Lucy Rehm’s Legislative Insights: Saturday Special Edition

TL/DR –

The article is a report from a legislator about the final stages of the 2024 legislative session. The legislator details several bills that have been passed, which focus on various areas such as the Human Service Policy, Health Supplemental Budget and Policy, Elections Committee Supplemental Budget, Higher Education Supplemental Budget, K-12 Education & Children & Families Budget, Agriculture Supplemental Budget, Climate and Energy Budget and Policy, and legislation on “hidden convenience” fees. The legislator also notes that there is ongoing work until the constitutionally required adjournment time, and encourages residents to keep in touch with questions or feedback.

2024 Legislative Session Approaches its End

As the 2024 legislative session draws near to its close, we remain steadfast in our commitments on the House Floor and within conference committees. As a result, we’re amending bills, engaging in legislation vetting, and endorsing Senate/House revised bills or ‘conference committee reports’ that reflect updated provisions, ready for the governor’s approval.

Legislative Update

Here’s an overview of the recent legislation and committee reports passed by the House:

• The Human Service Policy Committee report, a bipartisan initiative enhancing support for the vulnerable, refining provisions for individuals with disabilities, those in recovery from substance use disorder, and waiver services recipients.
• The Health Supplemental Budget and Policy report, a robust bill aimed at amplifying health insurance coverage, improving healthcare access, bolstering patient rights, reforming Emergency Medical Services and addressing mental health concerns in Minnesota.
• The Elections Committee Supplemental Budget report, focusing on enhancing voter access, election transparency, voter turnout, and election influence disclosure requirements.
• The Higher Education Supplemental Budget report, which invests in the Kids on Campus Initiative, providing affordable childcare for students on college campuses.
• The K-12 Education & Children & Families Budget report, featuring investments in READ Act funding, a paid student teaching funding pilot, and resources to tackle chronic absenteeism.
• The Agriculture Supplemental Budget

report, encompassing the reauthorization of the Food Safety and Defense Task Force, farm-to-school grant funding, and addressing the groundwater nitrate crisis.

• The Climate and Energy Budget and Policy bill, including reforms to the permitting process for clean energy projects, support for geothermal energy, and policies to achieve the 100% Clean Energy by 2040 goal.
• The conference committee report targeting hidden “convenience” fees and advocating for upfront pricing for event tickets, restaurant meals, hotels, credit cards, and more.

Keep in Touch

We will continue our legislative work until the constitutionally mandated adjournment at midnight tomorrow. We’re grateful for the opportunity to represent our Chanhassen and Chaska residents at the State Capitol and encourage you to reach out with any questions or feedback to ensure your voice is heard in our legislative efforts.

In community,

Lucy

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