Category: SD36

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: January 28, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Last year’s legislative session ended with a compromise between the DFL-controlled House and the Republican-controlled Senate, which resulted in a balanced budget that protected Minnesotans’ health care and invested in our schools. With the 2020 legislative session right around the corner, I’m looking forward to building on our bipartisan success and continuing to deliver on our shared values for Champlin and Coon Rapids. The Legislature will return to St. Paul on February 11. I hope you’ll take a moment to take a brief survey to share your input with me ahead of the 2020 session.

You’re Invited

Join me at Champlin City Hall for a discussion about how climate change is impacting Minnesota and what our state government can do about it. I’ll be joined by scientists and policy experts from Fresh Energy, Clean Energy Economy, and Sierra Club. The event is free and open to everyone.

Here are the details: Continue reading “Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: January 28, 2020”

Statement from House DFL Leadership on Republican Senate agenda

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on Senate Republicans’ 2020 agenda.

“Senate Republicans are failing on the issues Minnesotans care most about — affordable prescription drugs including insulin, gun violence prevention, paid family leave, addressing climate change, world-class public schools, and more,” said Speaker Hortman. “House DFLers will continue our efforts to build a Minnesota that works better for all of us.”

“Minnesota Senate Republicans should come to the table to work with Democrats for progress on the things Minnesotans value,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Instead, they are proposing tax giveaways for the wealthy while draining funding from our public schools, neglecting our roads and bridges, and failing to truly address high prescription drug costs. House DFLers are focused on helping Minnesotans address the challenges they face: out of control health care costs, high tuition, insecure retirements, child care expenses, and more.”

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 10, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

It was great to see so many of you at last night’s legislative discussion. The Legislative Session starts on February 11th — stay tuned for more information on the issues likely to come up this session and a 2020 Legislative Survey.

This week’s email update takes a closer look at the transportation bill we passed in 2019, which will fund our state’s transportation system through mid-2021.

Transportation Budget

All Minnesotans deserve safe transportation, with reliable roads, bridges and transit. Crumbling roads and bridges cost the average Minnesotan more than $1,000 a year in gas, lost time, and car repairs. Transportation infrastructure keeps us safe, creates good jobs in the short and long term, and makes our state a better place to live and do business. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 10, 2020”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 8, 2020

One year as Speaker of the House

Dear Neighbors,

Today marks one year since I was sworn in to serve as the Speaker of the House in the Minnesota House of Representatives!

Swearing in photo

Being sworn in by former Speaker — and now Minnesota Supreme Court Justice — Paul Thissen

Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 8, 2020”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 6, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you had a great holiday and that your 2020 is off to a good start!

I wanted to invite you to an informal legislative discussion on Thursday, January 9th from 6-8 PM. The event will be held at Ramsey City Hall in the Alexander Ramsey Room (7550 Sunwood Drive NW, Ramsey). State legislators from Senate Districts 35 and 36 and House Districts 35A, 35B, and 36A have also been invited to attend. The discussion is free and open to the public.

event banner Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 6, 2020”

Speaker Hortman on conclusion of investigation into Rep. Long’s employment at the University of Minnesota

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — On September 20, Speaker Hortman directed House Research to retain an outside investigator to review, on behalf of the House, questions raised by Rep. Swedzinski and Rep. Daudt about Rep. Jamie Long’s employment at the University of Minnesota’s Energy Transition Lab. The House retained Amy Schwartz of the law firm Ballard Spahr for this purpose. The investigation has been completed and found no wrongdoing on the part of Rep. Long.

House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement:

“The report we received from a neutral third party completely exonerates Representative Long from all allegations of impropriety made by Representatives Swedzinski and Daudt.”

The full report can be found here.

Sen. John Hoffman Update: December 29, 2019

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As we welcome the new year and new legislative session, I want to wish you and yours prosperity. I also want to thank you for granted me the privilege to serve our district and state. Our State Legislature is the only one in the nation not controlled by a single party. We must continue to work on keeping focuses and  positive on what is best for Minnesota. It is the support of the nurse, teacher, small business owner, senior, mechanic, carpenter, farmer, childcare provider, bus driver, mom, dad, new citizen and more, working everyday to make our communities run on time, whom I am eternally grateful for.

You sent a clear message about what you wanted in 2019: Continue reading “Sen. John Hoffman Update: December 29, 2019”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: December 24, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! This is easily one of my favorite times of the year: the snow, the decorations, the music, the events, and the family traditions are something I treasure every year. I hope your holiday is filled with family, laughter, and love.

Hortman family
The Hortman family Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: December 24, 2019”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: December 19, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

This week’s email update covers some recent news before taking a closer look at our new state environment budget.

Minnesota Liberians to receive permanent status and opportunity to apply for citizenship

This week, the U.S. Senate voted to approve a defense spending bill that includes a measure giving members of Minnesota’s large Liberian community an opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship. The bill passed the U.S. House last week, and President Trump has said he will sign the bill.

Earlier this year, the President announced a one-year extension of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians. These protections were scheduled to end on March 31st. Before his announcement, I sent a letter to President Trump and members of Minnesota’s Congressional Delegation asking them to extend DED for Liberians. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: December 19, 2019”

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: December 11, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

Season’s greetings! I hope this finds you well and enjoying the holiday season with friends and family.<

holidaze

 

Last week, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released the 2019 November Budget and Economic Forecast, showing a projected balance of $1.332 billion for 2020-2021. Continue reading “Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: December 11, 2019”