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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Todd Lippert (DFL)

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Legislative Update - Our Budget Framework

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Rep. Lippert

Dear Neighbors, 

Last week, we adjourned the 2021 Legislative Session with a bipartisan agreement on a budget framework, but more work remains to ensure Minnesota has a comprehensive budget that can help our state bounce back from the difficulties of the past year.

Right now, we’re in negotiations with Republicans in the Senate to finalize the specifics of our budget, with the goal being to pass consensus legislation during a June special session. This was certainly an unconventional year for legislating, with the bulk of our work being done remotely, and a last second influx of federal funds from the American Rescue Plan was a huge factor not usually present during a budget year. 

The good news is that we are in a position to adequately invest in Minnesota’s students, families, workers, and small businesses, and I’ll be working with my Senate colleagues to craft a budget that helps those hit the hardest by the pandemic, and ensures all Minnesotans can recover and thrive. Specifically, I have been appointed to the working group on our Agriculture budget, where I’ll be advocating for impactful investments for our farmers and rural communities.

Budget Agreement

As we work to finalize our budget, it’s important to remember that meaningful public safety reforms and police accountability measures must also be a part of any final agreement we reach in the coming weeks. Especially now, as we reflect on the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer, we can’t let calls for meaningful change fall by the wayside.

We can honor George Floyd’s life and commit to the promise of a better future by passing the following reforms:

  • Community Oversight Councils
  • No Knock Warrant Reform
  • Limiting Minor Traffic Stops
  • White Supremacy Ban
  • Ending Qualified Immunity

These policies, and others passed by the House DFL, will create safer communities. All Minnesotans should be safe and feel safe in their own skin.

 


 

Legalize. Regulate. Expunge. 

Earlier this month, we passed a bill in the Minnesota House that would regulate and legalize adult-use cannabis, and expunge the records of those convicted of nonviolent cannabis-related crimes. There are several reasons why I voted for and co-sponsored this legislation, and chief among them was its impact on racial justice. 

Black and white Minnesotans use cannabis at very similar rates, yet Black Minnesotans are five times more likely to get arrested for it. We can't continue to criminalize a product that most people think should be made available. Instead of enforcing low-level cannabis offenses, law enforcement could focus on more serious issues.

Cannabis - more harm than good

A responsibly regulated cannabis market is also safer than an underground one. Our approach will address legitimate concerns around youth access, public health, and road safety, while generating new tax revenue to help Minnesota build back better from the pandemic. This also makes our medical cannabis program more accessible, and capable of treating more Minnesotans with pain, or veterans with PTSD.

I understand many of you have questions and concerns about this legislation, and I hope you’ll reach out to discuss them. The current status of this bill puts it in possession of the Minnesota Senate, where Republican leaders have made it clear they have no intention of voting on the bill. Regardless, this remains an important issue, and is likely one our state will have to reckon with soon as legalization grows across the county. 

 


 

Vaccines Appointments Available

It has never been easier in Minnesota to get a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. As we return to our greatest sense of normalcy since the onset of the pandemic in our state, vaccines remain our best tool in ensuring that we can close the book on COVID-19 for good. The Minnesota Department of Health reports more than 2.8 million of our neighbors have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 2.5 million have received a complete vaccine series. If you or a loved one haven’t gotten the vaccine yet, I encourage you to 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.

 


 

Stay Connected

A lot of important work will be done in the next few weeks, so please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have on our budget or the other bills we’re working on. The best way to reach out to me is by email at rep.todd.lippert@house.mn, or by calling me at (651) 296-0171. Also, please feel free to share and subscribe to these legislative updates, which you can do here. I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sincerely,

Todd Lippert