Legislative Update- February 24, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’re having good week and are enjoying the snow. Here’s an update from the Capitol.

I’ve been busy organizing my bills, preparing for bill hearings, and introducing bills to bolster mental health supports in our schools, provide property tax relief for middle income homeowners, continue the Lawns to Legumes program, and provide coverage for gene testing for newborns who have an uncertain diagnosis to aid in their care. You can find a full list of the bills I’m authoring here.

Working to get bills organized for introduction with my legislative assistant, Hans.

So proud to stand with these incredible public servants who testified in committee in favor of my bill to expand access to the tobacco cessation medications and counseling people need to quit. Tobacco is still the leading cause of disease, disability and death in the United States. The bill passed on a bipartisan vote to move on to the next committee! Let’s #KeepLungsLoud in MN!# BipartisanSolutions #ForAHealthyThrivingMinnesota #mnleg

Excited to author the Taxpayer Protection Act to ensure that international mining conglomerates pay for any pollution and environmental destruction they cause rather than leaving the bill to Minnesota taxpayers. #FiscalPrudence #ForAHealthyThrivingMinnesota

Public Safety Update

This week, the Minnesota House of Representatives announced a new proposal I’m coauthoring to recruit and retain more police officers. Developed in consultation with the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the proposal would utilize the Minnesota State system to provide intensive, comprehensive coursework and training for highly qualified college degree holders and high school graduates.

It’s clear we need a robust public safety response amid the national and local rise in crime and gun violence. This legislation will help us address the critical shortage of peace officers in the state and attract more people from our region with the opportunity to serve our community. This doesn’t mean we should stop advocating for additional community-based strategies in how we address public safety.  

In 2021, House lawmakers not only increased funding for law enforcement, but improved coordination and response to mental health calls, modernized training standards, invested in community violence prevention, substantially reformed our sexual assault laws, and cracked down on catalytic converter thefts. There’s more to do in 2022 to deliver the level of public safety Minnesotans expect, and I’m committed to delivering for our communities.

Connected to Community

Great to connect with Annie Lumbar Bendson, Director of Health Services at Minnetonka Schools! Appreciate her expertise, energy and ideas. Thank you for taking such good care of Tonka students and families! #SchoolNursesRock

Great to meet with constituents Hilary Dolan and Ron Tobin on PT Day on the Hill! Grateful for the work they do to help people achieve their peak mobility and activity levels. I can attest both professionally and personally to the importance of physical therapists and PT assistants! #ForAHealthyThrivingMinnesota

It was an honor to speak with #epilepsy advocates this morning! Thank you for being here and for sharing your experiences with legislators. You are making a difference for people and families impacted by epilepsy! Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota #ForAHealthyThrivingMinnesota

Thanks to Josh Leddy from Back Channel Brewing for testifying in the #Commerce committee in support of my Guest Tap bill! #SupportLocalBusiness

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out anytime to ask questions, provide feedback, and let me know how I can help. You’re welcome to follow me on Facebook for more updates.

It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.

Take care,

Kelly