Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well and you had a chance to enjoy the beautiful Father’s Day Weekend.
Summer is in full swing and it was a beautiful day in Excelsior on Saturday. I got to cheer on the triathletes competing in the Lake Minnetonka Triathlon and check out the Excelsior Flea Market & Outdoor Market before special session got underway for the day. The Excelsior Flea Market & Outdoor Market is open every Saturday 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in June-August, and it’s a great opportunity to enjoy seasonal produce and find special treasures.
Our work continues at the Capitol as we wrap up our work on a new-two year state budget. After the House worked all session to prioritize those who have been impacted the worst by the COVID-19 pandemic, we reached a bipartisan compromise with Senate that funds significant priorities that matter to Minnesotans. While we’re still working through the details of some key areas – including the environment portion, which I’m deeply involved in as a working group member – other budget bills are set for passage on the House Floor. I’m committed to finishing this important work so the resources and services Minnesota families, students, workers, and businesses depend on can continue.
Here’s an update on the areas of the budget we have passed:
Higher Education
Our Higher Education budget makes investments to ensure Minnesota students can recover from the unprecedented challenges they’ve faced over the past year. It will help ensure our students can thrive as they move forward in the post-pandemic workforce, with key funding for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State systems, as well as an increase to the State Grant program that will positively impact more than 75,000 students.
Agriculture and Broadband
Our farmers and food producers need and deserve tools, support, and resources so they can not only recover from the past year’s difficulties, but succeed well into the future. The compromise Agriculture budget recognizes the value Minnesotans place on clean water, soil, and air, and looks to the future of farming in Minnesota. The budget invests in emerging farmer outreach, urban and youth agriculture, the Farm-to-School initiative, Good Food Access, and funding for environmentally friendly production practices and conservation techniques.
Legacy
Our Legacy bill invests proceeds from the voter-approved constitutional amendment to protect and enhance Minnesota’s outdoor heritage, clean water, arts and cultural heritage, and parks and trails. Since 2010, the Legacy Amendment has generated more than $4 billion for initiatives that benefit people and communities across Minnesota and this legislation builds on that success.
As the land of 10,000 lakes, everyone should be able to enjoy time in the water safely. Unfortunately this season, we’ve already seen too many Minnesotans tragically lose their lives as a result of drowning. Our Legacy bill invests in water safety grants, including funding to provide scholarships to low-income and at-risk children. Here are some tips from the Minnesota DNR so everyone can enjoy the water safely on a boat, at the beach, or in a pool.
Commerce, Climate, Energy
As one of the fastest warming states in the country, Minnesota is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. We must take action to protect our health, our environment, our farms, and our infrastructure. The Energy budget invests in a new Energy Transition Office, and innovative projects and research that will help Minnesota transition to clean energy. We also secured funding to install solar energy panels on schools, saving school districts money while providing educational opportunities for students.
The Commerce budget tackles the record-high catalytic converter theft problem with a series of reforms to deter theft and keep Minnesotans’ cars intact. In addition, our budget contains the Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights, which gives students a fighting chance against the worst lending practices.
Pollinator Week
June 21-27 is #PollinatorWeek, a worldwide event to promote and celebrate pollinator health. Thousands of Minnesotans across the state have participated in the new and successful Legumes to Legumes program that I was honored to carry as legislation in the House. Pollinators are vital to our food and plant production, and help sustain our ecosystems and natural resources. I encourage everyone to learn more about how they can make a difference in preserving our pollinator population at https://bluethumb.org/lawns-to-legumes/.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime at rep.kelly.morrison@house.mn or 651-296-4315 with input or questions. I appreciate hearing from you!
Thank you for the honor of representing our 33B neighbors at the State Capitol.
Have a great week.
Take care,
Kelly