Legislative Team Update
There is a lot going on in the MN legislature, now that the GOP coup is (mostly) over. This newsletter will update you on upcoming events, pending legislation, and how to get involved.
Messaging
Several people asked for messaging training. You can choose from two different events, both sponsored by the Connections Lab to help improve this skill.
Learn messaging from the pros at Connections Lab. Feb 22nd, via Zoom at 10 AM,
The training is approximately 2 hours plus Q&A.
$50 (25 for students)
The ZOOM link will be in your confirmation email.
(Note, if you are taking our separate Rural Messaging Series, you DO NOT need to sign up for this content -it's included.)
Feb 25, Rural Caucus Messaging workshops begin
Register and donate .https://forms.gle/ZbMoKLnDoth9Xuv68
When Tues. Feb. 25, Tues. March 25, Tues. April 22, and Tues May 27 all are 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Upcoming Forum
Don’t miss our next legislative forum
This Sunday, Feb. 23, 6:30 pm join the DFLEC for a digital forum presented by Tina Clarke, Stories of Transition to a Clean Energy Economy. Learn what is possible with the right leadership and be inspired. Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/naxcCT0BQ8iENV_1k0RCig
Northeastern Minnesotans: Just for you
If you live in Northeastern Minnesota, please attend one of these MPCA forums next week. Water Legacy is organizing a rapid response effort.
Speak up: MPCA Public Forum on Mercury in the St. Louis River Watershed
Please Speak up to Protect Water and the Health of Future Generations
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is providing an update on mercury contamination of fish in the St. Louis River, which runs through Duluth to Lake Superior.
Please sign up here if you can attend these MPCA forums:
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025 at 3-5 p.m. Minnesota North College Eveleth Atrium, 1100 Industrial Park Blvd. Eveleth, MN 55734
Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Amphitheater 2101 14th St., Cloquet, MN 55720
We will be in touch and share talking points and additional important information before the forums. Questions? Please email: info@waterlegacy.org
Engage with your legislators!
Don’t miss these opportunities to engage with legislators and the public
Feb. 24, Copper-nickel sulfide mining hearing, 10:15 am in Room 2308 Senate Office Building with Friends of the Boundary Waters
Feb, 27, BikeMN Day on the Hill
March 1: Multi- caucus door knock for David Gottfried for 40B
Two shifts available: 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM, or 1:00 to 3:00 PM
Sign up by visiting: https://secure.ngpvan.com/fUCyzpkL_kOij7VDBa6xJA2
March 12, Rise and Repair Rally and Lobby Day
March 19, Zero Waste lobby day
How to do more
See the combined Legislative Calendar for all the meetings and floor sessions planned for the week. I recommend bookmarking this and checking it often as it changes.Please let us know if you are available to attend (virtually or in person), take notes, or testify at one of these meetings. You can submit written testimony and/or get your name on the list 24 hours before the meeting time. They often also ask at the meetings if anyone else wants to speak on an issue before turning it over to committee members for questions. You are also encouraged to email committee members about bills they are hearing.
HF348 would steal money from PFAS settlement. See Rep. Rick Hansen’s press release. Contact the bill sponsor, Scott Dippel of Cottage Grove and members of the Capitol Investment Committee to voice your opposition.
OPPOSE HF845 (Baker) - Various provisions governing net metering modified. This bill will be heard Thursday.feb. 20 at 1 in the House Energy Committee. We oppose this bill because it makes it more difficult for us to reach our carbon free electricity by 2040 goals by deterring solar adoption by homeowners and small businesses. It also threatens distributed power generation which can help stabilize our grid during times of peak demand.
Energy Finance and Policy Committee 2025-2026 Regular Session
See also My bills for a list of all the bills we are following so far.
Please let us know if there are bills we should add to this list, especially if they are coming up in committee meetings or for a vote on the floor.
Need help taking action?
We can help! Contact Veda at vmkanitz@gmail.com or Greg at laden.greg@gmail.com
We are happy to answer your questions or refer you to someone who can.
Remember, this is what democracy looks like. We stand up and fight back! There is way too much at stake to sit home a stew.