BRAND NEWS with Rep. Jeff Brand

Friends and neighbors, 

It’s hard to believe, but the start of the 2023-24 school year is just around the corner. Whether you’re soaking up every moment of summer or ready to send the kids back to school, you will likely notice some changes this year due to new laws, especially if you’ve got young kids headed back to the classroom. During this year’s legislative session, we made historic investments in our public education system, and for the first time in years, fully funded our public schools. The money we invested in the next generation will mean brighter futures for our students through better access to vital resources to help prepare them for life after graduation.  

One change many families will feel almost immediately is the implementation of Universal School Meals. Starting this year, every public school student will be able to receive free breakfast and lunch every school day, meaning no more negative lunch accounts or lunchroom bullying due to food insecurity. We’ve witnessed far too many kids fall in the gap between need-based free and reduced lunch eligibility and not being able to afford to pay full price, causing kids to go hungry while trying to learn and prepare for their futures. By providing this to all students, we ensure no kid goes hungry or suffers academically due to lack of food access.  

Students will also have access to free menstrual products at school, a problem that previously went under-acknowledged and inadequately addressed despite its major impact on Minnesota’s kids. We also made major investments in child care with an emphasis on rural and Greater Minnesota, including making thousands more Pre-Kindergarten seats permanent. 

All of these new education laws represent a major investment in the future of Minnesota's students and will help to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education, regardless of their zip code or background. 

Looking ahead to next year

I’ve received a good number of questions about what next year’s session will be like. Even though the legislature is adjourned until February, I’m already getting started on next year’s work. One piece of legislation you’ll hear about next session is my bill to ensure fertility treatments are covered by health insurance. One in eight couples struggle with starting their families, and Minnesota has seen a 36% increase in IVF treatment in the past 5 years. Families shouldn’t have to go tens of thousands of dollars into debt to become pregnant, and we’re going to do something about it. We have an opportunity to help people start a family and not have to take out a bank loan to do it. We're talking about one of the basics of life, and we have the technology, but it's quite costly. The Star Tribune covered this possibility, and you can read more about it here.  

Amara’s Law in the Washington Post

If you tuned into my updates during session, you’ll remember Oakdale resident Amara Strande who died from a rare form of liver cancer just a few months ago at age 20. Amara’s cancer was caused by PFAS pollution – it was preventable. Her family paid the ultimate price, and it’s long past time greedy corporations stop putting that bill on Minnesota families. We took legislative action to put a stop to the harm these chemicals have imposed on Minnesotans.  

Amara’s law banning PFAS was signed into law by Governor Walz this spring. Earlier this month the Washington Post reached out about Amara’s story and how she helped change the future of Minnesota’s families. You can read about it here.  

Amara Strande speaking at a press conference on the PFAS Prevention Package earlier this year. 

Putting our community investments to work

Last month, I toured the Waterville Fish Hatchery with Governor Walz and Senator Nick Frentz to talk about the $36 million investment included in this year’s bonding bill. I authored both HF 1344 and HF 3019, which include funding for state fish hatcheries, both of which were passed this session. The Governor recognized both of these bills as he toured the area between Madison Lake and Waterville. I am proud to support greater access of our natural areas to a broader audience because when I was younger that is how I experienced the natural wonders of Minnesota. As Governor Walz put it, it’s just the right thing to do. 

Stay in Touch 

As always, I want to hear from you. Get in touch by calling 651-296-8634 to reach me, or email rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.  

Have a great rest of your summer. 

In solidarity,  

Representative Jeff Brand 

Minnesota House of Representatives