Neighbors, It has been a very busy time at the Capitol and in the community. Our committee times have spilled into the evening, and we have had a full slate of bills on the House floor calendar. On Thursday, the full Minnesota House passed a consumer protection bill related to price gouging during an abnormal market disruption, such as a natural disaster or a pandemic. Also approved was a bill to ratify state employee labor agreements. Another bill passed last Thursday was a measure to improve our laws around interfering with a person’s privacy in certain circumstances. The bill expands the language and will provide justice for the victims of these situations while providing future protections, so perpetrators are held fully accountable.  Also last Thursday, the Minnesota House passed the Pathway Home Act, ensuring prevention methods are established to create sustainable resources and support systems to keep youth housed in Minnesota.  The Capitol and the CommunityA challenge all over the state is how to provide stable housing for our unhoused neighbors. The Executive Director of Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, David Dunn testified in favor of my bill, HF2138, to provide funding provided for persons experiencing homelessness. This week, I presented HF1660 in committee. The bill increases medical assistance income and spenddown limits for persons with disabilities and persons aged 65 and over. When kids are involved in foster care, they need support services. My bills HF1661 and HF1672 help families get what they need and were heard in committee last week. I attended the statewide Arc gala this weekend. Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and serving them and their families.  I recently stopped by the SPARK learning experience in Rochester. SPARK is an excellent place for our kids to explore and learn and we are so lucky they are part of our community.  Huddle with HicksJoin me at the next Huddle with Hicks on Sunday, March 12 at 1 p.m. to discuss the legislative session.  Stay Connected with the LegislatureIt is easy to stay connected to news from the State Capitol. The 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. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call or email any time. You can find my information on my House website. You can also like my Facebook page, and follow me on Twitter. It is an honor to represent you at the State Capitol. Sincerely, Kim Hicks State Representative |