Dear Deb,
I hope you are having a good start to your Minnesota “spring”. With a short five weeks left of session, I have some updates of what’s been happening here at the Capitol.
Governor Dayton Urges Action
Governor Dayton sent a letter to legislative leaders outlining the need for a smooth and effective last five weeks to end this year’s session. He asked that items with bipartisan agreement–protecting vulnerable adults, addressing the opioid crisis, making schools safer, and shoring up state pensions–be passed now. In addition, after years of budget deficits, Governor Dayton is insisting we keep Minnesota on a fiscally stable path and do not jeopardize our state’s fiscal health with end of session legislation. I agree that fiscal stability is important and will be working with legislative leaders to make sure that happens.
Supplemental Budget
House Republican leadership announced their supplemental budget targets last week, which underinvest in E-12 and higher education. Their plan is in stark contrast to Governor Dayton’s supplemental budget proposal, which rolls back tax giveaways for corporations and the wealthy to fund tax cuts for Minnesota families, invest in pre-K across the state, and more. On Thursday, House DFLers tried to amend the budget resolution to include funding for a tuition freeze at Minnesota’s state colleges and universities, but it unfortunately was defeated. From this point, House and Senate leaders will begin to negotiate with Governor Dayton on a final supplemental budget to invest the $329 million surplus this year. I will continue to advocate for investments to make taxes fairer, expand education opportunities, increase college affordability, and improve economic outcomes for all Minnesotans.
Brooklyn Park Citywide Garage Sale
There will be a citywide garage sale on May 31st, 2018. Sell some of your extra stuff for some quick cash, and also help those around you fulfill their “garage-saleing” needs! For registration and participation information, click here.
Recycling Appliances, Electronics, and Mattresses
As a friendly reminder, on the first and third Saturday of each month, the city of Coon Rapids is holding a recycling event from 9:00am-3:00pm at the Coon Rapids Recycling Center. This is the perfect opportunity to get rid of the large/difficult items you have in a safe and environmentally friendly way. There are some small fees depending on the item.
Find more information here: http://www.coonrapidsmn.gov/814/Appliances-and-Electronics
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. I appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman
Rep. Melissa Hortman