 Neighbors, On Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed comprehensive legislation to provide a uniform system across the state for districts that decide to have a School Resource Officer (SRO) program. It provides clarity law enforcement agencies and school districts sought last fall regarding the use-of-force standard. Significantly, the bill requires the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board to develop a model policy. The policy will have minimum standards for proper use of force, response tactics to minimize the use of prone restraints and other physical holds, the duty to render care, alternative procedures to de-escalate conflict, and considerations to build constructive police relationships with students, administrators, and educational staff. The bill requires the POST Board to develop this policy with impacted Minnesotans including law enforcement, education experts, local units of government, community advocates, and organizations representing youth. Committee ActionIn the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, I presented legislation adding music therapist to the positions eligible for coverage under the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) Correctional Employees Retirement Plan. St. Peter Music Therapist Ava Olin testified. Other legislation I presented in the Pensions Commission relates to kitchen staff at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center and the Moose Lake Sex Offender facility. These workers should have the same retirement benefits as others who work directly with patients. You can watch the commission video here. In the Human Services Finance committee this week, I presented my legislation ensuring caregivers are compensated for their time. And this week in the Human Services Policy Committee, I presented my legislation to prohibit recovery peers from being classified as independent contractors. The measure also expands the duties of the ombudsman for mental health and developmental disabilities to include reviewing complaints and other issues related to peer recovery support services. It is important to give those on their recovery journey the support they need. Read the March 7 Mankato Free Press article about this legislation.  Rep. Frederick, Rep. Edelson and substance abuse disorder advocates after bills successfully moved out of committee. 2024 Legislative SurveyCan you spare a few minutes to fill out my 2024 survey? As your state representative, listening to my constituents is the most important part of my job. Your responses will help me better understand your viewpoints, concerns, and values. Click here to begin. The survey will be available through Friday, March 22. Thank you for making your voice heard! The Capitol and the CommunityLast week, I welcomed Greater Mankato Growth representatives on Mankato Day at the Capitol. I appreciated meeting with business leaders who care deeply about the success of our community.  Greater Mankato Growth Executive Vice President Andy Wilke (not wearing his GMG hat) was also at the Capitol this week, testifying in favor of requiring insurance coverage for fertility treatment. You can watch the committee here.  EMT Training/Paramedic Scholarships Available DFLers are working to address the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) statewide shortage. One initiative funds a one-time appropriation of $3 million to provide up to 600 scholarships of $5,000 each starting Fall 2024 to be awarded by June 30, 2026. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this opportunity to serve the public and give back to the community, you can find eligibility information here. Celebrating WomenMarch is Women’s History Month. Join me in celebrating the contributions women have made to our history, society, and culture!  Stay connected with the LegislatureThe Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. You can also visit my House of Representatives website. I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov or call me at (651) 296-3248. Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates. Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature. Sincerely, Luke Frederick State Representative District 18B – rep.luke.frederick@house.mn.gov
487 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-3248 Committee assignments:
Vice Chair: Human Services Policy Judiciary Finance & Civil Law Agriculture Finance & Policy Elections Finance & Policy |