperately needs. 

An Open and Accepting Minnesota

In Minnesota, we don’t believe in playing political games when it comes to ensuring people can access the health care they need. This week, we passed two important bills reaffirming that belief. The first, on Monday, was the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act. This bill will guarantee out-of-state subpoenas and court orders for records related to reproductive health care cannot be weaponized for prosecution where such care is considered a crime. Not only does it protect Minnesotans but any American who seeks care in our state.

The second, which we passed early this morning after hours of Republican filibustering, was the Trans Refuge Bill. We have seen a wave of legislation targeting trans folks over the past couple of years - including efforts seeking to restrict and criminalize life-saving, gender-affirming care. The standards of gender-affirming care are evidence-based, well-researched, and supported by all major medical and psychiatric associations.

Clean Energy Projects

A bill we passed last night, which I co-authored, ensures Minnesota is in the best position to unlock federal funds for clean energy projects, meet our climate goals, and transition to a cleaner future. The bill invests $115 million to unlock billions in federal funding, and will create good-paying union jobs and ensure that everyone can benefit from this clean energy transition.

These federal funds would be available all across the state, in communities large and small. It aids Tribal governments and disadvantaged communities, and it will make Minnesota competitive with other states to bring billions in clean energy dollars here. It will also help Minnesota meet our Climate Action Framework goals to deliver clean energy that is affordable, reliable, and safe.

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 look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Fue Lee

State Representative