Neighbors,
The 2023 legislative session began on January 3, and I am pleased to report that the trifecta of DFL state government is already working hard and working together to meet Minnesotans’ priorities. While the legislature is in session now through May, I will be sending out regular updates like this to keep you up to date with the latest developments.
Slip into a new role
This year, my peers elected me Majority Leader of the House of Representatives. I am honored to take on this new role and lead our home DFL team at this historic time.
Announcement of legislative priorities
On Jan. 4, I joined House Speaker Melissa Hortman and new Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic to announce many of our key legislative priorities for 2023. Our priorities are inspired by the stories of Minnesotans and based on our shared values. We are working as quickly as possible to build a state that works better for everyone because we know Minnesotans’ priorities have been held up in divided government for far too long.
Codification of Reproductive Freedom
Politicians have no place to interfere in your private, personal health decisions. On January 19, the Minnesota House made history by voting to codify reproductive freedom into state law. You can watch my speech in the House of Representatives here. It was an honor to have Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra in town to bring the national spotlight to our state.
After the Supreme Court Roe v. Wade crushed, Minnesotans spoke loud and clear that they value reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy. The 1995 Minnesota Supreme Court decision in Doe v. Gomez established abortion rights at the state level, but we know that the composition of the Supreme Court and legal precedent can change over time.
We no longer take reproductive freedom for granted, so we are taking swift action to protect the rights of Minnesotans for generations to come.
Action against climate change
On January 26th, just last night, the Minnesota House passed important legislation that will move our state to 100% clean energy by 2040 and phase out fossil fuel use. Minnesota is one of the fastest warming states in the nation. We know the climate crisis is here. Now we have a real chance to defend ourselves with a trifecta from the DFL state government.
We’re honored to be writing the 100% Clean Energy by 2040 law again, but setting ambitious clean energy standards is just the beginning of our work. The House Climate and Energy Committee is in good hands with incoming Chair Rep. Patty Acomb, and I encourage you to follow the committee’s work on the Minnesota House website.
Keep in touch
Your voice and your story matter. Our state government works best when Minnesotans get involved. My office is here for you. Please keep in touch with your questions, comments and ideas. You can contact me via email at [email protected]; by phone at 651-296-5375; and by mail to 459 State Office Building, Saint Paul, MN 55155.
sincerely,
Representative Jamie Long
