Dear Neighbor,
I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Fourth of July! I hope you have a wonderful holiday celebrating our nation with family, friends, food and fireworks! Also, if you’re traveling up north or to the lake over the holiday weekend, I wish you safe journey.
Here is an update with the latest news from Saint Paul.
New Laws
With the beginning of a new fiscal year on July 1, a number of news laws that appropriate funding and were passed earlier this year will go into effect.
Here are some highlights:
Pollinators:
A new pollinator habitat and research account at the University of Minnesota will help address our pollinator crisis and find science-based solutions to help reverse their decline.
Education
The provision I co-authored that increases the student funding formula by two percent each year will go into effect, with the education bill spending approximately $18.75 billion over the next two years. In addition to putting more money in every classroom, there is also funding for early learning programming including school readiness aid and early learning scholarships.
Sunday Sales
Beginning on July 2, liquor stores will have the option to be open and sell alcohol on Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm.
Legacy
The Legacy bill will take effect and appropriate more than $500 million to the four funds that are established in the state constitution—outdoor heritage, clean water, arts and cultural heritage, and parks and trails.
Higher Education
The Higher Education bill provides $3.28 billion in funding for higher education during the next two years—a $210 million increase over base funding. The law provides $1.45 billion for Minnesota State and $1.31 billion for the University of Minnesota.
You can learn more about what laws go into effect this weekend in a House Public Information story available here.
Around the Community
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I welcome you to contact my office at any time to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what you would like to see happen at the Capitol. Your input is invaluable and helps me better represent the voices and priorities of our community. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4363 or by email at Rep.Dario.Anselmo@House.mn.
It is an honor and privilege to serve as your voice at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Dario
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