Dear Neighbors,
This week, legislators returned to St. Paul to convene the 2020 legislative session. It’s a new year, but Minnesotans’ values and the values that guide my work at the Capitol haven’t changed. We know that Minnesotans care about each other and want to see one another succeed.
Whether it’s world-class schools, affordable health care, gun violence prevention, local jobs projects, Paid Family & Medical Leave, or Earned Sick & Safe Time, these are priorities for all Minnesotans — no matter where you live or what you look like. Last year, DFL lawmakers introduced a bold agenda to build a state that works better for everyone, and we’re committed to playing the long game to make it happen.
If you have a personal story, idea, or question related to business at the State Capitol, please get in touch. You can find my full contact information online at www.house.mn/50B and connect with me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RepAndrewCarlson. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here.
Continue reading to learn more about what I’ve been up to lately and what I hope we can accomplish together in this year’s legislative session.
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative
Now Serving as Chair of the Property and Local Tax Division
The honor of being selected as chair of the House Property and Local Tax Division is bittersweet because the Legislature is still feeling a tremendous loss after the sudden passing of our colleague and friend Diane Loeffler, who previously held the position. I promise to fulfill my new responsibility in a way that honors Diane’s years of public service and continues the committee’s strong partnership with local units of government. You can follow the committee’s work here.
Great Start For All Minnesota Children Act Introduced
The 2020 legislative session kicked off with a bold proposal to invest $500 million in early care and learning targeted at Minnesotans from birth to age three. We are facing two crises: education opportunity gaps and inaccessible and unaffordable child care. In 2020, House DFLers will invest in early care and learning to support families and close education opportunity gaps — because DFL lawmakers believe all children deserve a great start in life. Children, parents, and childcare providers all stand to benefit from our proposal. Read more in this story from the Associated Press.
Pictured: News conference announcing the Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act
New Mall of America Transit Station Now Open
On Friday I attended the official dedication ceremony for a new and improved Mall of America transit station. It’s the biggest transit hub in the entire state and will help connect workers to jobs, students to schools, and consumers to businesses. This is a big deal for our community and our region’s economy, as it’s the station’s first major renovation in a quarter century. Learn more by reading the Star Tribune’s coverage of Friday’s grand opening.
Pictured: Rep. Andrew Carlson and Sen. Melissa Wiklund
Minnesota Masonic Historical Society and Museum Receives New Grant
The Legacy Amendment approved by voters in 2008 provides grants in support of Arts and Cultural Heritage throughout our state. I’m pleased to share that the Masonic Historical Society and Museum in Bloomington is one of this year’s recipients. The grant totals $73,549 and will be used to provide greater public access to our community’s historic resources.
Community Gathers for Lunar New Year Celebration
I kicked off the month of February by gathering with members of our community at the Mall of America to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It’s the year of the rat, and I was grateful for the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Minnesotans of Chinese heritage.
Pictured: Rep. Carlson participates in a Lunar New Year celebration
Pictured: Rep. Carlson participates in a Lunar New Year celebration