Report from the Capitol: Week 4

Dear Granite City Neighbors,

Another week of legislative action is in the books! As you can see by this chart, we have been taking care of business and doing the people’s work at a historically high level of productivity.

Here is your weekly update on some of the bills I have been working and voting on, and a preview of what’s coming up next week:

PASSED: 100% Clean Energy by 2040

Last night, I voted YES to help our state address climate change and prepare for a carbon-free future. We just passed HF 7, to set a new standard to produce 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040.

The last eight years globally have been the hottest on record, and Minnesota is among the top states currently seeing rapid changes to our climate. Climate change driven by fossil fuels is impacting our environment, infrastructure, and our health.

This bill ensures that we remove barriers to setting up carbon-free and renewable power sources and invest in jobs right here in Minnesota.

We can make Minnesota a leader in the fight against climate change while also setting up a new clean energy industry. It makes sense for our health, our economy, and our future.

As Speaker Pro Tempore, I presided over debate of HF 7

Passed out of Committee: Permanent Absentee Voting

Last election, over 600,000 Minnesotans voted with an absentee ballot, including nearly 3,500 ballots from those in the military, and 26,000 of those receiving an absentee ballot are already on a list to permanently receive an application form. 

Whether it's for the soldiers serving our nation overseas, or the growing number of voters who have taken advantage of the benefits of an absentee ballot, it’s time to cut back on the paperwork and streamline this process for Minnesotans. That’s why I introduced a bill, HF 477, to allow voters to sign up to receive an absentee ballot for every election they are eligible to vote in. The bill was heard by the Elections Committee, and was passed to Ways and Means by an 8-5 vote. You can learn more about my bill from CBS Minnesota’s coverage of it below:

Coming up: Driver’s Licenses for All

On Monday, we are poised to pass the Driver’s Licenses for All bill off the House floor. With an estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants in Minnesota, this bill would allow them and their families to complete necessary daily tasks like driving to work, dropping kids off at school, or attending medical appointments. 

This bill is one of those instances where it’s the morally right thing to do, and the smart thing to do. It will increase safety and justice across Minnesota by allowing these residents to travel openly, once they pass standard licensing exams and tests. Similar bills in other states have been shown to reduce hit-and-run accidents by 7-10%.

Coming up: The Special Education Cross Subsidy

Another important bill coming up next week is my bill to fully fund Minnesota’s special education cross subsidy. I will present HF 18 to the K-12 Education Committee this Tuesday.

One of the many reasons I'm proud to be a St. Cloud 742 parent is because our district is a regional leader in providing special education services. Unfortunately, the state of Minnesota owes our school district $14 million per year in unfunded special education mandates. Passing this legislation and closing the special education cross subsidy will ensure our special education students can reach their fullest potential, and that all of our students have the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

Congratulations to SCTCC President Lori Kloos

This week, Lori Kloos was appointed to serve as the permanent President of St. Cloud Technical Community College. I had the chance to visit with President Kloos after a House Higher Education meeting. I am excited to continue working with President Kloos to support the success of students at SCTCC.

Please Ask Questions & Share Feedback

Another legislative update, another opportunity for me to hear directly from you! Please keep the replies coming. I really appreciate all the thoughts and feedback.

You can reach me at rep.dan.wolgamott@house.mn.gov or 651-296-6612. You are my boss and I work for you, so always feel free to get in touch and let me know how I can best serve you and your family. 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely, 

Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Speaker Pro Tempore

District 14B