Volume 5, Issue 8 March 1, 2019
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A clip from Monday’s press conference
A weekly message from your Senator
Dear Constituents and Friends,
The week started with our annual event, STEM Advocacy Day. The day was kicked off with a press conference to announce the introduction of three STEM bills detailed below with a bipartisan group of co-authors, representatives from Seagate, Ed Graff, the superintendent of Minneapolis schools, and students from around the state involved in robotics programs. A few robots made a special appearance, as well! The students then met with their elected officials and had the chance to demonstrate their work in the rotunda. Thank you to everyone who attended!
The big news this week was the release of the February budget forecast which sets the terms of debate for the two-year budget. The forecast projects how much money the state is likely to have for the upcoming biennium. Minnesota Management and Budget estimates a $1 billion budgetary balance which is $492 million less than the November 2018 forecast. It’s important to be cautious when the state’s budget balance decreases and diligent in working to balance any new investments with additional revenue.
In other notable action, after numerous delays and vigorous debate on the Senate floor, $1.5 million of the $6.6 million in Help America Vote Act (HAVA) funds passed the Minnesota Senate. Minnesota was the only state in the nation that did not pass full federal funding to strengthen election security. Full funding for HAVA passed in the House on February 21, on a bipartisan vote of 105-23.
Gov. Tim Walz also released his $1.3 billion bonding recommendations at a press conference earlier this week. The proposal focused on higher education, transportation needs, and efforts to create more affordable housing.
Senate committees continued hearing bills, including tobacco 21, reinsurance, and hands-free cell phone use. SF 1122 that I chief authored was heard in Transportation Committee earlier this week. The testimony will continue next week.
Other press conferences held this week included an anti-poverty press conference and a press conference to ban private prisons in the state. A number of groups held their “Day on the Hill” including: STEM Advocacy, Rally for Health freedom, Volunteer Administration Day, Muslim Day, African Heritage Day, Corrections Officer Day, ClearWay, YMCA, Private Colleges, Pediatric Home Service, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Dignity in our Democracy, Dyslexia Day, FFA Day, and Take Action Day.
Sincerely,
Melisa
The Nuts and Bolts of New Robotics Legislation
Robotics teams from junior high and high schools from across the state came to the Capitol this week to join Legislators for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Advocacy Day, voicing their support for three new pieces of legislation which seek to expand STEM and technology education in Minnesota.
The first piece of new legislation funds the development of robotics facilities across the state, aiming to increase accessibility for students of all backgrounds to engage in extra-curricular programs, which have a strong connection to higher education and workforce development (SF 1740)
The second bill will add an additional STEM research category to the Department of Labor and Industry’s Private Investment, Public Education, Labor and Industry Experience (PIPELINE) program, which incentivizes employers, educators, and public agencies to offer apprenticeships and dual-training career development in various fields (SF 1739)
The third bill offers competitive grants for STEM opportunities in K-12 education through statewide robotics events. It also focuses on establishing and developing relationships between students and partners in STEM employment and education (SF 1738).
Governor Walz Introduces his Bonding Bill
A bonding proposal was introduced this week by Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan to address a variety of pressing needs across the state. The $1.27 billion proposal would invest in Minnesota communities by increasing economic opportunities, improving educational institutions, expanding affordable housing options, and strengthening infrastructure statewide. Focusing on Minnesota’s future, the bill proposal takes a balanced approach, with 22% of project grants in rural Minnesota, 27% in the metro area, and 51% of projects to have statewide impacts.
The proposal directs funds for a range of projects such as roundabout construction, improving sidewalks, widening and repaving highways, repairing traffic lights, and replacing culverts and bridges in the state. It also focuses on improving statewide higher educational institutions through capital investments. Furthermore, $150 million would be directed to housing finance, with a recommendation of creating a range of affordable housing options for all Minnesotans. Last but not least, it also directs funds to support the Department of Corrections in continuing to tackle the state’s $600 million deferred maintenance backlog.
Celebration of African heritage Comes to the Capitol
The United Black Legislative Caucus, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Governor Tim Walz, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and many others gathered in the Capitol rotunda for a rally to kick-off African Heritage Day on the Hill this week.
Legislators addressed the racial disparity crisis facing Minnesota and discussed current and upcoming legislation intended to benefit minority communities. The priorities of the council include restoring the vote, the African-American Family Preservation Act, the extension of temporary protected statues, the differed enforcement of deportation federal immigration programs, and legislation to address the racial disparities in the child protection system.
Mileage-Based User Fee Considered
The Senate Transportation Committee heard the bill I chief authored this week that would establish a pilot program to identify and implement the steps necessary to develop a mileage-based user fee system (MBUF) to fund Minnesota’s transportation system. The pilot project must demonstrate and evaluate technical approaches to operating a MBUF system, analyze options and policy questions, and result in a near-term capacity to implement or phase-in a MBUF.
MBUF is an alternative to the gas tax, which is projected to raise less and less revenue as vehicles become more fuel efficient and fewer vehicles are dependent on fossil fuel. Since the gas tax revenue goes directly to road maintenance and construction, the state is facing a long-term deficiency in anticipated funding. MBUF would be a fair alternative because it would charge drivers based on their use of the road regardless of the type of fuel used. There are still many questions regarding the logistics of any new MBUF system in Minnesota, which the pilot project would begin to discuss. (SF 1122)
Hands-Free Cell Use Sent to Floor
A bill moved out of committee this week to expand the prohibited uses of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers would be prohibited from initiating non-hands-free phone calls, talking or listening on a cell phone, viewing or listening to video content, or accessing a web page. The Senate bill allows a driver to use a cell phone if it is through a hands-free manner or if the vehicle is legally pulled over to the side of the road and not obstructing traffic. Additional exceptions to this prohibition include the ability to use GPS or navigational systems or audio-based content while driving.
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, 16 states prohibit drivers from using hand-held cell phones while driving. All are primary enforcement laws — an officer may cite a driver for using a hand-held cell phone without any other traffic offense taking place. In 13 of 16 states, there have been significant reductions in fatalities. The bill will likely be considered by the full Senate in the coming weeks. (SF 91)
Tweet of the Week
Robots Converge on Capitol!
Check out the coverage on Kare 11 of STEM Advocacy Day from this week!
Around the District
Come listen to Sue Stock whose experience in architecture and construction has led her to a consulting career in executive coaching and leadership development.
This Week in History
February 26th, 1985 Minneapolis native Prince sweeps the Grammy Awards as his soundtrack to Purple Rain earns awards for best soundtrack, best rock performance, and best R&B song.