Legislative Update - October 2, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

It’s starting to really feel like fall outside, and with the cooling temperatures come several important events and ways for you to get involved in the legislative process. Here’s a quick update on what I’ve been working on, as well as things to come.

Medical Aid in Dying

Too often have I heard heartbreaking stories from Minnesotans with terminal illnesses who want to be able to make decisions for themselves at the end of their lives, and their loved ones who struggled with them. In order to address this, last month the Minnesota House Health and Human Services Committee held an informational hearing to receive testimony on my bill to allow medical aid in dying. My bill, HF 2152, or the End-of-Life Option Act, is modeled after Oregon’s medical aid in dying law, which has seen end of life care improve in their state.

This was a highly emotional hearing, and I deeply appreciate everyone on both sides of the issue for coming forward to courageously share their stories. My bill contains numerous safeguards to ensure that the law would not be abused, and that people would not be pressured to undergo any medical procedure against their wishes. This was only the first small step in the legislative process, and I’ll be sure to keep you updated on this bill when the Legislature returns in full in February.

You can read more about the bill and the hearing here, and you can watch my appearance on TPT’s “Almanac” discussing the bill here.

Mini Session

This week, the Minnesota House of Representatives will be on the road! We’ll be holding a historic mini-session in Winona and the surrounding communities. Southeastern Minnesota will host legislators as a number of committee hearings, roundtable discussions, and informative tours will take place in Winona, Austin, and Rochester.

Though the Minnesota House doesn’t officially reconvene until February 2020, the mini-session offers a chance for my colleagues and I to see our work through a different lens outside of St. Paul. The last mini-session was in 1997 in Willmar, and we’re hoping our work this year restarts the tradition of holding offsite hearings as part of our efforts to make the Minnesota House more responsive and accessible. You can find an agenda of events here, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you.

Climate Action Caucus

Climate change is one of the top issues that I hear about from fellow community members. People from across the state are organizing in their communities and urging legislators to take action. Young people are particularly dedicated to fighting climate change, as evidenced by the thousands of students that marched in our community and across the world.

My colleagues and I are standing in solidarity with these students. To show our support, we’ve formed a new Climate Action Caucus. This dedicated group of legislators, which I’m proud to be a part of, will work with Minnesotans on a bold, comprehensive plan to fight climate change and create a future in which we all thrive. Please stay tuned for updates.

Minnesota Values Project Survey

During the interim, my colleagues and I remain hard at work crafting legislation, holding community meetings, and taking part in events like the mini-session. In order to continue our work in a way that improves Minnesota and takes on the issues that matter to you, I ask that you find a moment to take our Minnesota Values Project Survey.

The Minnesota Values Project is a partnership between Minnesotans, elected officials, and organizations to create a shared vision for the future of our state. Minnesotans care deeply about our state and want to see one another succeed. Working together, we can strengthen our communities by improving education opportunities, making affordable healthcare a reality, and increasing economic prosperity for all Minnesotans. You can take the survey here.

Stay In Touch!

This fall, I’ll be in our community working towards solutions to the issues that matter to you, and I’d appreciate your input. Please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments, or solutions for Minnesota. As always, you can reach me at rep.mike.freiberg@house.mn and at (651) 296-4176.

Sincerely,

Mike Freiberg