Dear Neighbors,
This week the DFL House completed our initial budget work by passing our remaining finance bills off the House floor. This sets the stage for the final weeks of session, where we hope to reach an agreement with Governor Walz and the Minnesota Senate on a budget that will strengthen our communities and improve the lives of Minnesotans.
Minnesota Values Budget
I am proud to support the Minnesota Values Budget that House DFL Majority has passed off the House floor. We are investing in the priorities that all Minnesotans value: affordable health care, world-class schools, safe communities, and economic security for everyone. And we are doing so with an honest, responsible budget that doesn’t rely on gimmicks or budget tricks that would throw us back into deficits.
The House budget is in stark contrast to what we have seen in the Minnesota Senate. Their budget would cut taxes for corporate interests and the ultra-wealthy, and includes deep cuts in health care that would eliminate care for some of our most vulnerable Minnesotans. In addition, they are underfunding our schools, which would trigger teacher layoffs across the state, including in our community.
It’s my hope we can choose a course that reflects what Minnesotans told me while doorknocking last fall. We should build a future in Minnesota where everyone has the opportunity to prosper, not just cater to corporate special interests and the wealthy few.
Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act
The Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act has passed the Minnesota House and is included in the omnibus Health and Human Services budget. This important legislation seeks to ensure that no Minnesotan loses their life because they can’t afford the insulin they need to survive. We also received some positive news from the Senate this week. On a vote of 67-0, the Senate adopted an amendment that includes a version of Alec’s Bill. This provides us an excellent opportunity to work together and pass this nation-leading legislation this session.
You can watch my comments during the floor debate on the bill below, which include Alec’s story, and the tireless efforts of his parents and advocates like them.
MICC
I had the great opportunity to speak at a rally at the State Capitol and meet with students of the Minnesota Independence College & Community (MICC) at their first ever “Day on the Hill.” MICC is such an amazing asset to our community and state, providing the education and life skills so that students on the autism spectrum can lead an independent and fulfilling life. I am working to secure additional resources for MICC so that they can expand their reach to more students.
Touching Base
In these remaining weeks of the session, I would love to hear from you about your top priorities. What is most important to you that the legislature address this session? I would love to hear from you at rep.michael.howard@house.mn, or at (651) 296-7158.
Sincerely,
Michael Howard