Legislative Update - October 23, 2019

Dear neighbors, 

I hope you’re enjoying the fall weather! While the Legislature doesn’t reconvene until February, there’s plenty going on inside and outside the Capitol. Here’s an update on what I’ve been working on for the past several weeks.

Minnesota Values Project Survey  

My colleagues and I continue working hard during the interim. We use the time between sessions to gather as much input as possible from Minnesotans, particularly people and communities who aren’t able to make it to the Capitol. The Minnesota Values Project is part of that. This initiative, which I co-lead for the House caucus with Rep. Liz Olson, has led to hundreds of meaningful conversations with people across the state. As part of this ongoing partnership between Minnesotans and elected officials, we’ve put together a survey so you can share what’s important to you and your community.

The Minnesota Values Project survey is available here. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts!

Addressing the Climate Crisis

The Youth Climate Strike that took place last month was inspiring and energizing! Thousands of people participated in youth-led demonstrations across the state and around the world. I stood in solidarity with Minnesotans who gathered at the State Capitol.

To show our support, my colleagues and I formed a new Climate Action Caucus. This dedicated group of legislators will work with Minnesotans to create a bold, comprehensive plan to fight climate change. On Thursday, we’re kicking off a series of community events with a conversation about transportation issues. I hope that you’ll join us and help secure a future in which we all thrive!

Clean Car Standards

Governor Walz recently announced that Minnesota will be the fourteenth state to adopt clean car standards – and the first in the Midwest! As a state, this is one of the most important steps we can take to confront climate change because transportation is the largest source of Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions. By 2030, low-emission vehicle (LEV) and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) standards are expected to reduce our carbon emissions by two million tons.

Clean car standards require automobile manufacturers to make and sell vehicles that emit lower levels of greenhouse gases and other pollutants and vehicles with ultra-low or zero tailpipe emissions, including electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid models. As a result, there will be more vehicles to choose from, air quality will improve, and Minnesotans will save money at the pump. More information about clean car standards is available here and at mn.gov/cleancars.

As an EV owner myself, I’m very excited about clean car standards coming to Minnesota!

Mini Session

All Minnesotans should have opportunities to share their experiences and participate in the legislative process. Since getting to the Capitol is a challenge for many people, my colleagues and I try to meet people where they are. We recently held a three-day mini session in southeastern Minnesota. We heard testimony from Minnesotans, held public committee meetings, and attended informational tours and presentations.

Rep. Hornstein, Rep. Wagenius, and I enjoyed discussing what cities can do to combat climate change with Mayor Kim Norton.

The Energy and Climate Finance and Policy Committee chose to highlight local sustainability initiatives during a public hearing in Rochester. It was great to hear all about the City of Rochester’s exciting plans for clean energy, transportation, and buildings! Learning more about their efforts will help us find solutions that meet the unique needs of people and places throughout Minnesota.

As always, please let me know if you have any questions or feedback.

Sincerely,  

Jamie