Category: SD50

Sen. Melissa Wiklund (SD50) Update: January 31, 2019

Now that the legislative session is well under way, committees have begun to meet more regularly. The committees that I serve on cover a wide variety of issue areas and state departments, and the committee activity I’ve been a part of reflects that.

It’s common for committees to begin the legislative session with presentations from relevant state departments. On January 17th, the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee heard from staff with the Department of Human Services regarding man- aged care procurement, and how the department determines which plans participate in public health programs. On the 22nd, we heard from the Department of Health regarding adverse childhood events, as well as hearing the first bill of the year, authored by Sen. Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud).

Also on January 22nd, the Local Government Committee heard from the new Chair of the Metropolitan Council, Nora Slawik. Chair Slawik is a former legislator and mayor of Maple- wood, and I look forward to working with her to address the regional planning and infrastructure issues that the Met Council is responsible for. Continue reading “Sen. Melissa Wiklund (SD50) Update: January 31, 2019”

Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: January 28, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

I hope the start of 2019 has been treating you and your family well. This is the first of my legislative e-updates, which I aim to send regularly during the legislative session to provide updates on our work and to raise up the voices and concerns of our community.

We are off to a fast start during the 2019 session. I was sworn in as your state representative on January 8, and the words that are still sticking with me from that day came from our House Chaplain who wished for new legislators to be “compassionate, fierce and just.” I take this to heart as I begin this awesome responsibility of serving our community the Minnesota House.

There’s a lot of work to get done, and I’m honored to do my part serving as the vice chair of the Housing Finance and Policy Division. Other committees I serve on include: Continue reading “Rep. Michael Howard (HD50A) Update: January 28, 2019”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 23, 2019

 

Dear Neighbors,

It’s starting to feel more like January here in Minnesota. I hope this update finds you well- and enjoying the snow.

COMMITTEE HEARINGS BEGIN

Last week, House committees held their first public hearings, which were largely informational presentations by state agencies to get new legislators up to speed on budget and policy issues (and provide updates for returning legislators).

‘HANDS FREE’ CELL PHONE BILL ADVANCES

Yesterday the House Transportation Policy & Finance Committee advanced the ‘hands-free’ cell phone bill, which would require drivers to use their devices in hands-free mode. A driver would not be required to use their phone or other device hands free if they are safely parked out of traffic or for emergencies. As a co-sponsor of the bill, I’m looking forward to voting ‘green’ on this life saving measure once it reaches the House Floor for final passage. Minnesotans deserve to be safe on our roadways, crosswalks and bike lanes. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 23, 2019”

Sen. Melissa Wiklund (SD50) Update: January 17, 2019

91st Minnesota Legislature Convenes

On January 8th, the 91st Minnesota legislature convened at the State Capitol. All 134 Representatives were on the ballot last fall, and as a result, there are many new faces in St. Paul.

One of the bigger changes is that the House, which had a Republican majority since 2015, is now controlled by the DFL by a margin of 75-59. Our Senate District saw some change in representation in the House as well. Representative Linda Slo- cum did not seek re-election in 2018, and she was succeeded by Rep. Michael Howard (DFL- Richfield). I have worked with Rep. Howard in his capacity as a city council member, and I look forward to continuing that partnership to serve Richfield and Bloomington. Rep. Andrew Carlson (DFL-Bloomington) continues to represent the other side of our district.

Although the full Senate was not up for election last year, there has still been some turno- ver. As a result of then-Sen. Michelle Fischbach ascending to the office of Lt. Governor, there was a special election in Senate District 13, which was won by Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville). Republicans, thus, still maintain a majority. Additionally, Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick) has been appointed by Governor Walz to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, which creates a vacancy from his district, which will be filled by a special election inFebruary. Continue reading “Sen. Melissa Wiklund (SD50) Update: January 17, 2019”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 10, 2018

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

On Tuesday we kicked off the 2019 Minnesota Legislative Session. I am honored to be representing you and our community in St. Paul. I’ll stay committed to working in a way that reflects our shared values, and delivering reasonable solutions which give everyone an opportunity to succeed. Tuesday was a special day of celebration, having my family join me at the Capitol for our swearing-in ceremony.

This session, I’ll be serving as the Vice Chair of the State Government Finance

Division. Additionally, I’ve been appointed to the following House Committees: Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Division; Commerce; Property and Local Tax Division; and Ethics. I’m looking forward to the work on each of these assignments, all of which are important to Bloomington residents.

To maintain our strong economy, it’s vital to invest in what has made Minnesota such an excellent place to live. We’ve long prided ourselves on having good public schools, but local budget cutback Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 10, 2018”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 14, 2018

 

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

The end of the year is approaching quickly. This also means the 2019 legislative session is around the corner. Members are still waiting to find out which legislative committees they will serve on. The committee assignments heavily shape the type of work each member will focus on for the legislative session. While we wait for those to be announced I wanted to pass on a few other tidbits.

MN Dept. of Revenue offers tips for tax filing prep
As you look ahead to filing your taxes, the MN Dept. of Revenue has been updating their systems since the end of the 2018 legislative session to accommodate the differences between the federal and Minnesota tax laws. To learn more, you can click on this link. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 14, 2018”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 7, 2018

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday’s news of a positive budget balance gives us the opportunity to help Minnesotans build a more prosperous future for themselves. I have heard continuously from our Bloomington neighbors they want policymakers to address the economic challenges they face: health care costs, tuition, saving for retirements, and child care expenses. I am ready to join with Governor-elect Walz to tackle these challenges. MPR provided a good overview – you can read it here.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Andrew Carlson
State Representative

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: November 30, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

I have great news! The Orange Line Bus Rapid Transit that goes from Minneapolis through Bloomington to Burnsville received full funding. The Orange Line will connect Minneapolis, Richfield, Bloomington, and Burnsville along I-35W, providing frequent, all-day service in both directions, seven days a week. The route is an upgrade and will replace the existing local Route 535 with enhanced service and amenities, and new station features will benefit other transit riders along the I-35W corridor. If you would like more information check out the METRO Orange Line web page by clicking here.

Here are a few other announcements from the Capitol.

MN House Committee Structure announced
The MN House DFL Majority has announced the 2019-20 committee structure and leadership staff. Click here to view.

Minnesota House Jobs Postings
As the MN House transitions to a DFL Majority, there are a number of employment opportunities. Go to the House web page to check for availabilities. But hurry, some of the positions close soon.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Andrew Carlson
State Representative

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: November 21, 2018

 

Rep. Andrew Carlson (50B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are looking forward to spending some quality time with friends and family over the Thanksgiving Holiday. It is a busy time of year and it is easy to not realize how quickly the days go by. Here are a few updates from that Capitol that I wanted to pass along.

FREE STATE PARK FRIDAY
Gov. Dayton has announced “Free Park Friday” in Minnesota on Friday, November 23. Entrance fees to all of our state parks and recreation areas will be waived. Enjoy the beauty and diversity of Minnesota parks without a fee! Click here for more information.

LOW-INCOME VETERANS APPLY FOR HEATING ASSISTANCE
Low-income veterans are being encouraged to apply for help paying heating bills through the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). Click here for general information on the program. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: November 21, 2018”

Strong suburban showing puts DFL in control of House

The DFL will control the Minnesota House of Representatives in the 2019-20 biennium.

Winning a number of key races in the Twin Cities suburbs, the DFL picked up 18 seats in Tuesday’s elections and will hold a 75-59 advantage when the House convenes Jan. 8, 2019.

Much of the change occurred in the Twin Cities suburbs, especially near and just off the Interstate 494-694 corridor, where DFL candidates beat incumbent Republicans in places like Burnsville, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Plymouth, Rosemount, Stillwater and Woodbury.

Three races were within 250 votes: Rep.-elect Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL-Eden Prairie) beat Rep. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie) by 241 votes with 20,577 votes cast; Rep.-elect Kelly Morrison (DFL-Deephaven) beat Rep. Cindy Pugh (R-Chanhassen) by 216 votes with 23,372 cast; and Rep.-elect Shelly Christensen (DFL-Stillwater) beat Rep. Kathy Lohmer (R-Stillwater) by 137 votes in a race where 22,630 votes were cast.

View the complete November 7 article by Mike Cook on the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services’ website here.