Category: Minnesota Legislature

Speaker Hortman: Legislator’s comments cross the line

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — At a rally at the State Capitol yesterday, state Representative Cal Bahr (R – Bethel) said, “There’s a lot of us in this room that have had enough, and it’s time to start riding herd on the rest of these people that want to take your rights away from you. They will not go quietly into the good night. They need to be kicked to the curb and stomped on and run over a few times.” The Minnesota House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Division will be holding a hearing on gun violence prevention legislation Wednesday evening.

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement:

“Rep. Bahr’s comments are reprehensible and have no place in civilized political discourse. Encouraging violence is irresponsible and dangerous. While some political issues elicit strong feelings by proponents and opponents, a hallmark of our country’s democracy is that we resolve disputes without recourse to violence. The Minnesota House of Representatives will foster a safe and respectful conversation on the issue of gun violence prevention. 

“Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want us to address the epidemic of gun violence in our communities. We will not be deterred by threatening comments intended to intimidate legislators and supporters of gun violence prevention legislation.”

Statement from Majority Leader Winkler on committee hearings on gun violence prevention

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Tonight, the Minnesota House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Division announced that it would be holding its committee hearing on gun violence prevention legislation at the State Capitol. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement:

“We wanted to hold a committee hearing on gun violence prevention in a school to offer students and parents an easier opportunity to offer their thoughts on an issue that has caused so much fear and stress for families. Instead of welcoming that discussion, the gun lobby directed their activists to badger local school district officials, including asking for gun carry requests because schools are gun-free zones. The gun lobby knows that the public isn’t on their side, so they have to resort to these tactics.

“Despite the loud voices of a few extremists, Minnesotans have been clear that they want us to address gun violence. House DFLers will pass gun violence prevention legislation this session.”

Senate DFL Week in Review: February 21, 2019

WEEK SEVEN: February 21, 2019

Budget negotiations begin, committees continue, and HAVA stalls

Week seven of the 2019 session was dominated by the news of Gov. Walz releasing his budget blueprint for the next two-year biennium. He focused his budget on the shared priorities of all Minnesotans: providing a high-quality education for all kids regardless of their race or zip code, providing access to quality health care at a price people can afford, making sure every community thrives across Minnesota, investing in the state’s crumbling infrastructure which is putting Minnesotans’ public safety at risk, and providing tax relief for all Minnesotans.

Committees were also busy. The electronic monitoring bill moved to the floor, the Taylor Hayden Gun Violence Prevention Act was heard, legislation on opioids moved through another committee, Regent recommendations were made, a bill to establish special taxing districts for fire departments was heard, the Help America Vote Act, MNLARs and MnPass were discussed, electric vehicle surcharges were heard in Transportation, and a number of veterans’ bills were considered – to name a few. Continue reading “Senate DFL Week in Review: February 21, 2019”

Minnesota House Approves Help America Vote Act Funding

SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL – Brooklyn Park) released the following statement after the Minnesota House of Representatives voted to appropriate federal funds under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Minnesota is increasingly more likely to see attacks on our election systems, and the legislation (H.F.14) would unlock $6.6 million in federal funding to support state efforts in securing election infrastructure against cyber threats.

“It’s no secret that our elections have been targeted by bad actors,” said Rep. Michael Nelson. “While Minnesota isn’t last on many lists, we are in fact the very last state to appropriate this money. It’s time for us to take seriously the threats against our democracy by passing the Help America Vote Act so Minnesotans can more easily participate in safe, secure elections.”

In March of 2018, the federal government appropriated $380 million in grants. Each state was allocated a share of the grant money. $6.6 million was designated for Minnesota. The grant is available in the state’s HAVA account, but the Secretary of State cannot use the funds unless they are directly appropriated by the Legislature.

The funds would go toward modernizing the statewide voter registration system, improving accessibility, training local election officials, and implementing security improvements for election systems.

 

Minnesota House Unanimously Approves Bill to Repeal “Marital Rape Exception”

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The Minnesota House today unanimously approved legislation authored by Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) that would help to support victims of sexual assault by getting rid of the “voluntary relationship defense,” which shields perpetrators from prosecution in certain instances if they are married to the victim.

Bill language for HF 15 is available here. Video, audio, and high-resolution photos of Rep. Stephenson’s remarks are available upon request. 

“Courageous Minnesotans like Jenny Teeson who are coming forward to tell painful personal stories are the inspiration behind this legislation,” said Rep. Stephenson. “Repealing the state’s ‘marital rape exception’ is an example of how the Legislature is putting Minnesotans’ values into action. We care about one another, and we want to hold perpetrators accountable when they hurt the people we love.”

HF 15 received significant coverage in the news following its introduction and several emotional public hearings. Jenny Teeson of Andover, MN shared her experience of being drugged, raped, and videotaped by her former husband. When she sought justice, the legal system said her case could not proceed because of a law that Stephenson has been working to repeal.

Rep. Stephenson can be reached by phone at 651-296-5513 or by email at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.

Legislators and advocates rally to support “great start” bills

SAINT PAUL, Minn.—Today at the Capitol, a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators, joined by advocates for health care, mental health, and early childhood, announced support for prenatal care and home visiting proposals, initiatives that would improve the wellbeing of parents and children at the beginning of life. The announcement immediately followed a legislative hearing on the home visiting proposal.

“Prenatal care and home visiting services are part of a broader legislative effort to help make sure that every child gets a great start in life,” said Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL—St. Paul), chair of the House Early Childhood Finance & Policy Division. “The House, Senate, and Governor are all prioritizing early care and learning. This is the session to do right by the youngest Minnesotans.”

While Minnesota leads the nation in many aspects of health care, too many African-American and American Indian women die from pregnancy-related causes. Black and Native women are three to four times more likely to die during pregnancy compared to their white counterparts, and their infants are more than twice as likely to die as white infants. Rep. Kelly Morrison (DFL—Deephaven) and Sen. Jim Abeler (R—Anoka) have introduced companion bills, HF 909and SF 855, to expand access and utilization of prenatal care and decrease racial and ethnic disparities. Continue reading “Legislators and advocates rally to support “great start” bills”

Senate DFLers Support Walz Budget for One Minnesota

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota Senate DFL Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, Assistant Senate DFL Leader Susan Kent, DFL-Woodbury, and Senator Scott Dibble, DFL-Minneapolis, praised Governor Walz today for making historic investments in Minnesotans’ top priorities.

“This budget is a good step to ensure communities are thriving across Minnesota,” said Bakk. “Investments in transportation, education, health care, and broadband are essential to the success of cities and counties not just in the Arrowhead region, but everywhere. I’m especially glad to see Gov. Walz provide workforce training and development programs to help Minnesota students have the opportunity to get good-paying jobs and support their families.”

“I appreciate Gov. Walz’s commitment to making Minnesota the ‘Education State’,” said Kent, who serves on the Senate E-12 Finance and Policy Committee. “We know too often the quality of a student’s education is dependent on their race or zip code. This budget takes a holistic approach to improve our students’ success: not just increasing the formula, but supporting students experiencing homelessness and providing training and assistance for teachers and administrators.” Continue reading “Senate DFLers Support Walz Budget for One Minnesota”

United Black Legislative Caucus to Host Event Honoring Black History Month

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – On Tuesday, February 26 the United Black Legislative Caucus will host a screening of the film The Rape of Recy Taylor at the Minnesota History Center. After the film, the Caucus will host a moderated discussion about Recy Taylor’s powerful story and the intersections of sexual assault, race and racism, and injustice that are still prevalent today.

What: Film Screening and moderated discussion with the United Black Legislative Caucus

When: Tuesday, February 26 from 6-8 p.m.

Where: Minnesota History Center, 345 West Kellogg Boulevard, St. Paul, MN

Who:

  • Rep. Ruth Richardson
  • Rep. Hodan Hassan
  • Rep. Mohamud Noor
  • Rep. Rena Moran
  • Sen. Jeff Hayden and
  • Sen. Bobby Joe Champion

Tickets are free and available online here.

Attorney General Ellison, Reps. Hassan, Noor and Council Member Warsame to Hold Town Hall

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Attorney General Keith Ellison, Representative Hodan Hassan (DFL – Minneapolis), Representative Mohamud Noor (DFL – Minneapolis), and Minneapolis City Council Member Abdi Warsame will hold a Community Listening Session on February 27. The discussion will focus on issues the elected officials plan to address cooperatively, as well as their individual priorities at the municipal, legislative and statewide levels. All members of the community are invited to attend.

WHAT: Community Listening Session

WHO: Rep. Hodan Hassan, Rep. Mohamud Noor, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Council Member Abdi Warsame

WHERE: Brian Coyle Center, 420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis

WHEN: Wednesday, February 27, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Low-income Student Driver’s Education Bill Crosses First Hurdle

SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL – Mendota Heights) presented legislation in the Education Policy Committee to expand access to driver’s education for low-income students between the ages of 15 and 19. The bill (H.F. 987) would allow school districts to pay a portion of the cost of enrollment on behalf of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

“There was a time when taking driver’s education was considered a rite of passage, and young drivers were often trained for free through the public school system. Today, a driver’s education course can cost around $400,” said Rep. Ruth Richardson. “Driver’s license fees are one of the hidden barriers that prevent low-income students from attaining their driver’s license, and the mobility and opportunities that come with it. This bill is about equal access to education, employment, housing, and services for all.”

In the 1970s, 95 percent of students received driver’s education as part of the public school curriculum. Today that number is just 15 percent. Continue reading “Low-income Student Driver’s Education Bill Crosses First Hurdle”