Just one week left! The legislature must adjourn by Monday, May 20th, so we have been doing everything we can to get our bills across the finish line.
Putting People Over Parking
Last week, alongside Senator Jordan Rasmusson, I presented the People Over Parking Act(SF3572) to the Committee on State and Local Government and Veterans. This bill would eliminate mandatory parking minimums statewide. Mandatory parking minimums are laws that force builders to build a certain number of parking spots, whether they need them or not. Excessive parking requirements have been a major factor driving up housing costs across the country, and also have a hugely a negative impact on the environment. The bill is supported by a broad coalition of affordable housing advocacy groups, environmental advocacy groups, and labor unions, and it also has substantial bipartisan support.
Moving to Address Environmental Racism
Last week I also presented SF4316, which is known as the "Amortization" bill. This bill would empower cities to shut down heavily polluting industries in designated environmental justice areas, such as the Phillips Neighborhood. This would be a major step forward to improve the health and environment of our community.
Human Services Update
The Human Services committee recently reviewed SF5335, which is the Human Services Omnibus Appropriations bill. Some of the biggest accomplishments in human services this session are the bolstering of funding to reduce shortages in disability care, easing the hospital to home transition for pediatric care, and increased funding for addiction recovery programs.
Continued Work on the Higher Education Omnibus Package
We have had ongoing negotiations on SF5326, which is the Higher Education Omnibus Appropriations bill. The bill allocates 5 million dollars to the Fostering Independence Grant, which guarantees that foster children have access to higher education and a brighter future. The bill also adds new funding for ALS research, funding for medical research facilities in Greater Minnesota, and education funding for people transferring out of incarceration.
Meeting with Advocates
I met recently with advocates from ISAIAH, We Choose US, UNIDOS MN, and the Minnesota Uber/Lyft Driver Association to discuss their goals of passing a the Debt Fairness Act, Thermal Energy Networks, fair wages for Uber and Lyft drivers, and the State Voting Rights Act by the end of this year's legislative session. I will continue working to achieve these goals as soon as possible.
