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Senate DFL Week in Review: March 22, 2018

WEEK FIVE:  March 22, 2018

We’re expecting the state contracts and pensions bills up on the Senate floor next week — here’s a bit more information about what that means.

The legislature’s first deadline is in the books

Under Minnesota law, “the Legislature shall establish by concurrent resolution deadlines for each regular session.” Deadlines help the Legislature narrow down the hundreds of bills introduced by lawmakers to proposals that have the best chance of becoming law.

Governor Dayton releases supplemental budget

At the end of February, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) reported the projected budget surplus is $329 million for general fund in Fiscal Year 2018-19. Based on this number, the Legislature and Governor Dayton propose their respective supplemental budgets.

Keeping Minnesota’s voting system secure

The Secure Access for Minnesota Voters Act was introduced last week after the Office of the Legislator Auditor released their report on voter registration. According to the OLA report, Minnesota’s election systems serve us well and are a model for the nation.

High school students stage sit-in at the Capitol for gun violence prevention

A group of high school students organized a sit in this week at a Republican senator’s office to call for stricter gun laws.

Muslim day at the Capitol

March 20 was Muslim Day at the Capitol. People from around the state came to show the strength and diversity of the Muslim community in Minnesota.

Labor groups are loud and strong in Minnesota

Members of AFSCME filled the Capitol Rotunda on March 20 to stand up for their freedom to form strong unions, negotiate a fair return on their work, and to speak up for communities.

On Wednesday, March 21 the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) held a rally at the Capitol to fight for workers, their families, and communities.

Clean Energy Business Day

Gov. Mark Dayton delivered a proclamation this week that declared March 22, 2018 as Clean Energy Business Day.

Governor’s budget Invests $35.9 million for students, schools in 2019

Governor Dayton’s supplemental budget invests almost $36 million for the coming fiscal year for Minnesota students and schools, including money for safe and secure schools, early childhood education, and special education.

Bill adds funding for career and tech, STEM programs

Wild rice standard bill clears two committees

Public employee contracts moving toward passage

Ride sharing preemption bill

Veterans’ Committee hears bills honoring the state’s soldiers

Foster care bill of rights heard in committee

Penny a pill bill to save lives

Elder care bill advances

Bill lowering standards for nurses works its way through committee

Live life in the slow lane – penalties for abusing the left lane when driving goes through committee

Fireworks bill lights up committee

Dayton tax plan would mean tax cuts for most Minnesotans

Senators consider tax relief for hurricane-relief efforts

Out for a faster Sunday drive – Speed limit increases for county roads up in committee

Categories: State Issues
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