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Dear Neighbors,
I hope this finds you well, and you are staying warm. You can also learn about potential pre-weatherization rebates, and if you are eligible, here.
I’m going to cut to the chase. I’m hearing from many of our neighbors that they are scared and worried both by the actions happening at the federal level and by a number of bills being introduced in the Minnesota Legislature. I want to affirm that these concerns are real and valid.
Addressing Federal Government Actions
President Trump and unelected Elon Musk have been issuing dangerous Executive Orders and slashing programs and staff across the federal government, with major implications for Minnesotans. I have heard from neighbors who are uncertain of program funding, who have been unjustly fired from their jobs, and who are terrified that their identity puts their very existence in jeopardy.
The Minnesota DFL is taking an “all of government” approach to push back and stand up for Minnesotans. AG Ellison is filing and joining multistate lawsuits to check executive authority and preserve the rule of law. Governor Walz is demanding answers for federal funding cuts. We in the Legislature are exposing the harms and doing what we can to beef up our state guardrails.
Please continue to share your concerns and stories with me and with our federal representatives. Also, you may encourage family and friends especially in Republican districts to do so too. Public pressure can create change. It’s how for example the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was saved in 2017. The biggest tool in our country’s checks and balances structure to combat the egregious executive actions lies with Congress; they must act.
Representing You in Committees and on the House Floor
Committee work is underway in earnest! I’m excited to be serving on the Energy Finance and Policy, State Government Finance and Policy, and the Transportation Finance and Policy Committees.
While I’m glad to be in St. Paul, working on behalf of our community it’s been disheartening to see so much of Trump's playbook being carried out at the state level. Republicans are forcing through bills to stop Paid Family Medical Leave Law (HF11), roll back reproductive health care access (HF 24/25), ban trans girls from playing sports (HF 12), and slash critical investments in transit, clean energy, and climate resiliency (HF 5, HF 9, among others). My colleagues and I are pushing back in every way possible on these bills, which are antithetical to building a more just, resilient, and thriving Minnesota. Please know that although many of these bills are passing out of committee, they have very little chance of securing the 68 votes required for adoption on the House Floor.
For my part, I’m continuing to meet with constituents, advocacy groups, and our nonpartisan House Research team to craft legislation that ensures we can all thrive in Minnesota. I’m also co-authoring several bills; one that creates better use of and revitalizes our downtown space, protects investments in Minneapolis Public Schools, and creates a supplemental energy assistance grant program. Please always feel free to reach out with ideas for legislation; I’m happy to chat and learn more about what’s a priority for you.
 Photos: (left) Gov. Walz brought “bipartisan bars” to the floor for members to enjoy and encourage socializing on both sides of the aisle. (right) Meeting with Minneapolis College students for LeadMN Advocacy Day.
Community Meetings
I recently visited Serve MN, headquartered in House District 61A. They run the state's AmeriCorps programs of 2000+ members in 78 countries. It was great to hear from CEO Julia about the fantastic education, environment, health services and more that members provide. Unfortunately, Trump's actions put these at risk. Trump's executive orders cause funding disbursement delays and uncertainty. These programs can't carry payroll costs without promised government funding. AmeriCorps members are basically stipend volunteers. Think Peace Corps but on U.S. soil. They bring huge additional capacity to communities and are a good bipartisan investment.
Especially in challenging times, parks can be critical for respite and gathering with community.
Minneapolis Parks are top in the nation because we invest in them. I was pleased to join Reps. Lee and Jordan recently to hear Superintendent Al Bangoura's team share park priorities to expand and improve these vital public spaces.
Thanks to the Minnesota Nurses Association from HCMC for sharing their experiences working in our public hospital. Lack of transparency of the governing board is a growing concern. We should expect visibility and access into the decision-making of our public institutions.
Community Resources
As mentioned at the top of this newsletter, I hope you’re staying warm! Along with these subzero temperatures can come expensive heating bills; has yours seemed higher than normal?
Fortunately, in 2021 the Minnesota Legislature strengthened energy efficiency programs that can help lower costs. In Minneapolis, you can schedule an appointment with the Home Energy Squad to visit your home to identify low cost energy-saving solutions.
Each visit is approximately two hours, and during that time, the Home Energy Squad will perform various energy-saving tests, inspect your insulation, heating and cooling systems, and water heater. The cost for visits varies based on your income, so you can expect to pay as little as nothing up to $100. There is also an option to receive text messages or emails directly from the Home Energy Squad if a cancellation occurs and they can move the visit up earlier. CenterPoint Energy estimated that this conservation program has saved Minnesotans $25 million collectively during just one cold weather event.
Keep in Touch
I’ve appreciated hearing from so many of you! Please continue to reach out anytime at [email protected] or 651-296-9281. Due to technological constraints, direct replies to this email newsletter will not reach my inbox. Please use the email address above to send me a note.
You’re also welcome to follow me on my Facebook page and Bluesky for more updates from the Capitol.
Thank you for the honor of serving our Southwest Minneapolis neighborhoods in St. Paul.
Enjoy the warm up this weekend,
Katie Jones
State Representative
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