Category: SD36

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: April 29, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend, and a happy holiday. The Legislature returned on Tuesday from our Spring Easter/Passover recess, and the House has approved several bills to balance our state budget and improve the lives of Minnesotans. Here’s an update from St. Paul:

Energy and Jobs Budget

The House approved the Jobs and Economic Development bill on Wednesday, which contained a number of bills that I’ve authored this year. Here are my three favorites:

  • Creating a student loan advocate in the Department of Commerce to police the worst abuses in the student loan industry
  • Net neutrality in Minnesota
  • My Clean Energy First bill

I’ve talked about Clean Energy First before, but it is a practical and pragmatic plan to fight climate change in Minnesota. Clean Energy First is a simple proposition, if we’re going to build new energy resources, they should be carbon-free if at all possible. But that simple proposition has a big impact. That is because Minnesota’s fossil fuel power plants are mostly old and nearing the end of their useful lives. According to public filings with the PUC, power plants accounting for 95% of Minnesota’s utility-sector carbon emissions will retire and need to be replaced in the next 20 years. So Clean Energy First, by ensuring that new power construction is clean, ensures an orderly and affordable transition to a 100% clean energy future. Continue reading “Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: April 29, 2019”

Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: April 26, 2019

Week 16, Friday April 26th

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Our omnibus bills are going through the final stretch of the process. As they are being passed from the floor they will go into conference committee, before returning to the floor for approval. I’d like to share some of my work that has made it this far in the process:

One of my bills to make it this far is the Parent to Parent grant. The bill appropriates $257,000 in funding for grants to support parent-to-parent programs for families of children with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and health-related educational or behavioral problems. Parents who participate in the program would be connected with other parents who have a child with similar needs or circumstances, information from special training, or simply emotional support. Personal support from another parent who has a child with similar needs can be helpful in coping with these challenging experiences and feelings. Continue reading “Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: April 26, 2019”

Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: April 18, 2019

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Legislature’s annual Easter/Passover break is upon us, giving legislators a chance to catch their breath after the last few weeks of intense deadlines. While I’m spending my break catching up on my work outside the legislature as well as spending time with family, I’m hoping everyone else is getting the chance to get outside and into the sunshine.

I will also be contemplating the coming last few weeks of the legislative session. We have had contentious issues arise this session as well as those that share bipartisan support. All of the budgets are out from the House, Senate and Governor. The stage is set for the last month of session.

Now we have to come together to make the final decisions on what our final budget will be as well as what policies will shape our state in the years to come. So as we all take our reprieve with family and friends I ask that you reach out and share your thoughts and feelings on the different legislation as we move forward. I’m going to do my best to share what bills are coming to the floor as soon as I know about them. I’ll be sharing them on Facebook and reviewing actions taken during my normal weekly newsletter.

So enjoy the holidays with your family and keep an eye out for more information next week.

From Ours to Yours,

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John

sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn
651-296-4154

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: April 18, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

The Legislature is on its spring recess this week in observance of Easter and Passover. Business at the Capitol resumes on Tuesday, April 23, at which point the Minnesota House of Representatives will begin voting on the major components of the state’s budget.

I’m back in the community, listening to constituents and neighbors, and spending quality time with my family.

As the legislature takes on consequential issues affecting all of us, I want to hear about what’s important to you and your family. Please let me know by visiting the website below and filling out my survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019mn36a

Stay in Touch
Please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime with questions, comments, or additional feedback. My phone number at the Capitol is 651-296-5513 or you can reach me via email at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.

I value your input. It’s an honor to represent Champlin and Coon Rapids at the Capitol!

Sincerely,

Zack Stephenson
State Representative

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: April 13, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you all have been safe and warm through this week’s snow, ice, and sleet storm. The Minnesota House of Representatives has been busy with budget bills moving through committee. We’re entering our Easter/Passover break, but when we’re back, there will be a flurry of activity passing bills off the House floor, then working to find common ground with the Senate.

Here’s a quick update.

Full Minnesota Values Budget released

Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: April 13, 2019”

Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: April 12, 2019

Week 14, Friday April 12th

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

We have reached the Legislative Recess. Committees have finished their session work and Omnibus bills will be heading towards the floor or conference committees in a little over a weeks time. After a long fourteen weeks, we have an idea of what bills are in motion and we know the budgets from the House, Senate and Governor. Make sure you keep in contact with me for updates on this session process. Mean while enjoy this lengthy ENews on Bills that are moving this session.

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I’d like to let you know how some of the bills I’ve been working on are doing that are currently moving forward in the health and humans services omnibus bill.

One is my $257,000 in funding for Parent-to-Parent grants. This funding will support an organization that organizes and trains parents who care for children with disabilities into a peer support network. These parents are ready to share their experiences with those seeking help to take care of their children medically as well as emotional support throughout the process. Continue reading “Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: April 12, 2019”

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

Dear Neighbors,

I hope your week has been good, and that this update finds you well. Major budget bills are coming together and our focus will soon shift from committee to longer floor sessions. Here’s an update from the Capitol:

New Tax Bill Announced

The Chair of the House Taxes Committee rolled out the House Tax bill on Monday and at first glance, I am very pleased. I have been working with the Chair all session for property tax relief and cuts to the tax on social security benefits (including at a Town Hall in Champlin). This bill contains both, and much more. In fact, two-thirds of tax filers in Minnesota receive a tax cut under this bill. Even better, these tax cuts are paid for not by gimmicks or cuts to essential services, but by holding large corporations accountable for the profits they stash in overseas tax havens. I’m tired of companies sending money to Bermuda to avoid paying taxes. I’d much rather ensure that retirees can stay in their homes by holding the line on property taxes. While many negotiations will still occur before a bill is approved, I am hopeful that measures such as these will be approved. Continue reading “Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: April 11, 2019”

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: April 7, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

This week at the Capitol there were many important bill introductions and announcements. Read more below:

Governor’s State of the State Address

On Wednesday, April 3 Governor Tim Walz delivered his first-ever State of the State Address. Speaking on the floor of the Minnesota House Chamber, Gov. Walz played the role of storyteller and shared the hopes, dreams, and challenges of our neighbors and communities across Minnesota. He told specific personal stories of Minnesotans that he knows and has recently met, including small business owners, working families, veterans, and more.

Continue reading “Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: April 7, 2019”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: April 7, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

We had a big week at the Capitol — we have been unveiling our budget bills after releasing the framework of the Minnesota Values Budget, and Governor Walz had his first State of the State address. Here’s a quick update.

Governor Walz’s First State of the State

Greeting Governor Walz before his State of the State address

Governor Walz delivered his first State of the State address on Wednesday, April 3rd. Instead of a traditional scripted speech, Governor Walz spoke off the cuff, sharing the stories of Minnesotans. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: April 7, 2019”