Rep. Virnig Legislative Update header




Neighbors,  

There’s simply nothing like a beautiful Minnesota spring! While we muddle through some April showers, we’ve been passing policy packages, building on last year’s historically productive legislative session. Here’s what I’ve been working on in Saint Paul: 

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Passing Policy Packages 

On Monday, the House passed the Human Services policy package, which included fantastic legislation to benefit disability services. Now, we’re working on a Human Services Finance package, featuring a few bills I authored: 


* Implemented Own Home Services Grants to help people who live in congregate settings like group homes to transition into independent housing 
* Eliminated crippling parental TEFRA fees 
* Invested $1.2 million in Dakota County to address a workforce shortage 

Last week, we passed an Elections Policy package, which included my legislation to grant Census workers access to apartment buildings year-round to conduct official census activity. Last night, I was assigned to serve on the Election Conference Committee to help craft the final bill. We also passed a Commerce package, which focuses on consumer and child protections, debt reform, net neutrality, and more. This legislation puts strict guardrails on social media platforms operating in Minnesota to help curtail how social media affects kids. Both as a legislator and a parent, I was glad to vote for it.   

Last week, we passed the Education Policy package, building on the historic education budget approved in 2023. The legislation focuses on giving schools flexibility, addressing students’ mental health, eliminating some paperwork, and establishing clear protected speech guidelines, among other provisions. 

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Puppy Day at the Capitol

This week, we had some adorable guests visit us in Saint Paul – puppies! Meet Skittles. Skittles and I had a great chat and an even better snuggle between committee hearings.  

PUPPY DAY
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Grace for President

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting my son’s classroom to read “Grace for President” by Kelly DiPucchio.

 

I read the book as part of a program by Rutgers University called Teach a Girl to Lead. The book gives an easy overview of our political system while asking “where are the girls?” The book highlights the need for more women in leadership to inspire the next generation to help us meet that vision.  

GRACE FOR PRESIDENT

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Gun Violence Prevention

Thank you to Moms Demand Action for stopping by during their Day on the Hill! DFLers have taken major strides to address gun violence in Minnesota, but our work is far from done. Thank you for your work and advocacy on this vital issue.  

MOMS DEMAND ACTION
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Join a State Board, Council, or Committee! 

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State recently released a notice of vacancies for various state boards, councils and committees that are accepting applications. Any Minnesotans interested in public service are encouraged to apply! There are positions for people from all backgrounds and professions, from cosmetologists to engineers.  

You can find the full list of vacancies 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 at  [email protected], or by phone at 651-296-4192. You can contact my new Legislative Assistant, Sam, at 651-296-3305 or via email at [email protected]. 

It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.   

All my best, 

Bianca Virnig State Representative 






State Representative Bianca Virnig

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

Phone: 651-296-4192
Email: [email protected] "(replies to this newsletter are not monitored)"
Website: www.house.mn.gov/52B [ [link removed] ]







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