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Neighbors and Friends,
As the 2021 Legislative Session winds down, we are working long hours to craft our state budget before the Monday deadline. It is expected we will be in floor session over the weekend while negotiations continue to finalize our state budget.
Earlier in the week, we learned Minnesota will receive additional federal money as part of the American Recovery Plan Act. Those funds will be factored into negotiations going forward. Right now, legislative leaders are meeting to set legislative ‘budget targets’ which will fix funding for each budget area.
On Monday, the Housing Conference Committee met to discuss similar provisions in the House and Senate versions of the bill. You can follow the daily legislative schedules including all conference committee meetings here. Live floor sessions can be viewed here.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Following CDC guidance, Governor Walz announced Thursday the end of the statewide face covering requirement for vaccinated Minnesotans. It is recommended those unvaccinated continue to wear face coverings indoors, and many businesses are still requiring them for the now,
The Minnesota Department of Health reports more than 2.6 million of our friends and neighbors have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and others. It is easier than ever to get a vaccine. Check out Minnesota’s COVID-19 mn.gov/vaccineconnector, call 833-431-2053 or ask your health care provider to help you find a vaccine.
Minnesota House advances bill to legalize adult-use cannabis
Last night, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed House File 600, to legalize and regulate cannabis for adult use, and expunge the records of those convicted of nonviolent cannabis-related crimes. Prohibition has proven to do more harm than good. Many of our neighboring states are lifting restrictions and it is just a matter of time before it is legalized in Minnesota. The comprehensive legislation passed on a bipartisan vote of 72-61. You can read my news release here. The Minnesota Senate has not taken any action on this proposal.
Staying Connected
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 call me at (651) 296-3824 or send an email to rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice
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