CAPITOL UPDATE MARCH 1, 2021
Last week the Senate dealt with several important matters that will impact our district and state. The key items are detailed below for your information. As for me, I met with several constituent and stakeholder groups, all virtually of course. Last week’s meetings included Epilepsy MN advocates and constituents participating in Fund Our Futures, an organization including members of ISAIAH, Education Minnesota, AFL-CIO, MAPE, Take Action, and several other groups who came together to promote strong on-going investments in infrastructure, students, and working families.
Gun Reform
As the chief author of several gun reform measures, I met with House authors Rep. Dave Pinto and Rep. Kelly Moller, and stakeholders from the Police Chiefs, Sheriffs, Minnesota Police and Peace Officer Association, and County Attorneys. These bills, known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (SF1431) and Firearm Purchase Background Checks (SF894) face no future in the GOP controlled Senate. Despite the reasonable measures and broad support, the opposition remains strong in the legislature. I continue to work with advocate groups including Protect MN, Everytown for Gun Safety, and a new group Gun Sense, to broaden support for safe gun laws. My joint press release on my most recent reform measure may be found here.
Judiciary Committee
The Judiciary committee attacked the probation cap decision by the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission, and DFL Senators demonstrated how the bill would lead to more geographic and racial sentencing disparities, in contravention of the goals of the commission. There seems to be little appetite for substantial policy discussions in this and several other committees. It remains to be seen what the long term strategy of this may be but it does not serve our state well to spend less time discussing fewer policies.
First Policy Deadline
Friday, March 12 is the first policy deadline in the Senate and House. Policy bills must be heard and acted on in one body or the other to be considered further this year. This excludes appropriations, tax, and capital investment bills which all pertain to money.
Budget Forecast
Minnesota Management and Budget announced the February forecast last Friday. This spending and income report is used by the Governor and legislators to determine a budget for the next biennium. The Constitution requires the legislature to pass a balanced budget every two years, and it must be signed into law by June 30 of the odd numbered years. Failing this, a state government shutdown occurs, as it did in 2011.
The forecast is positive in the increased returns, but most of that money is a one-time deposit in the state’s coffers. We cannot rely on this level of surplus in the future and therefore cannot make a budget that commits to spending growth in all areas. There continues to be a high need in our state for investments in housing, education, health care, transportation, and many other areas. The pandemic has only heightened the urgency of many of these needs.
SF1
On Thursday, the Senate debated SF1. As the number of the bill suggests, it was the very first piece of legislation that was introduced in the Senate in 2021. The bill preempts Executive Orders by the Governor as they relate to business closures due to Covid19, now and in the future. As we approach a year of this public health emergency, the issue remains salient.
However, if the urgency of addressing the pandemic and mitigating its impact on businesses was the impetus for this type of policy, we would have heard and acted on such measures the first few weeks of the session. Instead this was another opportunity for the GOP to say how much better their approach to dealing with a pandemic is without addressing any of the immediate needs of Minnesotans or providing additional support to businesses and workers. I voted against this bill.
MN Department of Human Rights Support Line
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights has launched a helpline in response to the increase in violence and discrimination against Asian Americans, largely attributed to conspiracies deeply rooted in xenophobia that Asian populations are responsible for the coronavirus and its global spread.
This is in addition to a form that may be filled out detailing any concerns:
https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/consultationinquiryform/
Conclusion
I had the honor of speaking virtually at the annual Second Chance Day, a clip can be found on my Facebook page. These virtual meetings and rallies are a true testament to the flexibility and passion of advocates and I am so proud to continue to support this work.
Approximately two months have passed since the 2021 legislature convened and the bulk of the work remains. As always, I welcome your input on areas of interest or concern to you. I encourage everyone to continue to wear masks, avoid large gatherings, and practice social distancing in public spaces. Let’s keep each other safe.
Regards,
