The Legislature adjourned on May 22 with much to show for it. As the chair of the State and Local Government Finance and Policy Committee, our bipartisan commitment to investing in our everyday public functions will correct over 20 years of chronic underfunding to ensure Minnesotans are getting the quality of services they deserve. Below is a look at what we’ve accomplished for our state and our Plymouth and Medicine Lake communities at the Capitol. To review a comprehensive list of all the news laws we passed and took effect on July 1, click here. TOWN HALL On Monday, July 31st at 7:00 p.m., Senator Westlin, Rep. Carroll, and I will be hosting a nonpartisan town hall meeting for District 42. We’ll provide a brief overview of our historic wins for our area and state, and then go to questions. Everyone is welcome and I hope you’ll be able to join us! You can RSVP and submit questions in advance here.  Safer Communities - Criminal background checks on all firearm purchases
- Red Flag laws to reduce gun violence by those at risk of harm to self or others
- $3.5 million increase in public safety aid for the Plymouth Police Department
- Fire hydrant protection for Medicine Lake
Investing in Plymouth & Medicine Lake’s Infrastructure - TIF funding to redevelop the Prudential Site in Plymouth
- $7 million in state bonding funds to complete safety improvements and pavement upgrades to the Chankahda Trail, formerly County Road 47
- $3.5 million in state bonding funds for Medicine Lake’s redevelopment of water systems and street construction
Targeted Tax Cuts for Families & Seniors - Child tax credits to reduce child poverty in Minnesota by one third
- Expanded Social Security and pensions income tax deductions
- Property tax deferrals for seniors
- Renter’s credit placement on income tax form for ease of filing
- One time refundable tax rebates for qualified individuals
Standing up for our Students - Tied state school funding to inflation to lower class sizes and address school staffing shortages & transportation issues
- Our district schools, over the next two years, will receive approximately:
- $46 million for Osseo,
- $26.8 million for Robbinsdale, and
- $20.4 million for Wayzata Public Schools
- Robust Investments in literacy improvements, special education, and English language learning
- Investments in more mental health resources
- Universal meals for students
Increased funding for Higher Education - State Grant increase and student responsibility formula changes
- Tuition freezes for the University of Minnesota & Minnesota State system
- North Star Promise full scholarships for eligible students to attend a public post secondary institution for families with adjusted gross income below $80,000
- Improvements to building infrastructure for public higher education
Health & Human Services - Increased investments in childcare
- More funding for nursing homes
- Increased pay for direct care professionals
- Increased hourly rates for nursing home workers
- Homemaker rate structure enacted
- Invested in Personal Care Attendant pay
- Protected reproductive health care access
- Legislative Task Force on Aging
Drug Pricing & Affordability - Capped co-pays for inhalers, EpiPens for chronic medical conditions
- Created Drug Affordability Board to hold manufacturers accountable for exorbitant pricing
- Continued coverage for preventative services & expanded coverage for breast cancer screening
- Psychiatric collaborative care coverage for alcoholism, mental health, or chemical dependence
Environment & Climate - Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation
- Phasing out harmful PFA chemicals
- Expanding Solar on Schools program to reduce energy costs
- Achieve 100% clean energy by 2040
- Research Investments for U of M Forever Green Cover Crop Initiative
Keep in TouchThe next legislative session is slated to begin on February 12, 2024; please contact me anytime with ideas, suggestions, and your priorities. There is more work to be done and I welcome a conversation with you anytime. Don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance at rep.ginny.klevorn@house.mn.gov or 651-296-5511. Thank you for the honor of serving our Plymouth and Medicine Lake residents and families at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Ginny Klevorn
State Representative |