A look back at what happened in the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of April 20-24
Although there was no floor session this week, House members still spent a lot of time together, remotely, as more than a dozen “virtual” meetings were held.
In addition to debating a number of bills related to the COVID-19 outbreak – including measures to address housing assistance, small-business loans, mail-in voting, virus testing and tax implications – the House also tackled subjects such as energy efficiency, veterans’ issues and child care assistance.
The week to come is already shaping up to be another busy one, beginning Monday when the House Ways and Means Committee has a morning meeting scheduled, one of five that day, to debate three bills and receive an update on federal funding to help combat the pandemic.
There is also a House floor session scheduled for Tuesday. But before getting too far ahead of ourselves, here’s one last look at what you may have missed this week.
Check out the latest gallery from House Photography and stay up-to-date on House news and updates throughout the week at Session Daily.
BUSINESS AND COMMERCE
Division considers additional funding boost to help small businesses
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15252
EDUCATION
Proposal would give school boards authority to renew expiring referendums
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15249
House education panel advances measure aimed at protecting hourly school employees’ pay
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15240
ELECTIONS
Vote-by-mail issue could be hurdle to bipartisan deal on 2020 election assistance
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15246
ENERGY
Energy savings, efficiency bill on its way to House Floor
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15248
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Environment division OK’s $61 million in trust fund appropriations
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15241
Omnibus bill says escaped deer or elk from farms should be fair game for hunters
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15253
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
House health panel weighs in on partnership aimed at expanding state’s COVID-19 testing
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15250
Lawmakers aim to bring child care program into federal compliance
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15247
Proposed omnibus human services policy bill focuses on areas of consensus
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15245
HOUSING
House division OKs $100 million in emergency housing assistance
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15243
TAXES
Tracking the ‘moving target’ of tax changes
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15244
More towns are going local when it comes to road funding
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15239
Renting out your cabin? Your taxes may go down
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15238
VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS
Diversion program would offer veterans help instead of jail time
https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/SessionDaily/Story/15251
Bill to speed support to homeless vets heads to House Floor