Category: SD46

Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: March 6, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

We’ve spent a good chunk of the past few weeks passing our first bills of the 2020 session off the House floor. All of them are impactful to the lives of Minnesotans, and were prioritized because they are time-sensitive or had been extensively vetted last session. Although we passed some of these bills, or similar proposals, in 2019, lack of action in the Minnesota Senate forced us to again prioritize these proposals that matter to Minnesotans.

The Alec Smith Affordable Insulin Act

Our first bill to pass off the House floor this year would create a statewide insulin assistance program to help Minnesotans when they struggle to afford the insulin they desperately need. Minnesotans with diabetes would be able to apply and receive an emergency fill of insulin at a community pharmacy. In addition, they would be connected with options for long-term affordable insulin coverage. Alec’s bill would also cap co-pays for insulin at $30 per month for patients on state-regulated health insurance plans. Continue reading “Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (HD48B) Update: March 6, 2020”

House DFL Leaders & Education Committees, House Members Hold Education Symposium: Bridging the Gap

House DFL logoEliminating racial disparities in education so children can reach their full potential

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Hortman, Majority Leader Winkler and Education Committee Chairs Davnie and Youakim and House members today participated in the all-day Education Symposium: ‘Bridging the Gap’.

Legislators received a high-level overview of Minnesota’s education system, with a focus on solutions to eliminate racial disparities in education so children can reach their full potential. House members listened to public testimony from the students, educators, parents, superintendents, the state demographer, universities, and various education organizations that have been working on closing the opportunity gap using evidence-based research. An agenda listing the panels and speakers is attached.

“Every child in Minnesota deserves a great start in life — and that includes a world-class education,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We know that Minnesota has one of the largest opportunity gaps in education in the country. The racial disparities in Minnesota students’ math and reading test scores are inexcusable. It’s time for us to act, and ensure our children can reach their full potential.”

 

“Minnesota has a strong public education system, but it doesn’t work well for everyone,” said Rep. Jim Davnie, chair of the House Education Finance Committee. “We have the data; we have admired the racial disparities long enough. We need to act boldly towards solutions to the gaps our young people and families experience.”

 

“In pursuit of an equitable education for all, my purpose remains to serve as a role model for my students, and find ways to continually provide access and opportunity,” said Jessica Davis, 2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.  “I am honored to model deliberate equity by participating in today’s symposium to eliminate racial disparities in education, and I look forward to being a voice for my students in a conversation that will determine the fate of Minnesota’s younger generations. Every voice matters. Together we can realize a better future.”

 

“All Minnesota children deserve a quality education, no matter what zip code they live in, how they look, or where they come from,” remarked Rep. Cheryl Youakim, chair of the House Education Policy Committee. “Since becoming chair, our committee has been focused on community-based solutions and crafting public policy to close the opportunity gap. Our children deserve no less.”

 

“Closing the education opportunity gap and eliminating racial disparities is key to our state’s future success,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “We’re going to continue this conversation with Minnesotans as we work to craft comprehensive solutions to address this issue that is holding back our children.”

 

Minnesota House DFLers will continue this crucial conversation across the state in a series of town hall meetings.

 

Rep. Hornstein & Sen. Latz Announce New Legislation to Address Hate Crimes

House DFL logoEmpowering Minnesotans to Stand Up Against Hate

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Representative Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis) and Senator Ron Latz (DFL- St. Louis Park) announced legislation today to expand and improve reporting of hate crimes in Minnesota. HF 3837 requires updated training for peace officers on crimes motivated by bias, and directs the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to consult with the Board of Peace Officer Standards on proposed improvements.

Over the course of six months last year, Minnesota Attorney General Ellison held seven town hall meetings across the state focused on hate crimes with a broad coalition of elected officials, religious and community leaders, and impacted community members. The legislation announced today is a result in part of these conversations. Rep. Hornstein attended several of the meetings and was moved by the large attendance, interest, and stories from Minnesotans.

“Our new bill will raise awareness of the urgent need to update our hate crime statutes,” said Rep. Hornstein. “It gives law enforcement and communities the tools they need to address this mounting concern. All Minnesotans deserve to feel safe.” Continue reading “Rep. Hornstein & Sen. Latz Announce New Legislation to Address Hate Crimes”

Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: February 13, 2020

CAPITOL UPDATE: SESSION 2020 PREVIEW

As we enter the 2020 legislative session, there is much to accomplish before the end of May that could improve the lives of many in Minnesota. It is the second year of the 2019-2020 biennium and I expect the legislature will turn its focus toward policy issues and passing a long-term public works borrowing bill, also known as a bonding bill. Last year, we passed a budget that resulted in compromise on both sides. We further funded our schools, our healthcare programs, and our correctional facilities, among many other important issues. But, much was regrettably left out as well.

In an election year and with a divided legislature, I expect little will come from this legislative session. The legislature is not obligated to pass anything in the back half of the biennium as we already passed a two-year budget last session. It’s unfortunate that the two sides may come out with nothing considering the long list of issues that we need to address. I will be working hard to build coalitions across race, place, and faith as we ensure all Minnesotans have the care that they need, a bright energy future and healthy climate, safe communities and a fair justice system, connected communities, the opportunity to achieve their dreams, and the time to care for themselves and their loved ones.

In my first session newsletter, I will outline a number of issues that many of you will read about in the news in the coming months. There will be many more issues that I will not cover in this update, although they are as equally as important. I look forward to another session representing the folks of Golden Valley, Hopkins, Medicine Lake, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park. It is truly an honor. Continue reading “Sen. Ron Latz (SD46) Update: February 13, 2020”

Majority Leader Winkler outlines principles for cannabis legislation

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA— Yesterrday, House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) unveiled the principles that will guide legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis. The principles originate from 15 Be Heard on Cannabis events Rep. Winkler and legislators held around the state to encourage Minnesotans to join the conversation on how to legalize and regulate cannabis.

“We heard from Minnesotans that our current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “By creating a regulatory framework we can address the harms caused by cannabis and establish a more sensible set of laws to improve our health care and criminal justice systems and ensure better outcomes for communities.”

The following principles are a reflection of the views and concerns Minnesotans shared with legislators:

Regulated Cannabis Marketplace

  • Transparent governance structure that allows for equitable, safe, and effective administration of cannabis law
  • Moving from illicit to legal market
  • Establish a market that creates opportunities for inclusive economic growth with an emphasis on communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis laws and incorporate social equity
  • Promote a Minnesota-grown industry that has safeguards in place to prevent “big marijuana” from taking over the marketplace
  • Safety for individuals, communities, and the environment

Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform

  • Do the least possible harm
  • Criminalization is a last resort
  • Address past harms
  • Understandability and adaptability
  • Racial equity

Public Health and Youth Access Prevention

  • Improve public health and safety
  • Prevent youth access through evidence-based education and regulation
  • Improve and maintain a clear role for the Medical Cannabis Program

Economic Development and Workforce Standards

  • Provide economic opportunity and restorative justice for communities in Minnesota most harmed by the prohibition of cannabis
  • Protect Minnesota-owned small business owners and employees by supporting safe, secure, and good paying jobs
  • Develop fair and reasonable workplace standards
  • Create a cannabis industry in Minnesota that provides for long term access and promotes self-sustainability

“Legalizing cannabis for adult use will offer broad benefits across the state,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Jeff Hayden. “This legislation will help address racial disparities in our criminal justice system, restrain a widespread illegal market, and help veterans who deserve access to affordable care to treat PTSD and chronic pain without turning to opioids.”

“We need to create a responsible regulatory framework and get it right. If any state can do this right, Minnesota can,” added Winkler.

Legislation to legalize cannabis for adult use will be introduced early in the 2020 Legislative Session, which begins February 11.

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.”

 

Statement from Majority Leader Winkler on Rep. Lyndon Carlson’s (HD45A) retirement

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on Representative Lyndon Carlson’s announcement that he will not be seeking re-election to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2020.

“Representative Carlson has been a valuable mentor and dedicated friend to me and so many legislators through his many years of service to the people of Minnesota. He represents the best example of public service Minnesotans could ask for in an elected official. Representative Carlson played a vital role in the most difficult and the most uplifting moments in our state for the last half century. His knowledge, expertise, and kindness are irreplaceable for the Minnesota House of Representatives, and the House will just not be the same without him.”

 

Statement from Majority Leader Winkler on National Guard helicopter crash

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on today’s National Guard helicopter crash.

“The Minnesota House of Representatives sends its deepest condolences to the families of the National Guard service members who passed away in this tragic accident. Our National Guard performs the highest form of service on behalf of Minnesotans, and has been in harm’s way around the world. Minnesotans and Americans honor their service and sacrifice.”

 

Majority Leader statement on need for responsible vaping regulation

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement responding to the risks associated with unregulated vaping products.

“The risks of unregulated vaping products on the market have emerged as a serious issue, and it demonstrates what happens when products are introduced into the marketplace without consumer protections. As we look to change Minnesota’s adult-use cannabis laws, we want to be sure to protect the health and safety of consumers with a responsible public health approach. Our response to vaping should be similarly deliberate.”