SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced the appointment of Rep. Jen Schultz (DFL – Duluth) as chair of the House Human Services Finance & Policy Committee. The committee will be charged with investing in and strengthening services for people with disabilities, child protection, programs for older Minnesotans, food support, economic help for struggling families, assistance for those experiencing mental illness and substance abuse, and more.
“In this new role, I’m committed to ensuring all Minnesotans have the opportunity to live successful, fulfilling lives with the dignity every person deserves,” Rep. Schultz said. “As we approach the next legislative session, lawmakers will be faced with some difficult challenges, but so too are the Minnesotans who have been deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s imperative we keep them at the forefront when we navigate the months ahead at the Capitol.”
Rep. Schultz currently chairs the House Long Term Care Division. In 2019, Rep. Schultz championed groundbreaking legislation creating new protections for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Outside the Legislature, she is a professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth in the Department of Economics and is Director of the Health Care Management Program.
The complete list of chairs and committees can be accessed here. Full membership of House committees will be announced in December. The 2021 legislative session convenes on January 5.