Dear Neighbors,
We’ve spent the past week in the House vetting components of our complete state budget proposal on the House floor, with the next step being negotiations with the Senate. So far, we’ve passed budgets for the following areas:
- State Government, Elections, and Veterans
- Transportation
- Housing
- Labor, Industry, Workforce, and Business Development
- Legacy Amendment
- Early Learning and K-12 Education
- Higher Education
- Energy and Commerce
Commerce
I am particularly thrilled about the Energy and Commerce Budget we passed yesterday. As the chair of the House Commerce Finance and Policy Committee, I’ve had the honor to craft this legislation with my DFL and GOP colleagues serving on the committee. The bill addresses catalytic converter theft, prohibits price gouging of essential goods and services during an emergency, protects kids from harmful toxins in toys, and includes my legislation to create a student bill of rights to protect Minnesota borrowers from some of the worst student loan practices. Another portion of the bill I’m pleased was included would cap ‘pay day’ lending loan interest rates to these predatory lenders.
Climate and Energy
Minnesota is one of the fastest warming states in the nation, but we are not without solutions to this issue. By setting a clean fuel standard, Minnesota can become a leader in reducing transportation emissions. Our bill also provides the tools necessary to employ the technologies that can bring energy efficiency to homes throughout the state. We can build the clean energy economy that Minnesotans deserve, and the budget we passed this week gets us moving on this goal.
Public Safety
After a heart wrenching week for our state, one step toward justice was made with the guilty verdict of Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd. A conviction is not a substitute for overdue, practical reform that keeps everyone in our communities safer- including our dedicated officers in Champlin and Coon Rapids.
The Public Safety bill the House passed late Wednesday evening balances investments into law enforcement and includes practical public safety reform measures. In this bill, we continue the important reforms to ensure our state’s public safety framework has human rights and human dignity at the forefront. The bill also includes the funding necessary to ensure these overdue reforms can come to fruition.Here is a list of the reforms and accountability measures the bill includes. I am optimistic these policies will help enhance public safety for all of our neighbors, no exceptions.
Rental Assistance
For renters and housing providers that continue to struggle during these challenging economic times, new funds are now available to provide assistance. RentHelpMN has opened for applications, making it possible for low- and moderate-income renters to get caught up on overdue rent and utilities dating back to March 13, 2020. It also makes provisions for those at risk of falling behind on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can find more information at https://www.renthelpmn.org/
Keep in Touch
We’re in the final weeks of the legislative session and I welcome your feedback anytime. Please continue to reach out at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or 651-296-5513 with questions or input. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can be of assistance.
It’s an honor to serve our Coon Rapids and Champlin families in the Minnesota House.
Sincerely,
Zack Stephenson
State Representative