Legislative Update – September 13, 2023
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you have had a good summer and were able to keep cool and get out to enjoy our lakes, parks, and trails before the fall weather arrived! I have kept busy working and meeting with community leaders about the work we accomplished this year and what priorities we have for 2024.
I wanted to make sure you got a chance to see my 2023 Legislative Report, which was released earlier this summer. By using our one-time budget surplus to invest in education, and public safety while also expanding the Social Security tax exemption and other tax cuts, I am proud of our work making our state better for all Minnesotans.
Back to School Education Funding!
The school year is upon us, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight our Education Budget and its impact on schools in our area, including a $17 million increase in funding, free breakfast and lunch for all Minnesota students, and better access to mental health care.
When we invest in our kids we set our whole state up for future success, and this budget seeks to do just that. You can learn more about the full bill here.
Council of State Governments Mid-West Conference
Earlier this summer, I was able to travel to Detroit, Michigan for the 77th Annual Meeting of the Council Of State Governments Midwest. These bipartisan meetings of legislators from neighboring states help us learn lessons from one another and connect on issues that affect our region.
I was proud to be on the Council’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and speak to my experience as both a legislator and a former law enforcement officer. I also attended presentations on other issues, including how states can take a multifaceted approach to addressing the opioid epidemic and saving lives.
New Laws Taking Effect
Many laws passed by the legislature this session had an effective date of July 1 or August 1 and have already gone into effect. This includes appropriations from our major budget bills along with countless other provisions. House Nonpartisan Staff has put together a document highlighting some of the major laws that went into effect on July 1 and on August 1.
I have also been receiving questions regarding the legislature’s bill to legalize adult-use cannabis. Our legislation created an Office of Cannabis Management to oversee the legal market and other aspects related to legalization, and as of August 1st, Minnesotans are allowed to possess and use certain amounts of cannabis and cannabis products. You can find more information here: https://cannabis.state.mn.us/.
On October 1st, our "Driver's Licenses for All" law will go into effect, allowing Minnesotans to get a license regardless of immigration status. Appointments can be made ahead of time today! You can find more information on that law here.
Stay Connected!
Unfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account. To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out at rep.brion.curran@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4342, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe!
Sincerely,
Brion Curran
State Representative