WEEK EIGHT: Thursday, April 19, 2018
Legislature running out of time to complete its work
Senate Republicans this week continued to drag their feet on urgent matters before the Legislature, such as preventing a middle-class tax hike, passing a robust jobs bill, and addressing Minnesota’s heartbreaking opioid abuse epidemic. DFL senators are eager to work with Republicans to address these challenges, but there is little to no urgency on the other side of the aisle to complete this important work before a fast-approaching May 21 constitutional deadline. With just four weeks left in the 2018 session, there is no time to waste. If the Republican majority decides to pursue shadowy last-minute backroom deals instead of conducting their work in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and consistent with Minnesotans expectations of their state government, DFL senators will hold them accountable.
Just four weeks left of session
With just four weeks left in the 2018 legislative session, Republican leadership this week finally brought a handful of bills to the floor. Unfortunately, the bills had nothing to do with the major work left this session. In the nine weeks since session began, Republican legislative leaders have only sent three bills to the Governor’s desk.
It’s not a numbers game, but what’s in the bills that matters. Republican legislative leaders have yet to take meaningful action on some of the most important issues facing Minnesotans this session.
Representative Paul Thissen appointed to the Minnesota Supreme Court
Mark Dayton today announced his appointment of Paul Thissen to serve as the next Associate Justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Thissen will fill the vacancy created upon the United States Senate’s confirmation of the appointment of Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David R. Stras to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Second Harvest seeks bonding funds to expand distribution
Minnesota’s largest hunger relief organization, Second Harvest Heartland, held a press conference this week to highlight their need for $18 million in bonding for their distribution center in Brooklyn Park. Four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality and chef, Andrew Zimmern, was on hand to advocate for the bonding project. Second Harvest Heartland’s current distribution facility is at maximum capacity and does not have the space to meet the demands of their food shelf and meal programs to feed hungry Minnesotans.
Minnesota moms demand action for gun reform
Hundreds of Minnesota Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America volunteers visited the Capitol this week to meet with lawmakers and hold a rally in the rotunda. Dressed in bright red shirts, Moms Demand Action volunteers are working with law makers, companies, and educational institutions to establish common-sense gun reforms.
Hundreds of Minnesota Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America volunteers visited the Capitol this week to meet with lawmakers and hold a rally in the rotunda. Dressed in bright red shirts, Moms Demand Action volunteers are working with law makers, companies, and educational institutions to establish common-sense gun reforms.
Lobby day and rally for LGBTQ equity
OutFront Minnesota hosted a “Lobby Day for LGBTQ Equity” this week at the State Capitol. More than 350 LGBTQ Minnesotans and allies came together to share the best actions to take to ensure the state is safe and equitable for all people. Participants also met with legislators to express why LGBTQ equity and safety is important.
Republican Senate Finance Agriculture and Housing bill released
Republican education budget short changes schools, students
Governor Dayton’s E-12 budget invests in safe schools, early education
The Governor’s supplemental budget bill provides an additional $39.9 million for Minnesota schools with investments to make sure students are safe, to stabilize special education budgets, enhance opportunities for early learners, and help districts pay for internet connections.
Governor, DFL senators want investments in PreK
Higher education budget provides no new funding for colleges, University of Minnesota
Energy and utilities finance bill approved
The Energy and Utilities Policy and Finance Committee wrapped up its work this week with the passage of its omnibus bill, which will become part of the Senate’s supplemental finance bill.
Environment and natural resources finance bill heads to finance
First omnibus health and human services bill heard in committee
Republicans attempt to cut MNsure funding
A bill that would drastically cut MNsure’s operating budget, prohibit the creation of the MinnesotaCare buy-in, and make other harmful changes to Minnesota’s insurance marketplace is working its way through the Legislature.
Senate jobs finance bill released
The Senate Jobs and Economic Growth Policy and Finance Committee this week passed its jobs proposal.
Diverging omnibus bills heard in Judiciary committee
Controversial state government budget passed
The State Government Finance Committee passed a supplemental budget this week but failed to garner a single DFL vote in favor of the bill, due to the inclusion of numerous controversial policy provisions.