Legislative Update - April 14, 2023

Dear Neighbors, 

We’re back from our Spring Recess, and the bulk of our work is now focused on passing our House budget proposals, starting with our first two this week. There are several important “stand alone” bills we’re also working on, but basically we’ll be spending a lot of the next few weeks on the House Floor, and less so in committee rooms. 

In fact, today was our last regularly scheduled committee hearing for Capital Investment. That doesn’t mean our work has stopped - far from it. It means our committee’s focus will now be on putting forward a final bill for passage.

Here’s the latest from the State Capitol:

The Legacy Amendment

In 2008, Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment because all of us want our state to be a great place to live, work, and play. This week, we passed our Legacy Budget, investing over $820 million to continue the work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota’s most treasure spaces and places, increasing access for everyone. 

This is another fantastic bill, and one that wouldn’t be possible without the DFL Trifecta. It’s investments include:

This was one of our first budget proposals to pass off the House floor, which is appropriate, as it invests in so many of the things that make Minnesota special. 

Investing in Higher Education

Our next budget proposal we passed invests in Minnesota’s Higher Education system. With declining enrollment across higher education, we’re providing a record increase in investment for Minnesota’s colleges and universities. Our budget prioritizes a higher education system that is accessible, affordable, and effectively building the skilled workforce Minnesota deserves. 

Whether it’s a tuition freeze across the Minnesota State system, addressing the U of M’s tuition shortfall, investing in tribal colleges, or ensuring today’s students are prepared for tomorrow’s jobs, our Higher Education budget is a crucial component in making Minnesota an Education State.

You can read more about our Higher Education budget here. 

The Democracy for the People Act

Yesterday, we passed House File 3, also known as the Democracy for the People Act. I was incredibly proud to vote for this bill because democracy works best when everyone has the opportunity to participate and make their voice heard.

Our bill will do the following, for all Minnesotans, no matter their race, background, zip code, or who they voted for:

You can read more about our bill here. 

Stay Connected

We’re in the final weeks of the legislative session, and I’m looking forward to all that we’ll be able to accomplish together. 

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