Dear Neighbors,
Ramadan Kareem to those celebrating! With the help of a couple more interns, I have been busy with bill hearings in various committees.
As we worked toward our first bill deadline, my colleagues and I have worked diligently to move legislation through committees and are gearing up for busy weeks ahead on the House Floor. We are building on the historic achievements of last session, advancing legislation that improves the economy for working families, increases access to affordable housing, and makes health care affordable for all Minnesotans.
Community Office Hour
I'm excited to announce that I'm relaunching my community office hours on March 29! These office hours are a dedicated time for you, my constituents in the Eastside neighborhoods, to connect with me and discuss any issues or concerns you have, as well as talk about the positive bills we passed last session.
To help us better understand your needs and preferences, please take a few minutes to complete this short survey. Your feedback will help me determine the most convenient times and locations for these office hours. I look forward to hearing from you and reconnecting soon!
Protecting Vulnerable Adults
It is an honor to carry a bill that will enhance protections for some of our most vulnerable Minnesotans: elders living in low-income housing who receive assisted living services. I had the chance to present the bill in the Human Services Committee recently for its first hearing. I'm happy to report that it was referred to the Commerce Committee for further consideration.
You can watch the recording of hearing here.
Computer Science Bill
My Computer Science bill HF 3492 advanced to the Education Finance Committee. I highlighted Minnesota's critical need for a skilled computer science workforce. With a staggering average of 7,384 unfilled computing jobs each month and an average salary of $105,311, the demand is high and continues to grow. My bill proposes educational changes to equip Minnesotans with the skills necessary to fill these jobs and ensure our state's economic competitiveness.
You can read more on the bill hearing and watch the recording here and listen to a podcast where I discussed the bill further here.
House Approves 101 Environmental Projects
Minnesotans take pride in our legacy of environmental stewardship. That’s why, as a proud co-author of the bill, I was proud to vote ‘yes’ on legislation to fund 101 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil.?
The funding, which comes from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, uses a portion of our state lottery proceeds to ensure our environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.
Tax Credit Video for Karen Community
Last year, DFLers at the Minnesota Legislature revamped the Child Tax Credit to invest in working-class families, cut child poverty by at least one-third in our state – and invest in our economy!
This means that families may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. To receive the Child Tax Credit, simply file an income tax return for the year 2023 by April 15, 2024.
We recorded this special message for our Karen neighbors to inform them of this benefit! To watch the recording, please visit my State Representative Facebook page.
Stay Connected
To stay up to date with our important work at the State Capitol, you can see the Minnesota House of Public Information Services’ nonpartisan recaps of high-profile bills, committee hearings, and floor sessions with their Session Daily publication.
You can also stay up-to-date with the latest by following my Facebook page and Twitter.
To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out here. For meetings, please email my new legislative assistant Madison at: Madison.Bailey@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4277, and I will be happy to help. If you were forwarded this email and you’d like to subscribe, click here. If you have a friend or neighbor who would be interested in receiving these, please forward this and encourage them to subscribe.
Zoo siab,
Rep. Liz Lee (67A)
Minnesota State Representative