Friends and Neighbors,
The first policy deadline of the 2018 legislative session was yesterday at Midnight. Bills that weren’t heard in either the Senate or the House will not move forward this session, with the exception of finance bills, tax bills, and bonding bills.
The second policy deadline for bills is Thursday, March 29th. Policy bills must be heard in both the House and the Senate by this date to move forward. The third deadline is Friday, April 20th. All finance bills will need to be heard and passed.
One bill that I’m glad is moving forward is SF 837/HF 1180. This legislation would ban the use of handheld cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Cell phone use would still be permitted in a hands-free mode, through voice activated or one-touch functionality and in emergency situations. Ultimately this bill is about saving lives. Nearly all of us have either had a loved one killed or harmed by a distracted driver or we know of an individual or family that has gone through a similar tragedy due to distracted driving. Millions of Americans already live in states that have similar hands-free cell phone laws and I am hopeful that Minnesota will soon join them.
The House and Senate have yet to release any supplemental budgeting information or targets for spending. More information on the Governor’s Budget can be found here.
I would also like to invite everyone to a Town Hall on April 2nd hosted by myself and Representative Erin Koegel. Information is provided in the flier below.
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
