Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update
The Legislature is back in session. As the 2018 session begins, I’m ready to continue working to improve Minnesotans’ quality of life. I’m focused on creating an economy that works for everyone. Please stay in touch for updates on what’s happening at the Capitol, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and input.
Legislative Budget and State Contracts
Last year — despite a budget surplus — the extreme right-wing group of Republicans currently leading the Legislature chose to prioritize the wealthy and corporations instead of delivering results for all Minnesotans. They under-invested in education, resulting in cuts, and passed large tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. Governor Dayton vetoed the Legislature’s budget as he sought a better deal for Minnesotans. Instead of returning to the negotiating table, Republican leaders spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars suing the Governor – and lost their case at the Minnesota Supreme Court.
On Thursday, the Legislature’s budget came back before the full House. I opposed passing the Legislature’s budget without taking care of other Minnesota workers at the same time. Republicans chose to make a political football out of contracts negotiated by state employees that include modest raises and health care cost savings. Those contracts came before the Legislature for an up or down vote in October, and Republicans voted them down.
This week, DFLers fought to include approval of state employee contracts in the legislative funding bill. After much debate, we were unsuccessful getting both pieces done at the same time. I’ll continue to fight to see the contracts approved, and will continue to advocate for better incomes and benefits for all Minnesotans.
The legislative budget passed the House and Senate and will head to Governor Dayton for final approval.
Curbing Senseless Gun Violence
In the wake of another mass shooting at a school in Parkland, FL, Minnesotans have joined a nationwide movement to prevent senseless gun violence. Last week saw rallies at the Capitol, a press conference, and requests for House Republicans to hold committee hearings on bills to prevent gun violence. Read more on the events at the Capitol here: Gun reform rally draws huge crowd to Capitol.
Recycling Appliances, Electronics, and Mattresses
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
Citizens Academy
Until April 10th 2018, Brooklyn Park Police will be hosting a 10-week course that meets one night per week for 2.5 hours to show citizens a ‘behind the scenes’ of what actually goes on at a police department. Some topics that will be covered will be police training, crime analysis, and understanding the canine program. This free course is a great way to understand and get acquainted with local law enforcement.
Please follow this link for more information regarding qualifications, times, instructors and more:
http://www.brooklynpark.org/city-government/public-safety/citizens-academy/.
Follow me on Facebook!
Please follow my new Capitol Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/repmelissahortman/. This will be a hub for our district and relevant happenings at the Legislature.
SIGN UP TO KEEP RECEIVING EMAIL UPDATES
I’m cleaning up my email list. Please sign up to continue to receive my email updates here: https://state.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=f3d2e37ed1b9fbad2deb7d87a&id=00b8707ab9
As always, please contact me anytime with your questions, comments, and concerns. I appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman