Legislative Update: Survey, Upcoming Town Hall, Increase Teachers of Color

Neighbors,

Friday, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) announced a projected positive state budget balance of $1.6 billion. The new number is an improvement from an earlier projected deficit, but it is important to recognize the great ongoing economic hardship for many Minnesotans due to COVID-19. The budget forecast is a key factor we will utilize to craft our state budget over the next few months and it’s even more important to receive your input on important issues we are facing at the Capitol. Please take a few minutes to share your legislative priorities by clicking this LINK to take my legislative survey.

Another way to share your thoughts about our work at the Capitol is by ‘attending’ the District 4 Virtual Town Hall on Sunday, March 21. Sen. Eken, Rep. Marquart and I look forward to hearing your questions. I will include more details in the next update on how you can participate.

Increase Teachers of Color

Last week, I was joined by legislative colleagues to discuss progress made on the 2021 Increase Teachers of Color Act. As lead author of the Higher Education bill, we know this bipartisan legislation can address Minnesota’s major achievement gaps for students of color and make it possible for them to succeed now and in the future. You can read the news release here, and watch the news conference here.  

The Star Tribune today published an article, in which I am quoted, about the push for funding to recruit teachers of color. Read here.

Vaccine Connector

A reminder that there is a new tool to connect Minnesotans with a COVID-19 vaccine. The Vaccine Connector is the next step in the state’s vaccination strategy.

When a Minnesotan becomes eligible to receive a vaccine under state guidelines, the Vaccine Connector will alert them of their eligibility, connect them to resources to schedule an appointment, and notify them if there are vaccination opportunities in their area.

Helping Alleviate Homelessness

Last week, I presented HF 1484 in the Preventing Homelessness Division, of which I serve as vice-chair. The measure, which helps those experiencing homelessness by allowing micro-unit dwellings at sacred settlements, passed unanimously. You can watch the committee here.

Stay Connected

The House has expanded the number of simultaneous committees it can?webcast live?from a maximum of two to five, so you can stay current on issues moving through committees this session. 

The 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 here.  

Contact me anytime at rep.heather.keeler@house.mn. I welcome your questions and comments. Also, you are welcome to “like” my Facebook page.

Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.

Sincerely,   

Heather Keeler

State Representative

District 4A - rep.heather.keeler@house.mn 
431 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-5515

Committee Assignments:
Vice Chair: Preventing Homelessness Division
Education Policy
Environment and Natural Resources Finance & Policy
Higher Education Finance & Policy

Legislative assistant:
Robin Schmidt
robin.schmidt@house.mn
651-296-1897