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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Sandra Feist (DFL)

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Legislative Update - March 28, 2023

Tuesday, March 28, 2023
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Dear Neighbors,

It was a busy period of presenting bills, debate on the House Floor, and progress for Minnesotans! It’s such a thrill to see our budget bills coming into shape. Here’s what we’ve been up to!

Our Progress

Last Monday, we passed The Reproductive Freedom Defense Act (RFDA). The overturning of Roe v. Wade has led to a flood of cruel and harmful laws attacking not only abortion rights but also individual liberties and privacy around the country. The RFDA would create strong protections for Minnesota’s own healthcare providers and citizens against legal attacks and criminal penalties imposed by anti-abortion extremists in other states. I was proud to vote ‘yes’ for this vital health care.

Repro Rights

Early Friday morning, the House passed the Trans Refuge Bill. We have seen a wave of legislation targeting trans folks over the past couple of years - including efforts seeking to restrict and criminalize life-saving, gender-affirming care. In 2022 this included states like Texas investigating supportive families of trans youth, Florida taking action on care standards through its state medical board, and multiple states proposing bans on gender-affirming care for both youth and young adults. 

The standards of gender-affirming care are evidence-based, well-researched, and supported by all major medical and psychiatric associations. Minnesota has an obligation to protect youth, their families, and the care providers who serve them. I was proud to vote “yes!”

Trans Refuge

My Bills

Last week I had seven bill presentations, and this past week, I had six (including the House floor vote)! This is a particularly hectic phase of the legislative session as some bills make the cut, and others are set aside to be revisited next year. By my count, I currently have over 20 bills being considered for inclusion in omnibus budget bills, as well as a handful of additional bills that I expect to pass as standalone bills once the Senate acts on the bills I’ve passed off the House floor. 

My bill for utility price transparency and accuracy for manufactured home parks passed the house floor last Monday (my 6th bill to pass the House floor this session)! The bill, which was the result of many years of negotiations, gives Minnesotans who live in manufactured homes more stability when it comes to utility pricing. I was proud to have a strong bipartisan vote of 123-3 for this common-sense measure that supports many of our neighbors. 

This past week I presented a bill to create the Office of Youth Restorative Practices. The office will provide structure around building the capacity to use restorative practices and administer a grant program. The broad purpose of restorative practices is to identify the underlying causes of behavior and empower children, families, and communities to take an active role in the prevention and early intervention of behaviors that may lead to involvement in juvenile delinquency, child protection, out-of-home placement, and other areas that negatively impact families. You can see the bill presentation here, and thanks to all the collaborators involved.

Justice

The Keeping Nurses at the Bedside Act is moving through the committee process. On Tuesday, the bill passed the House Labor and Industry Committee. I’m so thankful for the committee's support and for all the nurses who continue to show up for safe staffing, safe hospitals, and better patient outcomes.

Nurses

Last week, I presented the 50-Year Clean Water Plan to the House Environment Committee. This bill allocates $200,000 to the University of Minnesota Water Council to develop a science-based plan to ensure that Minnesota has an abundant supply of clean water for the next fifty years. By 2025, over half of the global population will face water scarcity. Record droughts across the nation have caused other states to attempt to buy Minnesota’s clean water, and here in Minnesota, 56% of our water is considered impaired. We are funding this project to promote and preserve our clean water in the future.

Lastly, big thanks to the Alliance For Period Supplies for the opportunity to share updates and information about my and Sen. Steve Cwodzinski's bill to end period poverty in Minnesota schools! Watch my interview here.

Activities at the Capitol!

I took the picture below from the podium when I spoke at the Save the Boundary Waters Rally in support of my bill, the Boundary Waters Permanent Protection Act! Thanks to all who showed up to raise their voices to support the Boundary Waters.

BWCA

Also, I spoke at the Digital Wellbeing Rally. I’m carrying a bill to fund digital wellbeing programs in schools because our children are crying out for this help. Learn more about the issue here.

Digital

Thank you to the Bring It Home Minnesota advocates, who stopped by my office to advocate for rental assistance. I’m glad that the House passed emergency rental assistance, but we must do more to ensure our neighbors can afford and maintain stable housing.

Home

On another note, did you know that 58% of Minnesotans already pay no taxes on their social security? The issue has been a focal point at the legislature this session.

Instead of prioritizing a tax cut that mostly benefits a narrow band of wealthier seniors, we should address the struggles of low- and middle-income seniors and all Minnesotans. There is a broader, better path forward that responds to Minnesotans who are being squeezed without blowing a billion-dollar hole in our budget that could cause future deficits and cuts to education, housing, and health care. Read more about it here.

Ramadan Kareem

Laslty, I’m wishing all who celebrate a happy, healthy, and meaningful holy month. Ramadan! This holy month, may your fast be prosperous and faithful and your feast be abundant.

Ramadan

Stay in Touch

If you have questions, ideas, or feedback that you’d like to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Email me at rep.sandra.feist@house.mn.gov or call (651) 296-4331. Also, you can follow my official State Representative Facebook Page.

Sincerely,  

Sandra Feist  

State Representative