My DFL colleagues and I fought to ensure our budget included increases in funding for Farm to School and Early Care and Local Food Purchasing programs (the latter was a bill I authored), which nourish our kids while also providing stability to local farmers. We increased workplace protections for meat and poultry workers and ensured retail milk and poultry will be tested for bird flu. We’re also helping the next generation of farmers by increasing down payment assistance for those just getting started in agriculture.
It’s worth noting that these are not our final budget bills. Once our House proposals are passed, we then begin the process of working with the Senate to craft the final versions that reconcile the differences in our bills. That work should take us right up until our constitutional adjournment date of May 19, and I’m committed to ensure we pass the best budget possible for Minnesota by then.
Minnesota Making Progress on Clean Energy
Even as we work to pass our new budget, our progress from the last few years is still taking shape. In 2023 and 2024, DFLers made generational investments in a cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient energy system, putting Minnesota on the path to 100% Carbon-Free Energy by 2040.
The latest Minnesota Energy Factsheet shows our policies are working and our investments are paying off, creating high-paying clean energy jobs, lowering costs for families, and building a greener future:
- A new record low in carbon emissions, cutting another 4% between 2023 and 2024.
- Residents and businesses have saved more than $307 million in energy costs from the Energy Conservation Optimization (ECO) Act.
- Minnesota is ranked No. 1 in the Midwest for overall energy efficiency, and No. 10 nationwide!
Here at the Capitol, I’m dedicated to protecting our progress from those who are seeking to repeal the legislation that made this positive change possible.
Stay Connected
We only have a few weeks left of the legislative session, and now is a crucial time to reach out to share any questions, comments, or ideas you have on how to make our community and state better. A tied House presents new opportunities, and there’s no shortage of things I believe we can work on together.
You can reach me at [email protected] or 651-296-4262. You’ll hear back from me or our Legislative Assistant, Tenzin.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Fue Lee
State Representative
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