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Neighbors,
Our final chapter of ‘turning an idea into law’ continues where last week’s update ended - when bills are assigned a House File number and are routed to a committee. After the bill makes it though all the required committees, it is either sent to the House floor as a standalone bill for a vote or it is combined with similar bills as part of an ‘omnibus’ bill package. After the vote in either the House or Senate, the bill travels to the other chamber for a vote. If bills in either body have been amended, the measure may be sent to a conference committee to match up similarities and reconcile differences, then re-passed by both bodies. The final version will be sent to the governor for his signature.
Committee Work and Community Partnerships
Last week, I met with local farming advocacy groups supporting an E15 standard in gasoline. My bill, HF1433, would support local farmers, help the ag economy, and reduce greenhouse gases. Minnesota was the first state to adopt an E10 standard and many locations throughout the state have already adopted an E15 standard. This would strengthen the other efforts underway.
This week, many of my other bills will begin to be heard in committees. Several are focused within the human services field. This includes updates to the Vulnerable Adult Act. The Department of Human Services (DHS) has worked with hundreds of stakeholders and I’m proud to partner with them to update this 40-year old language. All the bills I’ve signed on to or lead authored can be found HERE.
SURVEY
Please take a moment to share your legislative priorities by completing my legislative survey. Your name and address are requested to make sure only constituents are weighing in directly. Thank you for your time and I appreciate your input!
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Anticipating more COVID-19 vaccine arriving in Minnesota, last week, Governor Walz announced the strategy and next phases of vaccine distribution. Also announced was a plan to vaccinate 70% of all seniors by the end of March.
The Vaccine Connector is another tool to link Minnesotans with a vaccine. For now, there is more demand than supply, but every Minnesotan will have an opportunity to get vaccinated as more supply arrives in the weeks and months ahead. It will just take time, and the Vaccine Connector is another tool Minnesotans can use to be prepared.
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Stay connected with the Legislature
The Minnesota House continues to operate remotely. The House ensures openness and transparency for the public by expanding 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 budget session.
Also, 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.
I welcome your questions and comments anytime. You can send an email to rep.luke.frederick@house.mn or can also call my legislative assistant, Joe Lenczewski at 651-296-5486.
Also, please visit and “like” my Facebook page for more Capitol and community updates.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Luke Frederick
State Representative
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