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Legislative Update from Rep. Katie Jones





Dear Neighbors,

We’re down to the final few weeks of session and we continue to push on a number of significant issues. 

Student Parent Advocates

Photo: Andrew VonBank, House Photography

"For Student Parent Day it was wonderful hearing from students and support staff about the challenges being a student parent and the benefits of state-supported programming that helps them complete their studies."

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*Capitol Update*

Despite new data from a recently filed lawsuit showing that the ICE agents who descended upon Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge drained more than $600 million from Minnesota’s economy. [ [link removed] ] 70% of Minnesotans [ [link removed] ] are asking for common sense gun violence prevention in response to Operation Metro Surge and the Annunciation shooting. This continues to be a challenge in a tied House. However, we continue to push on both fronts.

I’m monitoring how Medicaid cuts are impacting our number one trauma center in Minnesota, Hennepin County Medical Center. Uncompensated care contributes to this crisis, as emergency rooms are required to treat people, regardless of whether or not they can afford the visit. Hennepin County has introduced a proposal [ [link removed] ] to increase its ballpark sales tax, ranging from .015% to 1%, to generate funds to keep HCMC’s doors open.

As more proposals emerge, I’m interested in a long term, sustainable solution and not a band-aid fix. HCMC serves our entire state, with at least 30% of patients coming from outside of Hennepin County. Nearly half of all medical doctors and health care workers are trained there. It’s also one of our top employers in Minneapolis. I’m working with my colleagues to find a resolution that doesn’t kick the can down the road. I’m encouraged that Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth has also identified saving HCMC as a top priority [ [link removed] ]. 

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*Yes to Homes*

You may have heard about the City of Lakeville approving a moratorium [ [link removed] ]on new home builds. In essence, sending a message to anyone who may want to make their life there: we are not interested in growing a welcoming community nor expanding our tax base. Democrats and Republicans agree: If this becomes a trend, it will have a chilling effect on the growth of our state’s economy and further erode the affordability of housing in Minnesota. You can read the joint statement of both DFL and GOP Housing Committee Co-Chairs here [ [link removed] ]. 

In the House, a bipartisan "Yes to Homes" proposal that has been years in the works, would address Minnesota’s housing challenges in three key ways:


* Build more homes: Jumpstarting the production of more homes, especially the kinds of homes that too often are torpedoed by over-regulation: starter homes, townhomes and apartments.
* Build homes faster: Build homes that Minnesotans want faster by providing local leaders with the tools needed to streamline project approvals.
* Make homes more affordable: Cut costs by eliminating unnecessary regulations that drive up prices, such as requiring HOAs and mandating luxury materials.

Having a home is the foundation for a successful life. Creating more housing is critical for keeping people in their homes and lifting people off the streets. Unfortunately, this proposal has hit some roadbumps, but I’m hopeful we can keep the conversation going on affordable and abundant housing.

Having a home is the foundation for a successful life. Creating more housing is critical for keeping people in their homes and lifting people off the streets. Unfortunately, this proposal has hit some roadbumps, but I’m hopeful we can keep the conversation going on affordable and abundant housing.

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*Keep in Touch*

Please continue to contact me anytime with questions, input, or ideas at [email protected] or 651-296-9281.

You’re also welcome to follow me on my official Facebook page [ [link removed] ] or Bluesky account [ [link removed] ] for more updates.

Thank you for the honor of representing our Minneapolis neighbors at the State Capitol.

Warmly,

Katie Jones
State Representative 






State Representative Katie Jones

5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Phone: 651-296-9281
Email: [email protected] (replies to this newsletter are not monitored).
Website [ [link removed] ]

Legislative Assistant: Spencer Crose 651-297-8129

Follow Rep. Jones on Facebook [ [link removed] ] and Bluesky. [ [link removed] ]

 

 








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