Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.  Neighbors, On Monday, the Minnesota House passed SF 5335/HF 5280 the Human Services Supplemental Budget. The legislation builds upon the state’s budget by taking meaningful action to improve services for Minnesotans with disabilities and ensure quality treatment for individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders. Significant investments include $21.6 million for expanding access to state-operated treatment programs, $19.1 million for reducing recidivism and preventing overdoses, $7.7 million for long-term services and supports, and $4.8 million for Personal Care Assistant services provided by a parent or spouse. I serve as chair of the Human Services Policy Committee, and the House and Senate conference committee has reached a compromise on the legislation, demonstrating House DFLers’ commitment to helping everyone live with dignity and thrive. You can read the Session Daily story here. Other Significant Legislation Passed Late Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 3431 the State and Local Government and Veterans Supplemental budget. The bill builds on the work of 2023 to improve the function, accessibility, and modernization of our state government services. It modifies evaluation procedures for agency IT projects, streamlines cybersecurity incident reporting, and invests in the economic development in the Capitol area under the direction of the City of St. Paul and the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board (CAAPB). The Veterans Finance and Policy Bill is included in the legislation and it contains Governor Walz’s no-cost recommendations for the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Military Affairs. The measure includes additional provisions to provide the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs with an additional financial management tool, increases the agency’s ability to better compete for and match federal funding for armory projects, and rededicates a bridge in the south metro. Video of the floor debate can be found here. New State Flag and Seal Become OfficialOn Saturday, May 11, 2024, the Minnesota State Flag and Seal approved by the State Emblems Redesign Commission will become the official state emblems. Almost five years ago, I introduced a bill to replace the State Flag after two area high school students contacted me to discuss the issues connected with the current state flag. As I mentioned in an earlier update, TPT broadcast a 2018 story on the issue.   Slow mow SummerResearchers from the University of Minnesota Bee Lab have modified the popular No Mow May campaign due to additional research on best practices for pollinators and lawn health. “Slow Mow Summer” takes the sentiment of “No Mow May” and expands it to the entire growing season. Many bee species do not even emerge from hibernation until June or July. Mowing after lawn flowers bloom instead of before is the main goal of “Slow Mow Summer.” You can learn more about how best to help native pollinators, like Rusty Patched Bumblebee, survive and thrive here.  ____________________________________________________________________ Let’s show appreciation to our hard-working teachers this week – and every week!  Stay in touchIt is easy to stay connected to news from the State Capitol. Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services offers nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication. Subscribe to receive these here. To track bills of interest through the legislative process, I encourage you to utilize the MyBills feature on the Minnesota House of Representatives’ website. Please continue to reach out with any input, ideas, or feedback about the issues important to you. I value hearing from you, so call (651) 296-5363 or email any time at rep.peter.fischer@house.mn.gov. You can find my information on my House website. You can also like my Facebook page. Sincerely, Peter Fischer |