|
Legislative Update
As we head into the final stretch of session, I want to give you a quick update on some of the work I’ve been focused on, ranging from improving public safety and lowering health care costs to supporting small businesses and strengthening our local communities.
Supporting Public Safety
Recently, I voted yes on the bipartisan Public Safety bill, which provides critical investments in keeping our communities safe. I was especially proud to see my bill, House File 135, included. This legislation supports the correctional officers who serve in our local facilities. Their work is essential, and they deserve the resources and recognition that keep them safe and effective on the job. You can watch the video from the House Floor here. I want to personally thank Deputy Ness with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s office for working with me to protect local law enforcement across the entire state of Minnesota.
|
Food Shelf Funding Passes
With food insecurity still impacting too many Minnesotans, I spearheaded House File 841, a bipartisan bill providing emergency funding to our local food shelves. The legislation passed the Children and Families Committee and the Ways and Means Committee with strong bipartisan support. As a volunteer and board member for our local food shelf, I understand the challenges we face with food insecurity. Republican or Democrat, we need to make sure no family in our community goes hungry, and this was a commonsense step forward.
|
Health Care Access & Affordability
Since 2018, Minnesota has run a health care reinsurance program that lowers health insurance premiums by as much as 25%. Without action this session, that program could end, and premiums could spike. Minnesota families cannot afford any more cost increases, especially given we have the 9th highest health insurance premiums, and the highest median health care spending, in the country.
I continue to work to move reinsurance through the process so we don’t see a jump in health care premiums while my Democrat colleagues seek to raise more taxes to pay for it. I’ll keep working across the aisle to keep this program going by prioritizing funding without adding new financial burdens to Minnesota families.
Small Business Week
As a small business owner myself, I know the challenges that come with balancing a budget, managing a team, and staying competitive in a fast-changing economy. What we don’t need from government is more red tape, higher costs, and mandates written by people who’ve never had to meet a payroll and aren't’ taking the time to meet with business owners and workers. Yet that’s often-what small businesses and workers are up against at the Capitol.
This Small Business Week, I’m renewing my commitment to push back against burdensome regulations and speak up for local entrepreneurs and workers who just want the freedom to build something that lasts. Whether it’s through tax relief, cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, hiring incentives, or expanding access to capital, we should be creating a climate where small businesses and labor can succeed. That used to be what Minnesota was about, but more often, state policies are driving trained people and businesses out of the state.
I also want to recognize a few hometown favorites that help make our communities vibrant and unique: those hundreds of small businesses that make up the Long Lake Chamber of Commerce, Excelsior Chamber of Commerce, and Wayzata West Metro Chamber. These organizations and members are more than just places to eat, shop, or unwind, they’re where we gather with friends and neighbors, where local jobs are created, and where community spirit thrives.
Let’s keep supporting them, not just this week, but all year round. When you shop local, you invest in the people and places that make Minnesota home.
|
|
Honoring Our Teachers
This week, we also celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week. As a brother of a teacher, I understand the commitment and dedication you all make to your profession, our children, and our community as a whole. Thank you to the educators who go above and beyond to help students succeed. Your work makes a lasting difference, and I am advocating hard for direct flexible funding for our educators, schools, students and community.
|
|
 |
Investing in Our Community
Even though we are looking at a $6 billion budget deficit, I’m continuing to find innovative solutions with our local cities and the Minnesota Department of Health to secure funding for essential water infrastructure improvements. Clean water and modern infrastructure aren’t just priorities, they’re necessities.
We’re also working to ensure safe and efficient mosquito treatment around Lake Minnetonka so that families can enjoy a healthier and more pleasant summer.
|
 |
|
And last weekend, I had a chance to connect with residents at the Long Lake Fire Pancake Breakfast. Always a great reminder of how strong and tight knit our community really is, especially when it comes to the men and women that serve and keep us safe. |
As always, thank you for staying informed and involved and please continue to reach out to me anytime. Whether it’s public safety, health care, or support for our small businesses, I’ll keep bringing your voice to St. Paul.
Also, this weekend brings one of Minnesota’s most treasured traditions, Fishing Opener! For all the anglers getting out on the water this weekend, best of luck, enjoy the weather and stay safe.
Finally, I want to wish all the mom’s a happy Mother’s Day! We honor the enduring commitment of mothers whose guidance, care, and sacrifices strengthen families and communities across Minnesota.
|
|
|
Representative Andrew Myers
House District 45A
Co-Chair of the Suburban Solutions Caucus
“Your voice has an impact.”
Serving Excelsior, Greenwood, Long Lake, Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Orono, Shorewood, Spring Park, St. Bonifacius and Tonka Bay
Please Contact Me
Please continue to reach out with thoughts, ideas, and priorities by emailing me directly at rep.andrew.myers@house.mn.gov or calling me at my office at (651) 296-9188 or via my cell at (612) 615-8444. Your voice has an impact and allows me to better address the priorities of you and your neighbors. Thank you and have a great weekend.
|
|
 |
|
/RepAndrewMyers
|
|
2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.9188 |
|
|
|
|
