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Neighbors,???
As March comes to a close, things at the legislature are shifting gears. This week, we began hearing committee budget bills, meaning we?re in the final stretch before we pass some of the great legislation we've heard in committee and make strong investments in the future of our state. ?
As Chair of the Elections committee, I?m incredibly excited about the budget bill we?ve put together. I made a guest appearance on my colleague Jeff Brand?s weekly ?news? segment, BRAND NEWS, last week to talk about it. You can check it out here!?
I also want to thank everyone who came to our Legislative Town Hall last weekend. I always enjoy hearing from community members. If you weren?t able to make it, you can always reach me at [email protected].?
Last week, the Minnesota House voted to pass?legislation?to protect reproductive freedom for Minnesotans and people across the country coming to Minnesota in need of access to the full range of reproductive health care options. Once law, the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act will guarantee out-of-state subpoenas, and court orders for records related to reproductive care cannot be weaponized for prosecution where such care is considered a crime.????
Earlier this session, we established a fundamental right to make autonomous decisions on reproductive care. However, many other states are passing or operating under laws that make it difficult or impossible to access reproductive healthcare, including every one of our bordering states. These laws can include criminal penalties for providers and patients, as well as restrictions on the types of care that can be provided. Because of this, we?re making sure that Minnesota laws have explicit protections for both health professionals and patients. We will not allow other states to persecute people for simply seeking or providing reproductive healthcare. ?
Last week after a long night on the Floor, we voted to pass?legislation?with?similar protections for our?trans neighbors. With the passage of the Trans Refuge bill, we made Minnesota an island of refuge for the trans community, who?continue to face obscene levels of discrimination across the country. With our neighbors from the East, West, and South?also?threatening the lives and well-being of our trans neighbors, Minnesota will remain a safe place for those seeking gender-affirming care without fear of criminal penalty in states that have stripped these human rights.?
To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services? nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication.?
You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page.
To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at [email protected] or 651-296-4176, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you?d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe.?
It is an honor to continue to serve you.??
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In solidarity,??
Rep. Mike Freiberg?
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