Legislative Deadlines
Last Week, Governor Tim Walz, Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka announced additional deadlines for the legislature. The House and Senate always have deadlines for bills to move through the committee process, but these new and additional benchmarks will help ensure more of the end of session negotiations happen earlier, and provide more transparency for the public.
Under these new rules, fiscal targets will be provided 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, and the 2019 legislative session must adjourn by May 20th at Midnight.
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 announced agreement 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 – SF 1597/HF 11
Legislation moving through the Senate 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 family member who is ill. The bills require all employers in the state 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. The bills also allow workers to use paid sick leave if they or a family member are getting help for domestic abuse or sexual assault.
We are committed to delivering solutions for working families, like earned sick and safe time, to provide greater economic security for all.
Governor’s Budget
On Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz unveiled his budget proposal supporting historic investments in Minnesota’s schools.
I’m pleased that the Governor’s budget takes real steps in guaranteeing every student in Minnesota a world class education from kindergarten through college.
By investing $532 million into the basic funding formula, we are providing students and districts with the flexibility they need to support the unique needs of each student. This proposal also includes a freeze on the special education funding cross subsidy, a measure that will provide more stable funding for districts across the state. I also firmly support the Governor’s commitment to supporting school safety, with $26 million in funding that will increase the number of counselors and other support services our students have access to. This proposal falls right in line with a bill I sponsored SF 431; Legislation that gives our schools the framework needed to ensure more children have access to school counseling services.
The Governor’s proposal also makes a significant investment in the Minnesota State Grant Program, the best tool we have to provide a path to higher education through financial aid for students with low-income, working, and middle-class backgrounds. Today’s proposal will provide an average increase of $300 for over 80,000 recipients of this grant.
Blaine High School Visit
Today I had the pleasure to speak to students from Blaine High School. It’s always nice to see young people getting involved with the legislative process. To everyone who participated in the discussion, thank you.
Coon Rapids Commission Openings
If you live in the Coon Rapids area and are looking for a great volunteer opportunity, there are openings 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 those 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.
If you have any questions or wish to unsubscribe from this Newsletter please feel free to contact my office at 651-296-2556 or by email at sen.jerry.newton@senate.mn.
Thank you and have a great weekend,
Jerry Newton
State Senator
District 37