SD36 8 , CD3 DFL

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on November Economic Forecast

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, Minnesota Management and Budget released the November Economic Forecast, showing a projected $641 million surplus in the current biennium and a $1.273 billion shortfall in the FY 22-23 biennium. The forecast includes inflation on the revenue side and excludes it on the spending side in several key areas. Inflation is estimated to be $1.3 billion in the next biennium, which could roughly double the budget shortfall. Minnesota currently has $350 million in the state’s cash flow account and $2.377 billion in the budget reserves.

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements:

“This is positive news, but we have a long way to go to fully recover from COVID-19,” said Speaker Hortman. “We need to invest in the areas that will help Minnesotans make it through this crisis and thrive after it, including protecting their health and economic security. This forecast allows us to provide some assistance to those struggling the most during this difficult time, and then focus on rebuilding Minnesota’s economy in the 2021 Legislative Session. House DFLers are committed to building a Minnesota that works better for everyone.”

“Today’s forecast is further evidence that Minnesota has the resources to invest in our people and provide economic opportunity for everyone. We only need the will to act,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We need to focus our efforts to help working families, small businesses, and Minnesotans hit the hardest by this pandemic — not corporations, the wealthy, and well-connected who are still doing very well. The relief bill that we presented last week puts working families first, strengthening unemployment insurance and providing support for small businesses. The question now is whether the Republican Senate majority agrees.”

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: December 1, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced committee structure and chairs who lead on various issues such as housing, public safety, health and human services, etc. I’m pleased to share I’ve been appointed to serve as chair of the House Commerce Committee for the next legislative session. Between helping small businesses survive COVID-19, driving down the price of prescription drugs, and protecting Minnesota’s consumers, we’ll have our work cut out for us.

Over the last two years, the House Commerce Committee advanced the legislation that established the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin program, which ensures access to insulin for diabetics who can’t afford it. The Committee also fought for net neutrality (which I authored), to end predatory lending by putting an interest rate cap on payday loans, and to protect access to health care.

Full committee membership will be announced later this month.

Sen. John Hoffman (SD36) Update: November 25, 2020

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

There is so much I am grateful for this holiday season. I have a loving wife, a daughter who consistently amazes me and makes me a proud father everyday, and thanks to you I get to be your state Senator.

I want to pause and thank you for this past year representing you in the Minnesota Senate. It is a privilege and I never take it for granted. Your input is invaluable and while we won’t always be in full agreement on all issues, we can always agree we have much to be thankful for in being able to call Minnesota home.

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: November 25, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year has been challenging, but we still have so much to be thankful for. I hope you’re able to take a moment during this holiday to pause and reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your life.

From my family to yours, I wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Melissa Hortman

Rep. Zack Stephenson (HD36A) Update: November 19, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

A big thank you to everyone for allowing me to continue working for our Champlin and Coon Rapids communities for another two-year term. Working together-regardless of party affiliation- to find common ground for our families is my top priority. Now more than ever, we need to make this commitment to Minnesotans, especially as we’ll once again be the only divided state legislature in the country. Our to-do list is large, and the Legislature must find solutions to address public health and economic relief. Hospitals are under enormous strain, homelessness is increasing, Minnesotans are struggling to afford their mortgages and rent, and small businesses continue to struggle during a global pandemic. The Legislature will also be tasked with balancing a state budget. Your feedback is critical in these endeavors.

Here is an update from the Capitol:

Minnesota House approves major jobs legislation to jumpstart economy

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — With 100 votes, Minnesota House lawmakers today approved legislation that will create and protect tens of thousands of jobs. The nearly $2 billion package would be a major boon to Minnesota’s economy at a time when the unemployment rate is stuck at historically high levels due to the pandemic. House Republicans previously blocked passage of similar jobs bills in May and July.

“We listened to Minnesotans who have been asking for our help,” said House Capital Investment Chair Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown). “This economic stimulus bill connects Minnesotans to other Minnesotans, addresses critical public infrastructure needs across the state, and will create thousands of jobs at a time when they are sorely needed. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this important jobs and local projects and economic development package.”

According to the most recent data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate stands at 7.9% and job gains were lower than expected in September. The US economy is still 11 million jobs short of pre-pandemic levels.

Statements from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on Republican Senate removing Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley

SAIN PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on the Republican Senate removing Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley.

“Governor Walz and his administration are trying to combat a global pandemic and instead of working with him, Senate Republicans are actively making it harder to fight this virus,” said Speaker Hortman. “It’s irresponsible for Republicans to continue to target individuals over a political disagreement with the Governor.”

“Sabotaging government agencies during a pandemic is as dangerous as it is shameless,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “The GOP should be using this special session to work on bipartisan COVID relief for Minnesota families and businesses – not to brag about executing hostages and undermining public health. This reckless vote is proof that the Republican majority is unfit to lead the Senate during the greatest crisis of our lifetimes.”

Minnesota House Announces Membership of New Select Committee on Racial Justice, Schedules First Public Meeting for Sept. 22

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – House Speaker Melissa Hortman today announced the membership of the new House Select Committee on Racial Justice and scheduled its first public meeting for September 22. The committee is responsible for examining disparities Minnesotans of color face regarding health, public safety, education, employment, housing and other areas.

Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL – Mendota Heights) and Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul) will co-chair the committee. Rep. Lisa Demuth (R – Cold Spring) will serve as vice chair.

“Minnesota can never truly prosper as a state if it doesn’t guarantee equitable opportunities to every resident, regardless of their race,” said Rep. Richardson. “The House’s new select committee is long overdue and it represents a commitment to bring about meaningful change.”

“I’m proud we have this forum in the Minnesota House to dive deeply into the impacts Black, Indigenous and People of Color still face in our state, which affect their health, safety, and overall wellbeing,” said Rep. Moran. “While racism’s harm to public health isn’t new, this year’s events have shined a light on the problem and it’s a pivotal time to tackle the crisis head-on.”

In July, the House approved a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in Minnesota, noting more than 100 studies have linked racism to worse health outcomes, while Black and Indigenous communities experience the highest death rates. Additionally, several medical organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, and the American Public Health Association have recognized that racism is a social determinant for health, with a profound impact across an individual’s lifespan, along with other long-standing, unaddressed disparities and socioeconomic inequities as a result of systemic racism.

“I’m grateful to Reps. Richardson and Moran for co-chairing this important Select Committee, and to Rep. Demuth for serving as Vice Chair. I look forward to the committee’s recommendations,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We have to dismantle the structural racism inherent in our own institution and address our state’s inexcusable racial inequities.”

“It’s clear that racial disparities are entrenched in our communities and run deep to the foundations that shape policing, education, housing, employment, health, and more,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “The House needs to examine itself and address racism for what it is — an economic and public health crisis.”

Other members include Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL – Roseville), Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls), Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL – Edina), Rep. Kaohly Her (DFL – Saint Paul), Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL – Spring Lake Park), Rep. Sandy Layman (R – Cohasset), Rep. Jamie Long (DFL – Minneapolis), Rep. Anne Neu (R – North Branch), Rep. Steve Sandell (DFL – Woodbury), and Rep. Dean Urdahl (R – Grove City).

The first hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 22 at 1:30 p.m.

Minnesota House Passes Police Accountability Act

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House approved the Minnesota Police Accountability Act. The legislation, authored by members of the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, contains strong police accountability reforms and measures to ensure racial justice.

“Today, we’re beginning to make the overdue changes Minnesotans have been demanding to help ensure no more lives are lost due to police violence,” said Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL – Saint Paul), bill author and chair of the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Division. “By passing this bill into law, we’re taking the first steps toward major changes to hold police officers accountable for harmful acts, and we are committed to continuing our work for safer communities. It wasn’t safe for George Floyd or for Philando Castile, and they deserved a better way to police that builds community.” Continue reading “Minnesota House Passes Police Accountability Act”

Minnesota House to vote on jobs and local projects, tax legislation on Monday

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota House of Representatives will vote on jobs and local projects and tax legislation on Monday, July 20. The spreadsheet of bonding provisions is here and the spreadsheet of tax provisions can be found here.

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement:

“In the middle of a pandemic that has put us into a recession, it’s important that the state legislature do everything we can to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. This bill will create jobs and fund infrastructure projects our communities desperately need. It’s time for House Republicans to leave aside unrelated matters and join us in passing this agreement on behalf of Minnesotans.” Continue reading.

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