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Dear Neighbors,
The Minnesota House of Representatives has wrapped up the most productive two-year session in state history. After many years of divided government and Republican gridlock that prevented meaningful progress for our state, House DFLers got the job done through a host of accomplishments that will benefit Minnesotans for generations to come. In an economy tilted in favor of big corporations and the wealthiest among us, Democrats delivered numerous wins for workers, families, and seniors to help them achieve economic security.
The last few days of session were filled with Republicans wasting time filibustering instead of debating about the important issues at hand. It’s clear that they were attempting to block our agenda, and progress for the people of Minnesota. Due to these blocks, important legislation was left on the table such as the Equal Rights Amendment and a bonding bill that would have included funding for the East Phillips Urban Farm project. I am proud of the work we did this biennium, and am deeply committed to ensuring these important pieces of legislation move forward in the future.
Photo ID: Minneapolis Delegation members gather on the last day of session to celebrate Rep. Hornstein and Rep. Hassan’s retirement.
Bills Passed this Session:
I was proud to author a number of bills that were passed into law this session, including:
- Funding for the creation of a pilot program to help districts develop and implement strategies to improve the problems we are seeing across the state related to student attendance. Our own school district of Minneapolis will facilitate meetings with other school districts and advise as needed. Our message to Minnesota students is clear: we want you back in schools and we will do the work to help you get there.
- This year we passed my bill allowing Minneapolis and Mendota Heights to pilot traffic safety cameras on high-traffic, high-accident streets near schools. Traffic safety cameras can be an effective tool to protect vulnerable populations in many areas, including in school zones and work zones. The cameras have been shown to reduce crashes and injuries. There have been numerous recent reports on this issue you can read here from the Star Tribune, Axios, and MPR. You can hear some of my remarks from committee here.
- When conversations about school policies come up, it is essential to uplift youth voices. As legislative liaison to the Minnesota Youth Council and a former educator, I understand why it’s so important to have a legislatively-created group of young people tasked with providing guidance to the state legislature and the Governor on issues impacting young people. I’m so proud that this session I fought to fully fund this program, and I’m looking forward to continuing serving in this role. I’m committed to ensuring youth are centered in any conversations about the future of our schools.
- This year, we passed my bill empowering cities to designate lands for pedestrian use. This bill offers cities increased flexibility and local autonomy in creating pedestrian malls. Providing cities with this toolkit is paramount for enhancing residents’ quality of of life and fostering economic growth
- This year we passed my bill to fully fund FHPAP (Family Housing Prevention and Assistance Program), an organization designed to provide supportive services and direct financial assistance to help households who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness to retain or obtain housing. This bill is a tangible action to provide more housing and bring support to those who experience houselessness. For more information click here.
- If you’re looking to create academic materials in Minnesota schools representing the state’s Hmong, Karen, Somali, or Oromo communities, there is now a grant program available to you! This year we passed legislation allowing the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to create a competitive grant program to develop school district materials for underrepresented communities, not limited to Hmong, Karen, Somali, and Oromo cultures, as well as cultures without a formal writing system. All students deserve to see themselves – their own cultures, communities, and histories – within their education.
Join me for a Coffee Hour!
You're invited to a Coffee Hour to recap our accomplishments from the last two years! Please join me for a discussion on Thursday, June 6 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Sunbean Coffee. I hope to see you there!
e-Bike Rebates Coming Up
The Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebate (e-Bike Rebate) is designed to reduce the cost for Minnesota residents to buy a new e-bike at eligible retailers starting July 1, 2024. The e-Bike Rebate provides a discount of up to $1,500 on a qualifying e-bike. The discount is 50-75% of a buyer's qualifying expenses, depending on their income. The rebate value cannot exceed the price of the e-bike. Individuals (buyers) and retailers must apply to the Minnesota Department of Revenue to take part in the program. Total rebates are limited to $2 million per year in 2024 and 2025. You can learn more and apply here.
Promise Act Applications
This biennium we passed the MN Promise Act, focused on distributing grants and loans to support the growth and repositioning of Minnesota small businesses who are located or who operate in neighborhoods/communities adversely affected by:
- Structural racial discrimination
- Civil unrest
- Lack of access to capital
- A loss of population
- An aging population
- A lack of regional economic diversification
Applications for the program start June 3rd. Many small businesses or nonprofits in our district will be eligible. You can find more information here.
Keep in Touch
Please continue to reach out anytime if you need assistance or have questions at rep.samantha.sencer-mura@house.mn.gov or 651-297-7087. You can also follow my Facebook page.
In community,
Rep. Samantha Sencer-Mura
Minnesota House of Representatives
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