Capitol Letter for May 26, 2023

The Capitol Letter™ is a recurring publication that provides reports from LWV Minnesota volunteer Observer Corps and Lobby Corps members on what is happening in the current legislative session.

LWVMN Advocacy

• Last Saturday, the Minnesota House Rules Committee passed SF37 on a party line vote. Michelle Witte, our Executive Director, submitted written testimony in support of letting voters enshrine equal rights for all in our Constitution. After the Senate passed the bill with bipartisan support, ERAMN was assured of a House floor vote at the beginning of the 2024 Legislative Session. Work for an inclusive ERA amendment continues.

• This past week, LWVMN hosted "2023 Legislative Session Recap and Next Steps" with community partners, advocacy leaders, and members! You may continue to reference our 2023 Legislative Session Webpage for helpful resources and policy changes on elections, civics education, climate change and more.

Legislative News and Updates

• Election Laws Changed in 2023

• MN Legislature Ends its Session of Historic Spending, Policy Changes with MinnPost detailing What Passed and Failed

• Lawmakers Finally Reach a Deal on Bonding that Includes Greater MN and Infrastructure Around the State after agreeing to Aid Nursing Homes

• Gov. Walz Signs 72 Billion Budget that includes Accomplishments to Reduce Racial Disparities and more discussed with DFL Leaders in a Press Conference

• What’s in the “Transformative” Climate, Energy and Environment Bill which includes an Additional $216 Million for Climate Friendly Technology

• DFL Transportation Deal Includes Tying Gas Tax to Inflation, Adding New 50-cent Delivery Fee, Metro Sales Tax to Raise an Additional $1.48 Billion

• Minnesota Reformer Commentary: Democrats Made a Big Bet on Themselves

• Sheriffs in Minnesota Faced with New ‘Red Flag’ Gun Law

• National Popular Vote One Step Closer to Reality Thanks to Minnesota Lawmakers

• Passenger Rail Between Duluth and the Twin Cities Revived

• Urban Farm at Minneapolis Roof Depot Site Receives Big Boost

• New Fund Protects Farmers When Grain Buyers Fail

• Gov. Walz Vetoes Bill Setting Minimum Wage for Uber and Lyft Drivers 

Please learn more at our 2023 Legislative Session Webpage.