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Andy Smith Banner




Defending our Democracy

Dear Neighbors,

Here at the Capitol, committees are concluding as we put together major budget bills to pass on the House Floor. From the House to the Senate, to the Governor?s office, we are looking towards our future through historic investments in education, health care, transportation, climate, and more! [ [link removed] ] As these budget bills pass, I will keep you updated on the great work we are doing to make Minnesota a better state for us all to live in.

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Ensuring Equitable Taxes

In a recent Taxes Committee hearing, I spoke about the need for us to have a truly progressive taxation system, which caused a bit of a stir with some of my colleagues. From funding education to bank regulation, to literacy, we must recognize that those who have succeeded "because" of the structure of our government need to pay their fair share to ensure "everyone" can flourish in Minnesota. I stand by my comments which you can watch here [ [link removed] ].

Smith Taxes Committee Comments [ [link removed] ]
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Defending Our Democracy

In 2022, with democracy squarely on the ballot, Minnesotans of every race, generation, region, and background showed up to participate in democracy and to protect it. And the best way to protect democracy is to expand it. That?s why we voted this week to pass the Democracy for the People Act [ [link removed] ], which expands voter participation and limits the influence of dark money in our elections. These are just a few of the policies that will help us ensure that every Minnesotan has the freedom to vote and power is firmly in the hands of the people.

Democracy for the People Act
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House Floor Votes - Higher Education and Legacy Funding

On Wednesday, the House passed the largest investment in higher education in nearly four decades. [ [link removed] ] Whether it?s a tuition freeze across the Minnesota State system, investing in our tribal colleges, or ensuring today?s students are prepared for tomorrow?s jobs, our Higher Education budget is a crucial component in making Minnesota an Education State. *The bill also includes $3.6 million to the Mayo Foundation for its medical school to help train our next generation of health care workers.* The cost of higher education has been skyrocketing for decades and I was proud to support this bill to help students gain the skills they need to succeed in life.

We also passed legislation investing over $820 million to continue the important work of restoring, enhancing, and protecting Minnesota?s most treasured spaces and places and increasing access for all. [ [link removed] ] I was glad to support this bill, which invests in our outdoor heritage, clean water, parks and trails, and arts and cultural heritage, *including a bill I presented to the committee earlier this session for SPARK, the Rochester Children?s museum!*

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Stay Connected!

*Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won?t reach my email account.?*To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out [email protected]?or 651-296-9249, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you?d like to subscribe, click here [ [link removed] ]. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe!

Warmly,?

Andy Smith,
State Representative






Representative Andy Smith

411 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Phone: 651-296-9249
Email:[email protected] "(replies to this newsletter are not monitored)"
Website:?[link removed]
Legislative Assistant: Robin Schmidt, 651-296-8197







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