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Dear Neighbor,
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We?re nearly at the halfway point of the legislative session, and we?re keeping busy! Here?s a quick update.
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Driver?s Licenses for All signed into law
On Tuesday, Governor Walz signed HF 4, Driver?s Licenses for All, into law. The bill signing event was truly beautiful and inspiring. This law will improve public safety, grow the state economy, and treat immigrant communities with the dignity and respect they deserve. It gives me joy to have played a role in getting this done.
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House approves $1.9 billion in local jobs and projects
This week, the Minnesota House passed two pieces of capital investment legislation that would deliver nearly $1.9 billion for local jobs and projects throughout the state. The package of legislation is split between a $1.5 billion bonding bill (HF 669), using General Obligation (GO) bonds, and a $393 million cash bill (HF 670) through the general fund.
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House File 669 focuses on taking care of existing infrastructure and leveraging federal funds that are available for certain projects. The bill also restores and protects our natural spaces, and funds critical infrastructure, such as water and transportation systems, that allow communities throughout the state to grow and thrive.
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House File 670?s cash-funded projects include investments to protect communities from flooding, create safer nonmotorized transportation options, provide clean water, expand local recreational opportunities, modernize health care facilities, ensure safe shelter for youth, increase educational and job training opportunities, and more. It also includes numerous investments in BIPOC-led nonprofits that provide essential community services.?
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Minnesotans deserve safe, strong, and inclusive communities ? and updating our infrastructure is part of how we make that happen. High-quality infrastructure delivers the essential services Minnesotans rely on and contributes to our economic security and well-being. These bills are full of important infrastructure projects that will strengthen our communities and create jobs ? helping Minnesota be successful now and into the future. I?m grateful for the bipartisan work on this bill, and I?m hopeful the Senate will follow suit and send the bill to the Governor?s desk.
Pathway Home Act passes Minnesota House
Last week, the Minnesota House passed the ?Pathway Home Act? with a 73-57 vote. The legislation, HF 444, works to create sustainable resources and support systems to keep youth housed in Minnesota.?
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Emergency services grants in the bill provide homeless persons essential services and emergency shelter. These grants are awarded on a competitive basis and provide emergency shelter, motel vouchers, day shelter, and essential services to children, unaccompanied youth, single adults, and families who are experiencing homelessness. Funding for the Homeless Youth Act provides services to people who are 24 years of age or younger who are unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and without shelter where appropriate care and supervision are available, whose parent is unable or unwilling to provide shelter and care, or who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.?
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House DFLers have long made preventing homelessness a priority. While we have made some progress in recent years, we know there is a lot more work to be done. Housing insecurity ? no matter how brief ? negatively impacts every part of a person?s life, leaves lasting trauma, and often leads to tragic outcomes. We have a moral obligation to address this crisis, and this bill is a strong step forward.
House approves the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act
Yesterday, the House passed the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA) with a unanimous 128-0 vote. The bill codifies sections of MIFPA that were dependent on the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) into Minnesota law and clarifies various terms undefined in ICWA.??
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This bill makes technical changes and adds numerous provisions to MIFPA, incorporating federal ICWA procedures and requirements for voluntary and involuntary child placement and permanency proceedings. The legislation also affirms the state?s policy on tribal-state relations, including the recognition of tribes as sovereign nations and the recognition that tribes have the inherent authority to determine their own jurisdiction for Indian child custody or child placement proceedings.?
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The Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act intends to protect Indigenous children and families from cycles of harm and trauma. With uncertainty around how the U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of ICWA, it is important that we act quickly in Minnesota and respect tribal sovereignty. I?m grateful to Rep. Keeler and Sen. Kunesh for their work on this legislation.
House passes legislation preventing price gouging during times of emergencies
Last week, we passed legislation to ban price gouging in times of emergencies, such as a pandemic or natural disaster. This bill prohibits selling any essential consumer goods or services at ?unconscionably excessive prices? during a declared emergency by the governor. The Attorney General?s office has the authority to investigate any alleged violations and take appropriate actions. Thirty-six other states have similar laws.
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Minnesotans should not be subjected to price gouging, especially during an emergency when they?re trying to survive and care for themselves and their family.
Puppy Day!
This week, the Animal Humane Society hosted their 6th annual Puppy Day at the Capitol. In my opinion, every day should be Puppy Day! Thank you to the Humane Society for bringing a bit of cuteness and snuggles to the Capitol!
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 Minority Leader Demuth and I enjoying Puppy Day!
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. You can reach me at 651-296-4280 or [email protected]. You can also keep up with what?s happening at the Capitol by liking my legislative Facebook page. Thank you.
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Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman
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