Friends and neighbors, 

I hope you’re enjoying spring’s entrance, and with it, more daylight in our evenings! I’m looking forward to spending some much needed time outside with my family this weekend. Don’t forget to change your clocks this weekend and spring ahead for daylight saving time.   

This week on BRAND NEWS, legislation to clarify School Resource Officer laws, making fertility treatment affordable and accessible, and how last year’s historic tax cut is benefiting our district.   

On Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed comprehensive legislation to provide a uniform system across the state for districts that decide to have a School Resource Officer (SRO) program. It provides clarity law enforcement agencies and school districts sought last fall regarding the use-of-force standard.  Last fall, I joined a bipartisan group of legislators from Greater Minnesota in meeting with Governor Walz to encourage action on the issue. 

Thank you to my colleagues, especially Rep. Cedrick Frazier, who spent the past several months listening to parents, students, educators, and law enforcement to carefully craft this legislation in a bipartisan fashion. I also want to thank the Attorney General’s office and law enforcement organizations for working with us on legal clarification to get SRO’s back into schools last fall. We voted to codify their guidance into law, enhancing SRO programs to prioritize proper training and ensure student safety across the state. Our number one priority is creating a healthy and nurturing environment for our kids, and this bill will help schools do that. 

Yesterday, I introduced legislation to require all health plans operating in Minnesota that provide maternity coverage to also cover infertility diagnosis and treatment. The proposal would also prohibit health plans from requiring higher cost-sharing for infertility services than for maternity coverage. This requirement would not apply to Minnesota Medicaid or to MinnesotaCare, the state’s basic health plan. If passed, the average additional monthly cost increase would be just $1.30 per member, making it affordable, practical, and a smart move for Minnesota.  

Across the country, fertility treatment like IVF is beginning to lead the political war over reproductive rights, and it’s ridiculous. Here in Minnesota, we’re not just making sure folks have the right to fertility treatment, we’re making sure it’s accessible. With this bill, Minnesotans struggling with infertility will have the financial ability to access treatment to start their families. I’m proud to carry this legislation and look forward to seeing it through. 

Participation in the universal school meals program has surpassed the initially anticipated increase by more than 20% across the state. To ensure we’re meeting the need and filling this gap, the Education Finance Committee approved legislation to continue these investments so no child goes hungry at school. 

This program has made a massive difference for families all over the state, especially here in our district. Families can breathe easier knowing their kids’ meals are covered at school. The bottom line is this: feeding kids is always a great thing. 

One of the best tools I have in setting my legislative priorities is YOU!   

Take my legislative survey to make your voice heard. Submissions are open now through May 1, 2024.  

As always, I want to hear from you. Get in touch by calling 651-296-8634 to reach me, or email rep.jeff.brand@house.mn.gov. Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.  

Stay warm out there.  

In solidarity,  

Representative Jeff Brand 

Minnesota House of Representatives