Legislative Updates

A call for justice, equity and inclusion in our 2020 special sessions

by Trevor Russell

June 16, 2020

At FMR, we believe that the Mississippi River belongs to all of us. As long as people of color live in fear of police violence and are made to feel unwelcome or unsafe in public spaces, the river does not belong to them. That must change. And we need to support this change during Minnesota's special session. Learn more and take action >>

Action Alert: Support POCI Caucus police and justice proposals [CLOSED]

by Trevor Russell

June 16, 2020

In addition to our preexisting legislative priorities, FMR is following proposals from the Minnesota Legislature’s 19-member People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus. We urge you to to support them for a more equitable Minnesota. >>

2020 legislative session ends with most bills "staying at home"

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

On Sunday at midnight, the 2020 Minnesota Legislature wrapped up a legislative session unlike any other. And in the end, most legislation failed to cross the finish line in time. Where does that leave our clean water initiatives? And what happens next? >>

How clean water and the Mississippi River fared in the bonding bills

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

FMR's top clean water and Mississippi River bonding priorities failed to cross the finish line as the clock ran out on the legislative session. >>

How the Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund fared this session

by Trevor Russell

May 19, 2020

After FMR advocates and coalition partners stopped an attempted raid, the House and Senate passed relatively "clean" Environmental Trust Fund bills, but the clock ran out on final negotiations and no final vote was taken. >>

Star Tribune commentary: Don't let environmental funding fall prey to political games

by Trevor Russell

May 12, 2020

The recent commentary calls on the Legislature to drop a controversial “poison pill” provision that is blocking the use of an important dedicated environmental fund in Minnesota. >>

It's time to fix the pipes, Minnesota!

by Trevor Russell

May 11, 2020

For our environment and our economy, it's time to invest in Minnesota's aging water treatment systems and wastewater plants.

We're proud to be part of a new coalition of business, environment, local government and trade groups asking our state to #FixthePipesMN this session. Learn more and take action. >>