Dear Neighbors,
Over the past few weeks, we have been able to pass several key bipartisan budgets in a number of areas to ensure Minnesotans can access resources, investments and recover from the impacts of this pandemic. Below are some more information on what is included in these bills. In addition, please stay tuned for another update later this week on the rest of the budget topics!
Housing
Minnesotans deserve safe, secure, and affordable housing. The Minnesota affordable housing crisis predates this COVID-19 pandemic, but now, with the approved compromise agreement with the Senate on the Housing budget, will invest in innovative solutions to take on housing insecurity as we build back from the pandemic. This legislation protects renters and provides resources for housing providers whose tenants have not been able to pay rent during COVID-19. It also provides affordable housing around the state through public and private investments.
House DFLers fought hard for the inclusion of an orderly off-ramp to our current eviction moratorium. Our housing budget gives both renters and landlords the time they need to take advantage of federal funds. You can read the news release here and watch the debate on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.
Commerce, Climate, Energy
Minnesota is one of the fastest warming states in the country and experiencing the impacts of climate change. To combat this approaching crisis, we must take action to protect our health, our environment, our farms, and our infrastructure. The Energy budget invests in a new Energy Transition Office, and innovative projects and research that will help Minnesota transition to clean energy. We also secured funding to install solar energy panels on schools, saving school districts money while providing educational opportunities for students.
The Commerce budget tackles the record-high catalytic converter theft problem with a series of reforms to deter theft and keep Minnesotans’ cars intact. In addition, our budget contains the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights, which gives students a fighting chance against the worst lending practices.
Transportation
Last week, we approved a Transportation budget that invests in all of the ways people move around in our state (roads, bridges, trains, buses, bikes, and by foot). Our budget addresses racial and economic disparities by reforming the way unpaid tickets are handled, ensures students can travel to and from school safely, and reduces unnecessary traffic stops. In recognition of the fact that transportation is Minnesota’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, it also establishes sustainability goals that will help cut carbon emissions and protect air and water quality.
Higher Education
Minnesota students faced many unprecedented challenges over the past year, and our our Higher Education budget will help them recover by making investments in our young leaders. This legislation will help ensure our students can thrive as they move forward in the post-pandemic workforce, with key funding for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State systems, as well as an increase to the State Grant program that will positively impact more than 75,000 students.
Agriculture and Broadband
The compromise Agriculture budget recognizes the value Minnesotans place on clean water, soil, and air, and looks to the future of farming in Minnesota. Our farmers and food producers need and deserve tools, support, and resources so they can not only recover from the past year’s difficulties, but succeed well into the future. The budget invests in emerging farmer outreach, urban and youth agriculture, the Farm-to-School initiative, Good Food Access, and funding for environmentally friendly production practices and conservation techniques.
Legacy
Our Legacy bill invests proceeds from the voter-approved constitutional amendment to protect and enhance Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, clean water, arts and cultural heritage, and parks and trails. Since 2010, the Legacy Amendment has generated more than $4 billion for initiatives that benefit people and communities across Minnesota and this legislation builds on that success. Our Legacy bill also invests in water safety grants, including funding to provide scholarships to low-income and at-risk children.
Pollinator Week
Last week, June 21-27, was #PollinatorWeek, a worldwide event to promote and celebrate pollinator health. Thousands of Minnesotans across the state have participated in the new and successful Legumes to Legumes program carried as legislation in the House. Pollinators are vital to our food and plant production, and help sustain our ecosystems and natural resources. I wanted to highlight as well as encourage everyone to learn more about how they can make a difference in preserving our pollinator population at https://bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes/.
Stay In Touch
You can stay up to date on our work by subscribing to these legislative updates and “liking” my official Facebook page. For any questions you have on the resources available to our community or our work in the Minnesota House, you can reach me at rep.andrew.carlson@house.mn or leave a voicemail at (651) 296-4218. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative