Category: SD36

Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: November 3, 2017

Hello,

I hope you have been enjoying our fall weather in Minnesota and are prepared for the winter ahead. In this update I want to share with you the new laws that went into effect this year, the cold weather rule, local elections that are around the corner, open enrollment and a Real ID update. Please feel free to contact me on any of these issues and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Senator John Hoffman
Senate District 36

Continue reading “Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: November 3, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: October 30, 2017

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you are having an excellent fall and enjoying the transition to everyone’s favorite time of year: winter.

Real ID Extension

As you may remember, Minnesota is one of only a few states using outdated id technology and not in compliance with federal REAL ID laws. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted an extension until October 10, 2018 for Minnesotans to use their current state id as Minnesota works to implement REAL ID.

REAL ID was passed following the September 11, 2001 attacks to improve security. The goal was to better confirm the identities of people entering federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally regulated commercial airlines. At the time, Minnesota abstained citing states’ rights and individual privacy concerns. Last session, the Legislature passed REAL ID compliance, and it will be fully implemented in time for the October 2018 deadline. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: October 30, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: August 8, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you’re enjoying your summer and are looking forward to the State Fair!

I’ve spent the first week in August at two conferences with other legislators from around the country.  First, 128 state legislators from 36 states came together as the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) in Cambridge, MA. I serve on the Board of Directors of this group, and we work to bring Democrats and Republicans together to work on policy solutions to combat climate change, remove toxins from drinking water and consumer products, and conserve water. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined us as a partner in launching a database that will help state legislators learn from each other’s successes. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: August 8, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 20, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

 

 

 

Neighbors and friends,

Town Hall Meeting

Please join me for a town hall meeting on Monday, July 24th at the Brooklyn Park Library for a recap of the 2017 legislative session and to discuss state issues.

When:  Monday, July 24th from 6:30-7:30 pm

Where: Brooklyn Park Library, 8500 West Broadway Ave

I hope to see you there!

If you’re unable to attend, please feel free to share your questions, comments, and concerns with me anytime. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 20, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 14, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you’re enjoying summer and staying cool!

 

New Laws

Several new laws went into effect on July 1st. A major highlight of the new laws is off-sale Sunday liquor sales, which was a successful bipartisan effort this session. Click here to read more about all of the new laws and budget changes now in effect.

Save the Date: National Night Out-Brooklyn Park and Night to Unite-Coon Rapids

National Night Out (NNO) is a national safety event that promotes police-community partnerships, lower crime, and stronger neighborhoods. Individual neighborhoods host their own block parties in order to celebrate and strengthen their community. Every party looks different-some are ice cream socials, some are cookouts, and some are potlucks. Last year, Brooklyn Park was ranked 3rd in the nation with 183 parties hosted. This year, NNO will be held on Tuesday, August 1st, with the deadline to register a party being July 21st. Let’s try to rank #1 this year! You can find more information on how to host a party here.         Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 14, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: June 26, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and Friends,

The 2017 legislative session ended a few weeks ago. I want to provide an update on what happened in the E-12 education budget area this year.

Despite a budget surplus, the Republican majorities repeatedly proposed underfunding our E-12 schools and eliminating free, voluntary pre-K, which would have led to teacher layoffs, increased class sizes, and fewer opportunities for students. With a budget surplus, it was extremely disappointing that funding education was such a low priority for the majority. I worked with Governor Dayton and DFLers to increase the education funding target, and the final result was an increase in school funding of 2% in each of the next two years. As a result, Anoka-Hennepin Schools will see an increase of $192 per pupil next year, and Osseo Area Schools will see an increase of $135. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: June 26, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: May 30, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and Friends,

The 2017 legislative session is over. In spite of a $1.65 billion surplus, the Legislature went into overtime and had a four-day special session last week. Governor Dayton called legislators into special session after reaching an agreement on the framework to complete the state budget. Unfortunately, the Republican legislative majorities took several days (and nights) to finish drafting the budget bills. Worse, throughout the four days of the special session, Republicans continued to ignore Governor Dayton’s requests that controversial policy provisions be removed from budget bills.

When the regular legislative session ended at midnight Monday, May 23rd, 70% of the major budget bills were unresolved including education, health and human services, and state government finance. A proposed package of tax legislation also stalled, as did a bonding bill to address infrastructure needs statewide. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: May 30, 2017”

Sen. John Hoffman Update: May 26, 2017

Welcome to the end of session review.

The session began with a $1.65 billion surplus. the structural balance of the state budget was something that remained at the top of mine and my colleagues minds this session and throughout the days-long special session. Minnesotans expect their legislature to be accountable, accessible, and to complete their work on time, but these values have not been the hallmark of this session and special session. In the days leading up to the end of the regular session, the work of the legislature ground to a halt as Governor Dayton attempted to negotiate budget deals with Republican majorities in both legislative chambers. A few smaller budget bills, including agriculture and economic development, were passed in the wee hours of Monday morning. As the hours ticked by, agreements on major budget bills, including more than 70% of the budget remained unresolved, resulting in a three day special session. Continue reading “Sen. John Hoffman Update: May 26, 2017”

Sen. John Hoffman Update: May 19, 2017

Welcome to week 19, the last week of session. The Senate majority called for a long floor session on Monday to pass their remaining budget bills. These include, taxes, transportation, higher education, jobs, and judiciary. All 5 were vetoed on the same day by Governor Dayton. These budget bills included many provisions, including policy provisions, that should be debated separately and are based on bad policy in a budget bill, that the Senate majority knew Governor Dayton could not sign.

Legislative leaders are now busy crafting a global budget agreement with Governor Dayton. There has been positive movement and the two sides are closer to an agreement than they were a week ago, with Governor Dayton willing to meet the Senate and House majorities halfway. I am still concerned and disappointed that we are cutting the health and human services budget in a time of surplus. The Health and Human services budget takes care of our most vulnerable citizens including people with disabilities, the elderly and those in poverty. Even more worrying, the current Health and Humans services budget by the Senate and House is relying on payment shifts instead of budgeting actual numbers.  Continue reading “Sen. John Hoffman Update: May 19, 2017”

Sen. John Hoffman Update: May 12, 2017

Welcome to week eighteen. Four months ago, the Senate majority leaders promised accountability and that legislative work would take place in committees, in the light of day. Earlier this week they seemed to forget those promises, and abandoned all attempts at compromising with the Governor.

With no public notice, Republicans signed finalized conference committee bills. Most of these conference committees have not taken public testimony, and provided dark-of-night notice of the early morning hearings that took place on Tuesday this week. Continue reading “Sen. John Hoffman Update: May 12, 2017”