Dear Neighbors,

This week, our nation turned a page to a new chapter with the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. I was deeply inspired by Amanda Gorman’s poem, reminding us that while the last year, and particularly the last few weeks, have been difficult, the voices of the American people are a powerful force.

It's because being American is more than a pride we inherit,
it’s the past we step into
and how we repair it
We’ve seen a force that would shatter our nation
rather than share it
Would destroy our country if it meant delaying democracy
And this effort very nearly succeeded
But while democracy can be periodically delayed
it can never be permanently defeated

Town Hall Meeting – Tomorrow Morning

Here’s a reminder about the Virtual Town Hall Meeting Rep. Olson, Sen. McEwen, and I are hosting tomorrow at 10 a.m. If you haven’t yet done so, please submit your questions by emailing them, along with your name and address, to Lyndsey.Hanson@house.mn with “Town Hall Question” in the subject line.

We will meet on Zoom (meeting ID: 943 2687 8456, password 033502). If you prefer to join by phone, call 312-626-6799 at the meeting time, and enter the ID and password when prompted. We will also livestream the event on Facebook.

Please join us if you are able. We value engagement from the community, and look forward to seeing you!

Defending and Strengthening Our Democracy

Earlier this month, we witnessed a violent insurrection at our nation’s Capital fueled by disinformation, division, and attacks on voters. Yesterday, House DFLers introduced the Democracy for the People Act, legislation to put Minnesotans’ voices back at the center of our democracy and ensure it’s responsive to their needs. The initiative expands voter registration and absentee voting; reduces the influence of corporations and wealthy, well-connected donors; protects voters and elections officials; and reforms our state’s campaign finance system to empower small donors. It also includes fair criteria for redistricting and measures to ensure a transparent process with input from Minnesotans.

You can learn more about this bold plan here.

A Clean Energy Future

In recent years, the state of Minnesota has made significant progress in moving toward renewable energy, increasing from 6 percent use to 24 percent in the past 15 years. Over a 10-year period ending in 2017, electricity produced in the state from coal declined to 39 percent from 59 percent. To fight climate change and protect our planet for future generations, we have to keep the momentum going. Right now, we’re at a pivotal point in time to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and pioneer the green energy economy in Minnesota.

This week, Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, legislators, labor leaders, and environmental advocates announced a plan to lead Minnesota to 100 percent clean energy in the state’s electricity sector by 2040, building on the success that Minnesota has already achieved in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing the use of clean energy resources to power the state while ensuring reliable, affordable electricity.

The plan accomplishes this in four parts:

100 Percent Clean Energy by 2040. This standard would require all electric utilities in Minnesota to use only carbon-free energy resources by 2040, while setting interim goals along the way.

Clean Energy First. This regulatory policy would require that, whenever a utility proposes to replace or add new power generation, it must prioritize energy efficiency and clean energy resources over fossil fuels.

Energy Optimization. This proposal would raise Minnesota’s Energy Efficiency Resource Standard for investor-owned electric utilities and expand the Conservation Improvement Program that helps Minnesota households and businesses save on their utility bills by using energy more efficiently.

Carbon Reduction Goals for Existing Buildings. This proposal would set a state goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings in half by 2035.

More information on this plan is available here.

Please continue to stay in touch with your viewpoints, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. Thank you for the honor to serve at the State Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jen Schultz
State Representative