July, 2018
End of Session Column: 2018 Legislative Session Serves As a Teachable Moment
Below is a column that appeared in early June in several local papers:
The 2018 legislative session ended at midnight Sunday, May 20. During the past several weeks, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what happened.
Political pundits are framing the session as a failure in which everything came crashing down and nothing got done. Depending on who you ask, some would blame Republican legislative majorities for the dysfunction, while others would attribute it to DFL Gov. Mark Dayton. An “us vs. them” narrative overlooks members of the public who for months poured their hearts and souls into the causes they care about.
Meeting with former student Laura Helgen and her family.
I met with hundreds of people and organizations this year, and for some to say that the 2018 session was a failure would be a disservice to the efforts that they have made. Sometimes it takes a couple tries to achieve a goal. That is both the beautiful and sometimes frustrating thing about our system of government.
Hearing from affordable housing advocates on Homes for All’s day on the hill.
Casting blame, getting caught up in partisan name-calling, and focusing on the session’s messy end is expedient for some, but I would rather celebrate the positives and provide a hopeful perspective about the future we can build together. For example, legislation to prevent gun violence and distracted driving did not get signed into law this year. However, We the People moved the needle in a significant way.
Discussing gun violence prevention with EPHS students Katie Nowak and Catherine Barrett, who founded the Keep It Relevant project.
The large volume of comments I received about these two urgent public safety issues indicate that Minnesotans are sick and tired of the status quo.
Grassroots organizations and civic leaders did an incredible job laying the groundwork needed to make meaningful change. The seeds they planted will germinate into next year’s collective priorities. I would like to see lawmakers tackle these issues right out of the gate in 2019.
Meeting with early childhood educators to discuss the importance of continuing contracts.
Instead of defining the 2018 legislative session as a failure, I am choosing to talk about what happened as a teachable moment.
For example, our state Constitution directs lawmakers to only pass “single subject laws” (Article 4, Sec. 17). Many unrelated laws got packaged together at the last minute even though lawmakers knew the 990-page proposal was headed for a certain veto.
As a result, ideas with broad bipartisan agreement to address the opioid crisis, elder abuse, and school safety died. My hope is that everyone learns their lesson and does a better job following our Constitution next time.
To some, our Legislature appears to be transforming into Washington, D.C., mired in partisan gridlock. To me, I see an opportunity for Minnesotans to set ourselves apart and become a beacon of good governance for the rest of the country. We can stay mired in the negative, or we can turn our attention to the positive as a roadmap for the future.
For the sake of our state, I hope we choose the latter.
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You can also view my end of session report by clicking HERE.
Celebrating Pride
This past Sunday was the annual Twin Cities Pride Parade, and I was proud to march in it alongside other public servants in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
I ran into a couple other educators at the parade, including Minneapolis School Board member Nelson Inz and State Auditor candidate Julie Blaha.
I also got to stand alongside fellow freshman Senator Matt Klein and Representative Erin Murphy.
Parkland Survivors Visit Minnesota
Also on Sunday, several students who survived the tragic shooting in Parkland, Florida came to visit the Twin Cities.
I didn’t get too many photos, but I did manage to be in one with one of the students alongside my colleagues, Senators Ann Rest and John Hoffman.
I was also proud to see some of my former students there as well. Annette Luther and Katie Luther have been tireless advocates to prevent further tragedies in our own communities.
Touring Oak Park Heights Correctional Facility
Last Friday, I was given the opportunity to learn more about our corrections system at a tour of the Oak Park Heights Prison near Stillwater. I am incredibly proud of the public servants working there who put themselves in harm’s way, and am encouraged by their rehabilitation efforts.
Remembering Vietnam
Last weekend, Thursday through Sunday, our state capitol hosted Minnesota Remembers Vietnam, honoring those who served in the war. Included in this remembrance was The Wall That Heals, a 3/4 size replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. I was there last Saturday, and it was an incredibly powerful experience. Thank you to all who serve.
Independence Day Observance
Whatever your plans are for July 4th, I hope that you enjoy your day and take a moment to reflect on my favorite passage from the Declaration of Independence: “That among those rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” What do you think Jefferson meant by the right to the pursuit of happiness?
Have a happy Fourth of July.