Legislative Update: March 2022

Dear Neighbors,

As Spring has officially arrived, the House has been hard at work to meet the first deadlines for legislation to be heard in committee. 

Here is an update on recent activities here at the Capitol.

Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and I am proud to continue to honor the legacy of so many trailblazers who led the way before me, and I will continue to fight to make the future a better place for all women. Here are some of the bills we are working on to improve the lives of women across the state this session:

End Period Poverty MN (HF 2750)

Conversion Therapy Ban (HF 2156)

ERA MN (HF 406)

My homeless youth bill, including a study on pregnancy (HF 3661)

Uterine Fibroid Study (HF 2918)

Breast Cancer Testing (HF 2414)

Women Venture Childcare (HF 2352)

Supporting Teachers

Having been a public school teacher for 16 years and coaching for 24 years, I know the commitment our teachers make to properly prepare for a classroom environment that fosters learning and growth. Everyone who knows a teacher knows how much unpaid extra work they do outside of the classroom for our children to have a great education. 

That is why I’ve partnered up with my House DFL colleagues to introduce H.F. 3926, a measure to increase prep time for teachers in Minnesota. I will always work to ensure our teachers have the tools they need. 

Investing in our Stillwater, Oak Park Heights Communities

Recently, I introduced two pieces of legislation to the Workforce and Business Development Finance and Policy Committee which would provide much-needed funding to local communities in her Washington County district.

H.F. 3978 would deliver funding for the Washington County Heritage Center in Stillwater to complete the construction of the building in order to add storage that will preserve artifacts. I release the following statement after introducing the bill:

“The Washington County Heritage Center is a welcome addition to Stillwater and I encourage everyone to visit. Recognition of the Ojibwa and the Dakota, the area’s original inhabitants, is just one of the important exhibits showcasing our fascinating, diverse, and shared history.”

H.F. 3985 is a bill to provide grant funding for cities in Minnesota that are facing the closing of coal, nuclear, and gas plants. With the Allen S. King Plant scheduled to close in 2028, increased funding will be vital in allowing communities the ability to plan for the significant loss in tax revenue and jobs in Oak Park Heights. I am proud to advocate for these communities.

Keep in Touch

If you have any questions, comments, or ideas on how to make our community and state a better place to live, work, and raise a family, please reach out to me. You can contact me through email (rep.shelly.christensen@house.mn) or phone (651-296-4244). I appreciate hearing from you!

Sincerely, 

Representative Shelly Christensen