Dear Neighbors,
Session is in full swing as we continue to move legislation through the committee process ahead of the bill deadlines beginning in late March and early April. Here is some of what I’ve been shepherd-ing through the process in the last couple of weeks:
- HF 3863 was heard in the Human Services committee. This bill, which comes from the Minnesota Department of Health, improves our state's process around people with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities who have been committed to state facilities. Watch the presentation on this bill here.
- I continued to push forward my bills which would fund a health care training simulation center in Rochester, the Rochester International airport, and the Rochester Children’s museum.
- My bill to provide childcare grants to Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) was discussed in the Early Childhood committee. Watch my presentation here.
- I presented HF 3862 to the Preventive Health Policy Division. It creates a program to distribute free KN95 masks and rapid tests to Minnesotans who request them. Over the last two years we have learned just how important these tools are to minimizing the impact of COVID-19. Watch my opening statement on this important bill here.
- I presented HF 3858 in the Industrial Education and Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee. This bill would provide much needed investments into drinking and wastewater infrastructure. Watch my presentation here.
- I presented HF 3268 in the Human Services Committee. This is a comprehensive bill aimed at the recruitment and retention of DSPs who provide care to our neighbors with disabilities. This is a critically important issue, and I’m grateful for all of the DSPs who came to testify. Watch my presentation here.
- My first bill passed off of the House floor! And with unanimous support. It's a straightforward bill which cleans up authority around township and zoning issues. You can watch my presentation of the bill here.
Women’s History Month
March is Women’s History Month! 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:
March 8th was International Women’s Day; I was proud to be one of several Rochester woman leaders interviewed by KTTC to mark this day; you can watch that news piece here.
Transportation Safety
The House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee recently held two informational hearings to learn more about and address the growing problems associated with traffic and pedestrian safety. The committee received expert testimony from the State Patrol and the Minnesota Department of Traffic Safety showing that despite fewer cars being on the road last year, Minnesota still saw 498 deaths in traffic related crashes. 58 of those were pedestrian related fatalities, which averages more than one death a week. Speed was cited as a key contributor, but also, the lack of strong and safe pedestrian infrastructure is a huge problem. The StarTribune covered the hearings, and you can read more about various proposals on the table to address the surge in fatalities and injuries, here.
Stay in Touch
I always appreciate hearing from you, so please continue to share your questions, ideas, and feedback. Feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.liz.boldon@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-9249. If you’d like to schedule a time to chat by phone or Zoom, I’m happy to do that as well. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and you can also follow my Facebook page here.
It’s an honor to represent our community. Please be safe and stay in touch.
With gratitude and hope,
Liz
Rep.Liz Boldon, District 25B
533 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155