Category: SD49

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: February 23, 2018

A weekly message from your Senator

Senator Franzen highlights response to crisis in Puerto Rico on the Senate floor.

Dear Constituents and Friends,

This week we officially began the 2018 legislative session. With much ahead of us, I am optimistic about the opportunities we have to make progress in Minnesota. As of just yesterday night, we have passed a budget bill to fund the Senate and House of Representatives. We have also began to move the important conversations surrounding subjects such as elder care, tax conformity, gun violence, and bonding projects forward.  Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: February 23, 2018”

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (HD49B) Update: February 20, 2018

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (49B) – Legislative Update

February 20, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

Today is the first day of the 2018 legislative session. Despite the tumultuous last couple of months, I’m looking ahead and preparing for a fast paced, heavy workload.  I’ll be serving on the same committees: Commerce and Regulatory Reform; Transportation Finance and will continue my role as DFL Committee Lead on the Veterans Affairs Division.

After hearing from constituents over the interim, here are a few items I’m committed to working on: Continue reading “Rep. Paul Rosenthal (HD49B) Update: February 20, 2018”

Legislative Q&A: District 49 Sen. Melisa Franzen

The following article by Patty Dexter was posted on the Eden Prairie News website February 15, 2018:

The 2018 legislative session convenes on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The newspaper contacted Sen. Melisa Franzen for a Q&A previewing the session.

What are the biggest issues facing your district this session?

I’ve heard from constituents on a variety of issues that I’m giving priority in the upcoming session: These issues include; the impacts of the federal tax bill on the state, our vehicle and license registration system, access to affordable health care, net neutrality, chloride water pollution, and long-term care. I’m aware of the frustration and uncertainty surrounding these topics, and I’ve also seen positive community mobilization to respond to them. Thank you for sharing your views and expertise with me as I prepare for session. Continue reading “Legislative Q&A: District 49 Sen. Melisa Franzen”

Legislative Q&A: House District 49B Rep. Paul Rosenthal

The following article by Patty Dexter was posted on the Eden Prairie News website February 15, 2018:

The 2018 legislative session convenes on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The newspaper contacted Rep. Paul Rosenthal for a Q&A previewing the session.

What are the biggest issues facing your district this session?

One of the biggest issues my constituents are facing is obtaining affordable healthcare. It’s a nonpartisan issue and it’s time to work together for a real solution that includes affordable, comprehensive and quality coverage for everyone. Continue reading “Legislative Q&A: House District 49B Rep. Paul Rosenthal”

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: December 15, 2017

A holiday message from your Senator

Season’s Greetings,

I want to take this opportunity to wish you a warm and happy holiday season as we close out 2017 and we welcome the New Year. I’m looking forward to spending time with family and friends as I also prepare for the 2018 legislative session.

Reflecting on this past year, I have been inspired by our community advocacy on issues that affect all Minnesotans. I have engaged with many of you on issues such as health care, education, infrastructure, and the environment. I am proud to serve such an active constituency. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD49) Update: December 15, 2017”

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (HD49B) Update: December 6, 2017

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (49B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well. Here is an update from the State Capitol.

Budget Forecast

This week, Minnesota Management and Budget announced the November budget forecast, projecting a deficit of $188 million ($302 million when the full budget is passed). What’s worse – the deficit is set to grow over the next few years to $586 million.

At the beginning of the 2017 session, Minnesota had a $1.6 billion budget surplus. In less than a year, the House and Senate majority budget plan turned that surplus into a deficit due in part to unwise tax cuts for corporations like big tobacco. This is unacceptable. Continue reading “Rep. Paul Rosenthal (HD49B) Update: December 6, 2017”

Sen. Melisa Franzen Update: November 22, 2017

An interim update from your Senator

Dear constituents and friends,

We officially finished the 2017 Legislative Session in May, but my work representing you at the Capitol continues year-round. We started off the summer meeting with constituents and businesses around the district. I visited with the Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Edina Chambers of Commerce, as well as meeting with advocacy groups within the district, such as Conservation Minnesota and the Morningside Rotary Club, and local businesses like InstyMeds. Meeting with education community leaders and the students themselves has been energizing to plan future progress in education policy. As the summer wrapped up, we headed in to the busy fall season with a successful town hall that brought together constituents and legislators alike to discuss issues important to the community. Continue reading “Sen. Melisa Franzen Update: November 22, 2017”

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (HD49B) Update: November 8, 2017

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (49B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

On November 11, we observe the sacrifices made by members of our military with the commemoration of Veterans Day.

As we thank the men and women who have served, it’s important to recognize the challenges that many veterans face upon returning home. Whether regarding housing, employment, or health care, there are often roadblocks in the way of returning to normalcy. There are resources available for them from several different organizations:

Minnesota National Guard – Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

Minnesota Assistance Council For Veterans

Homeless Veteran Prevention and Assistance

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Continue reading “Rep. Paul Rosenthal (HD49B) Update: November 8, 2017”

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (HD49B) Update: October 20, 2017

Rep. Paul Rosenthal (49B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security just granted Minnesota an extension until October 10, 2018 as it rolls out REAL ID.  Minnesotans will not have a problem using their current driver’s licenses/state IDs to board commercial airplanes or enter federal facilities while REAL ID is being implemented.

As you may know, the federal REAL ID Act was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005 in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks.  The Act’s purpose is to confirm the identities of people accessing federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally regulated commercial aircraft.  Continue reading “Rep. Paul Rosenthal (HD49B) Update: October 20, 2017”