Dear neighbors,
I joined dozens of Minnesotans yesterday at a rally to emphasize the importance of the 2020 Census, which is now just 364 days away. Rep. Fue Lee and I spoke about our bipartisan legislation to ensure that everyone is counted. Video is available here.
We’ve made lots of progress in the House recently. Here’s a few of the things we’ve gotten done:
Minnesota Values Budget
In the final two months of the legislative session, the focus will be on setting a state budget for the next two years. Last Monday, House DFL lawmakers announced a framework for the Minnesota Values Budget. Our budget reflects the values that we share as Minnesotans. It makes significant investments in education, affordable health care, and building safe and inclusive communities. Stay tuned for more details!
Clean Energy Bill Moves Forward
As part of the budget process, committees will approve omnibus bills – legislation that contains several individual bills – that will travel to other committees and eventually reach the House floor for a vote. Last Thursday, the Energy and Climate Finance and Policy Committee passed our omnibus bill (HF 1833), the most important clean energy bill Minnesota has seen in years!
The bill includes a plan to transition to 100 percent clean energy by 2050. It also supports cleaner cars, more efficient buildings, and community solar gardens. I’m proud that several of my proposals were incorporated. You can read more about the bill in this article from Session Daily.
Protecting Minnesotans from Sexual Harassment
More than 80 percent of women report being sexually harassed in the workplace. That’s unacceptable. I proudly voted for legislation to strengthen protections against sexual harassment and remove barriers that prevent people from seeking justice (HF 10). For years, courts have determined that behavior must be “severe or pervasive” to count as sexual harassment under the law. This bill would remove that unreasonably high threshold. The House approved this measure with bipartisan support.
Minnesota Values Podcast
The latest episode of the Minnesota Values Podcast just might be the best yet! My co-host Liz Olson and I chat about the budget and talk with Rep. Heather Edelson of Edina about improving support for our kids. Check it out here.
Upcoming Town Hall
If you’re passionate about climate change, energy, or transportation, we want to hear from you! Join Sen. Scott Dibble, Rep. Frank Hornstein, and me for a town hall from 1 – 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 7 at Temple Israel.
Please stay in touch as the session continues.
Sincerely,
Jamie