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Dear Neighbors,
We are a little more than a month and a half removed from the 2026 session. I'm proud of what we accomplished despite the stresses of a tied House. We passed some major accomplishments that secured critical investments to strengthen our communities, improve public safety, protect consumers, and keep Minnesota moving forward.
One of our biggest achievements was passing a $1.2 billion capital investment bill that creates thousands of good-paying jobs while improving roads, bridges, drinking water systems, parks, trails, and other vital infrastructure across Minnesota.
We also secured emergency funding to keep Hennepin County Medical Center open. HCMC will be able to continue serving patients from every corner of Minnesota, providing specialized trauma and emergency care that countless families depend on during life's most critical moments. Protecting this essential institution was one of our highest priorities.
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We also took steps in making life more affordable for Minnesotans. When we talk about making life more affordable, it's more than trying to offset disastrous federal policy. It's also about being proactive and making sure Minnesotans have access to the tools they need to live independently, work, learn, and participate in their communities. I wanted to let you know about a terrific program that the State of Minnesota has been working hard on this front.
For many people with disabilities and older adults, assistive technology can be life-changing. But finding the right equipment can be expensive and overwhelming. That's where the Minnesota STAR Program and MnAT4All come in.
MnAT4All is a free online marketplace that helps Minnesotans find affordable assistive technology through device loans, exchanges, donations, and used equipment. Instead of purchasing expensive equipment outright, individuals can often borrow a device, try it before buying, or find gently used technology at a lower cost. If you’d like to donate any items in good condition, you can reach out to them.
The Minnesota STAR Program also offers free device loans, demonstrations, and expert guidance to help people identify technology that best fits their needs. Whether it's mobility equipment, communication devices, vision or hearing technology, or tools that make everyday tasks easier, these programs help reduce costs while increasing independence. Cost should never be a barrier to accessing the technology that can make everyday life easier.
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New Laws Taking Effect in July
Several new laws, mostly from this session, took effect on July 1st. These include requiring social media platforms to display mental health warnings, helping schools establish anonymous threat reporting systems so students and families can safely report concerning behavior, and making new investments in security and services for crime victims. We’ve been working to improve public safety, support families, and ensure Minnesotans have the resources and protections they deserve, and these laws do just that.
Keep in Touch
If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to share, you can contact me by email at [email protected] or call (651) 296-4128. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Liz Reyer
State Representative
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