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Andy Smith Banner




Recent House Floor Votes

Dear neighbors,?

As the legislative session continues to progress, I want to share an opportunity for a community town hall and Q&A. Myself and other Rochester legislators will be holding a town hall on *Sunday, March 24th from 2:00-4:00 at 125 Live* (125 Elton Hills Dr NW, Rochester, MN 55901).

Smith Town Hall
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Legislation Passed on House Floor

In the last couple of weeks, we have been moving bills through committees and passing legislation off the House floor. First off, participation in the universal school meals program has surpassed the initially anticipated increase by more than 20% across the state. To ensure we?re meeting the need and filling this gap, House DFLers approved *legislation to continue these investments so no child goes hungry at school*.

The House passed legislation* updating the state?s school resource officer policy [ [link removed] ]*. By codifying guidance provided by the Attorney General?s office into law, we are providing law enforcement and school districts the uniformity and clarity they?ve sought to ensure SRO services can continue in schools that choose to utilize them. We worked closely with all affected parties to craft a bill that secured broad bipartisan support, passing 124-8.

Smith1 [ [link removed] ]

I was proud to vote in favor of?*legislation to fund 101 environmental projects [ [link removed] ]* across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil. The funding, which comes from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, uses a portion of our state lottery proceeds to ensure our environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.

ENRTF

Finally, we passed bipartisan *legislation expanding our price-gouging laws [ [link removed] ]*?to protect people who need services after a declared emergency like a flood or tornado. When a community is picking up the pieces after a terrible storm, it?s not OK for companies to come in with skyrocketed prices to fleece Minnesotans who need help.

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Debt Fairness Act

Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the country. That?s why DFLers have introduced the Debt Fairness Act. Too many people are saddled with unmanageable debt, and our current laws have been insufficient at addressing this dilemma. Medical debt depletes peoples? rainy-day funds and causes them to incur credit card debt, and to forgo medical treatment altogether.

The Debt Fairness Act aims to unburden Minnesotans from medical debt, and help working and middle-class families make ends meet.

medical debt
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EMT Training/Paramedic Scholarships Available

DFLers are working to address the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) statewide shortage. One of these initiatives, that I supported, funds a one-time appropriation of $3 million for up to 600 scholarships of $5,000 starting in the fall of 2024 to be awarded by June 30, 2026.

EMT Scholarship Graphic

If you or anyone you know might be interested in this opportunity to serve the public and give back to the community, you can find eligibility information here [ [link removed]. ].

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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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