Senate Republican budget targets miss the mark
It was a busy week at the Capitol. The Senate passed the hands-free cellphone legislation off the floor which requires drivers to use their cellphones in a ‘hands-free’ mode, only allowing voice-activated commands or other actions that need one-touch activation. The bill would enact enforcement and penalties for using a cellphone outside of hands-free mode. The differences between the House and Senate bills will be worked out conference committee, but this initiative is one step closer to becoming law.
The Snow Days conference committee also closed up this week, and the bill passed off the floor with strong bipartisan support and will likely be signed into law by Gov. Walz. This bill would aid Minnesota schools struggling with snow days by shortening their academic calendar without penalty amid the extraordinary winter of class cancellations. It will also ensure hourly school workers are compensated for their work.
Last Friday, Gov. Tim Walz released his revised budget proposal. The DFL House and Republican Senate also released their budget recommendations this week. The three budgets provide an opportunity to highlight the difference in values in divided government. Both the Walz and House budgets strengthen communities across the state through honest and stable investments to improve education opportunities, increase access to affordable health care, and provide economic prosperity no matter where you live or what you look like.
In contrast, the Senate Republican budget gives taxpayer money to religious schools, underfunds our health care systems, and jeopardizes our budget security through irresponsible choices that could leave future budget gaps and even send the state back into budget deficits.
It’s time to be honest about our budget. We can continue down the path of tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, leading to more teacher layoffs, unfilled potholes, and people losing health care and basic economic security. Or, we can make honest investments in the things Minnesotans care about: affordable health care, great schools, and prosperity for communities across the state.
Children first: rally for early childhood care and education
Members of MinneMinds, Greater Twin Cities United Way, advocates for early learning, educators, parents, and legislators joined together to rally for support of child care and education in Minnesota.
Labor unions support Minnesota families
The Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE) and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) shared a Day on the Hill this week.
Over a hundred children, caregivers, and other advocates eagerly congregated at the Capitol this week to call on legislators to support and fund the futures of Minnesota’s youth.
Minnesota leads the way for domestic violence survivors, let’s keep it that way
Advocates and survivors joined at the Capitol this week to take a stand against the perpetuation of domestic violence in Minnesota.
Addressing the student debt crisis: transparency and justice for all
DFL members introduced legislation this week that would bring accountability and transparency to the student loan industry in Minnesota.
Chronic wasting disease and Cervidae farm regulations
Modification to Beginning Farmer Tax Credit sent to Tax Committee
Early detection bill receives committee hearing
Group seeks to bring more male teachers of color to Minnesota classrooms
Kids to get assessed before kindergarten
Schools get excused absence for cold, snowy winter
Changes to state medical cannabis program blaze through committee
Senate continues efforts to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable
Reducing the price of prescription drugs
Bill funding equity heard in the Jobs Committee
Bill that hopes to give victims a voice moves forward
Bill to control drone use takes flight
Special session per diem prohibition
Senate Republicans refuse to meet for HAVA conference committee
Cybersecurity commission proposed
