Dear Constituents and Friends,
Happy May!
Two Weeks Left
The Minnesota Legislature must adjourn by Monday, May 21st. That leaves us just over two weeks to finish our work. This week the House is continuing to pass budget bills including measures related to taxes, health and human services, transportation, public safety, jobs, agriculture and the environment. As we work through these bills, my number one priority is to make sure the values of the people in our community are put first.
I’m committed to improving opportunities for all Minnesotans. This means focusing on shoring up our state’s pensions, passing a robust jobs bill, expanding educational opportunities, making college more affordable, and ensuring seniors are secure in their retirement. The people of our community should expect nothing less. I will keep you apprised as compromises on these issues are (hopefully) reached in the coming weeks.
Small Business Week
This week is National Small Business Week. The United States has celebrated Small Business Week since 1963, which commemorates the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. Minnesota has more than 503,000 small businesses, which employ approximately 1.2 million people. Overall, small businesses employ approximately 47 percent of Minnesota’s workforce.
To learn more about the tools and resources available to entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Minnesota, click here.
Emergency School Spending
Governor Dayton released a proposal this week to provide an increase in school funding to prevent layoffs and program cuts. The $138 million in emergency aid would be a Band-Aid to prevent losing teachers and staff, closing buildings and cutting extracurricular activities in our public schools.
To learn more about this school investment plan from Governor Dayton, visit: https://blogs.mprnews.org/capitol-view/2018/05/daily-digest-dayton-pitches-11th-hour-school-plan/.
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
Lyme Disease Awareness Month began Tuesday. Local and national groups are launching campaigns to raise awareness about tick-borne diseases, especially Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected deer or bear tick. This preventable disease can cause serious and debilitating long-term problems.
The best way to prevent Lyme disease is to take a few precautions. First, always check for ticks after you’re out in woody and brushy areas, or in tall grass, and remove them immediately. Second, it’s always smart to be protected by wearing tick repellent. There are two effective repellants: permethrin which you can use spray on clothing and DEET which you can apply to your skin.
For more on Lyme disease prevention check out the Minnesota Department of Health and more about Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
Stay tuned in the next few weeks for updates on the legislative session. As always, please contact me anytime with your input. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman