Dear Neighbors,
I know we’ve had a lot of snow and cold lately, but as someone who loves to ski, I’ve been enjoying it! I understand I might be one of the few though. Here’s an update from another busy week at the Capitol.
Legislative Deadlines
On Monday, I joined Governor Tim Walz and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka to announce additional deadlines for the legislature as we get closer to the end of session. The House and Senate always have deadlines for bills to move through the committee process, but these new, additional benchmarks will help insure more of the end of session negotiations happen earlier, and provide more transparency for the public.
Under these innovative new deadlines I developed, all major finance bills must pass off the House and Senate floors and conference committees must be appointed for those bills by May 1st. Conference committees complete the important work of reconciling the House and Senate approaches to crafting the state’s budget.
The Governor, Senate leader, and I will give fiscal targets to conference committees by May 6th. In past years, the Governor, Senate leader, and Speaker have failed to provide fiscal targets to conference committees in time for the conference committees to complete their work in open committee by the end of session. Conference committee reports need to be completed by May 13th. Session must adjourn by May 20th.
Too often in recent years, the budget process has ended in what looks like a high-stakes poker game with the state’s top leaders making decisions behind closed doors. Minnesotans deserve better. The agreement we announced puts us on a path to have more of the budget conversations in public, to have more legislators involved in the bill drafting process, and to end session on time.
Earned Sick and Safe Time in committee
HF 11 — Earned Sick and Safe Time — passed out of the Labor Committee this week. All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to succeed, but more and more people are losing basic economic security. Too many Minnesotans have to choose between work and taking care of themselves or a sick family member.
The Earned Sick and Safe Time legislation gives Minnesota workers the ability to take off work for short periods of time (such as half a day or 1 to 2 days) when they are sick or to take care of a sick family member. Under the bill, all employers in the state are required to provide their workers with one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Workers can begin using their earned sick and safe leave 90 days after they begin employment. HF 11 also allows workers to use paid sick leave if they or a family member are getting help for domestic abuse or sexual assault.
We’re committed to delivering solutions for working families, like Earned Sick and Safe Time, to provide greater economic security for all.
Remembrance of Parkland shooting
Thursday, February 14th marked one year since the tragic mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Seventeen students and staff members were killed, with 17 more injured. I participated in a remembrance for those who died in Parkland and for Minnesotans who have been victims of gun violence.
Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want their legislators to address the epidemic of senseless gun violence in our communities. Minnesotans deserve to be safe in their homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces. We’re focused on common-sense solutions like criminal background checks on all gun sales and extreme risk protection orders to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn’t have them.
Banning Conversion Therapy
A bill banning the practice of conversion therapy with clients under 18 years old or with a vulnerable adult passed out of the Health and Human Services Policy Committee this week. Conversion therapy is the practice of a mental health practitioner seeking to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
All Minnesotans deserve to be respected for who they are. Conversion therapy is simply not acceptable. Numerous professional medical organizations have noted that conversion therapy lacks scientific credibility, clinical utility, and is harmful.
Unfortunately, many LGBTQ Minnesotans are still coerced and subjected to these harmful practices, which put them at risk for serious harms such as depression, substance abuse, and suicide. It’s time to end this dangerous practice and treat all Minnesotans with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Openings on Coon Rapids commissions
Are you looking for a great volunteer opportunity? Openings are currently available for several City Commissions: Arts, Board of Adjustment & Appeals, Parks & Recreation, Historical, Safety and the Sustainability Commission.
Commissions typically hold monthly meetings in the evening and some have additional volunteer opportunities outside of the monthly meetings.
Read more about each Commission on the City website. If you are interested in joining a Commission, fill out the application and turn it in to Coon Rapids City Hall.
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. I appreciate hearing from you! You can reach me at 651-296-4280 or rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn. You can also keep up with what’s happening at the Capitol by liking my legislative Facebook page.Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman