Neighbors,
We are running full steam ahead this week, as final budget bills are being crafted. My House DFL colleagues and I are committed to making strong investments in education, climate, healthcare, and more as the House presents its values statement on how we can invest in a thriving Minnesota.
Commerce Committee Passes Omnibus Bill
As Chair of the Commerce Committee, it is my responsibility to help small businesses, protect consumers and create a fairer, safer Minnesota. On April 7, the committee passed its budget bill.
Among other provisions, the bill includes:
- Prevention of large social media platforms from using algorithms to send potentially harmful content to children
- Investments in state-operated car-theft prevention measures
- Prevention of catalytic converter theft
- A study from the Commerce Department on disparities in the nine health insurance rating areas around the state;
- Establishing a student loan advocate, whose duties include creating a student loan education course
- Greater resources for the Commerce Fraud Bureau, the state’s leading law enforcement agency for insurance fraud and other white-collar crimes
You can view the hearing on the House Youtube Page.
Historic Downtown Anoka
Like many of you, I really enjoy visiting our Historic downtown Anoka, with many merchants, dining areas, and local attractions. Recently, city leaders from Anoka approached me with the idea of creating a "social district" on Jackson Street. Social districts have become more and more popular in other areas, as a key factor to generate activity as society emerges from two years of lockdowns and restrictions.
There are still details that will need to be worked out, but I think it's a great idea and was happy to work to draft legislation to give them the ability to move forward. I trust that the Anoka city government, working with local business owners and public safety officials, can put together a workable plan.
You can view the hearing here.
Sports Betting
On March 29 I joined Rep. Pat Garofolo on KFAN’s Bumper to Bumper with Dan Barreiro to talk about the latest developments on sports betting legislation. We are making significant progress toward legalization. You can listen to our entire conversation here.
The Star Tribune also wrote an excellent editorial supporting my bill to legalize sports betting in Minnesota. This is the largest expansion of legal gambling in Minnesota in 40 years, and I am proud to advance this legislation.
Avian Influenza Precautions
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), H5N1, has been confirmed in the United States. Introduced by migrating wild birds, H5N1 will spread through spring migration and can affect all domestic poultry, both small and urban flocks, and commercial industries. The current HPAI outbreak in Minnesota poses a high risk to poultry, but low risk to the public. While there is no food safety concern for consumers, it is important for folks to take steps to protect their backyard flocks.
Here is a sheet from the Board of Animal Health on steps you can take.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn or 651-296-5513.
It’s an honor to represent our Coon Rapids and Champlin families in St. Paul.
Sincerely,
Rep. Zack Stephenson
Minnesota House of Representatives | District 36A