Dear Neighbors,
This weekend is the final weekend of the legislative session. Per the Minnesota Constitution, bills must pass by 11:59 p.m. Sunday night. Here’s an update on our work from the State Capitol.
Budget Agreement Reached
Earlier this week, Governor Walz, House Speaker Melissa Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller announced a bipartisan framework for a supplemental budget. The agreement includes $4 billion worth of new investments to move Minnesota forward and $4 billion worth of tax cuts and efforts to help Minnesotans address rising costs. Of the investments in the package, $1 billion is targeted for Health and Human Services, $1 billion is for education, and $450 million is for public safety. The governor and legislative leaders also agreed a capital investment and jobs package that will invest $1.4 billion. To help address any future possible budgetary difficulties, the agreement leaves $4 billion in reserves.
Lawmakers are working out the details as I write this. For my part, I’ve been busy in my role on the Health and Human Services Conference Committee, and am committed to delivering solutions to lower health care costs, improve support for vulnerable Minnesotans, and rebuild our health care workforce while strengthening opportunities in our caring professions.
Cannabis Legalization
Last year, following a statewide engagement effort to listen to Minnesotans’ views on the topic, the Minnesota House voted to legalize the adult use of cannabis. Our legalization reflected the type of cannabis policy people were asking for centered in racial equity, personal freedom, and the health of Minnesotans.
Unfortunately since our vote in the House last May, Republicans in the Minnesota Senate majority have failed to act. In fact, just this week they blocked a vote on the Senate floor to legalize cannabis. We deserve better than Republican politicians relying on harmful, outdated rhetoric to block a policy change Minnesotans overwhelmingly support.
Additional COVID-19 Tests Available
Testing remains a vital piece of our work to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, the Biden administration announced a new round of free COVID-19 tests is available. Each order includes eight tests (four packages of two tests each). Sign up to receive the free tests from the USPS here.
If you haven’t yet done so, it’s not too late to get your COVID-19 vaccine, or if you’re eligible, a booster shot. The vaccine is safe, effective (especially against serious illness and hospitalization, and free. Find a location to get your shot here.
HomeHelpMN
The pandemic had an immeasurable impact on Minnesota families, including their ability to pay the mortgage and other housing-related expenses. Assistance is now available from a new state program called HomeHelpMN. Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $35,000 in assistance The program is funded with $109 million from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. You can start the application process through the HomeHelpMN website and can read more in a Minnesota Reformer article.
Please continue to stay in touch with your viewpoints, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. Thank you for the honor of working as your public servant.
Sincerely,
Jen Schultz
State Representative