A Welcome From Senator Hoffman
Organ Transplant Anti-Discrimination Bill
Senator Hoffman testifying on behalf of SF3035 with Senator Koran, Disability Advocate Noah McCourt and Amanda Collins.
This week an important bill I’m co-author of was heard in Health and Human Services Policy and Finance. SF 3035 reinforces that you can not discriminate against individuals with disabilities when it comes to access to organ transplants.
Connect 700 and Disability Employment by the State
Over the last six months I’ve run a bipartisan investigation with Senator Abeler’s office into the program that assists people with disabilities into employment with our state. The results of our investigation found that due to a lack of training, understanding and proper implementation in policy across our agencies, there is a disparity in treatment that we brought light to.
The Governor has charged an investigation be done into this program to find where the issues are that they may be corrected. I want to thank the Governor for his actions and a third party will be contracted to look into this program for the state as a neutral party. The Governor is a man of his word and we will move forward together offering all we have found so far to build honest employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Read the full story by the Star Tribune here
Grain bin safety is a priority
Since June of last year, there have been at least 10 grain bin-related deaths in Minnesota. A Star Tribune analysis in 2015 found that there were 19 grain bin-related deaths between 2004-2014.
Two bills looking to assist people in making their farms safer would provide education and make grants available for capital improvements to grain bins. (SF 3086) (SF 3007)
Second Chance Coalition advocates at the Capitol
The Minnesota Second Chance Coalition held a press conference this week advocating for their 2020 Legislative Agenda. The organization advocates for effective, just, and responsible laws, policies, and practices to ensure that individuals who have been involved in the justice system have meaningful second chances, so everyone has a path to achieve self-sufficiency and an opportunity to contribute to their communities. They also advocate for policy changes to ensure system-involved youth are not limited in their ability to become successful adults.
Making milk the top choice for Minnesota’s kids
Legislators held a press conference this week to announce a bill to make healthy beverages, like water and milk, the default option in kids’ meals served at restaurants in the state. Not only is milk the state beverage, but the dairy industry is a major component of our state’s economy. This bill would help promote the importance of milk in a child’s diet and support this important industry. Health advocates agree; both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association support making milk a default beverage on children’s menus to help promote healthy habits in our children. Currently, more than 80% of the top 200 restaurant chains feature sugary drinks on their kid’s menus, which are the single leading source of added sugars in the American diet. This bill would help turn children away from these unhealthy drinks and encourage healthier habits that will follow them throughout their lives and into adulthood. (SF 2797)
Addressing the backlog of rape kit tests
Rape kit testing continues to pose a major problem throughout the state as 1,700 kits remain untested. The kits hold key DNA evidence to identify the perpetrators and find justice for the survivors. The testing process is often traumatizing for the survivors, as they must undergo a thorough examination within hours or days following the assault, and the process is highly invasive. Survivors consent to the testing because they want to protect others from experiencing what they went through, to find justice for themselves, and/or to feel safe again by knowing their rapist is behind bars. By not testing the kits, the state has failed in its duty to protect Minnesota’s survivors and has allowed too many perpetrators to go unpunished.The proposed legislation will go a long way in protecting the rights of survivors and ensuring a backup of kits never happens again. (SF 3462)
Thank you!
It is my greatest honor to represent you the citizens of Brooklyn Park, Champlin and Coon Rapids here at our great state capitol. In addition to representing you, I absolutely enjoy it when you come visit.So come on down, reach out and tell me what matters to you so I can continue working on your behalf. You can reach me by email at sen.john.hoffman@senate.mn, phone by 651-296-4154 or just stop by. I am at 95 University Avenue Suite 2231 in the Minnesota Senate Building
Sincerely,
Senator John Hoffman
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call my office at 651-296-4154 or by e-mail at jhoffman@senate.mn
Week two of session brought friends old and new to my door!
It was an honor to host our Coon Rapids and Brooklyn Park Firefighters! With Coon Rapids members Asst. Chief Aaron Johnston, Darin Jahnke, Patrick Metz, Andy Peisert, and Brooklyn Park Members Chief John Cunningham,Todd Seitz, Jovan Palmieri, Frankie Jo McNallan. Thank you all for your service!
Reviving Sisterhood came to visit me and share their stories on civic engagement and empowerment.
Syed Husain brought some friends down to talk about Parental Rights.
Dr. Eva Norman from Champlin coming to talk to me about removing the 90 day limit on Physical Therapist treatment without doctor intervention.
Speaking at the rally for Muslim and Jewish Women of Minnesota at the State Capitol on the importance of their presence and engagement in the process.