WEEK THIRTEEN: April 4, 2019
Divided government highlights differences in values
The week kicked off with the Senate Committee on Banned Bills, where committee members reviewed a variety of legislation that have been refused committee hearings in the Senate. The committee heard bills to increase public safety, maintain vital health care funding, improve the quality of students’ education, support working families, restore the right to vote, and provide gender equality. Minnesotans deserve a real conversation on these bills, and this committee provided the platform to discuss issues that reflect Minnesota’s values.
A bill to combat opioid addiction through higher drug company fees passed off the floor of the Minnesota Senate with strong bipartisan support. Six Republicans sided with big pharma and voted against this important legislation to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in Minnesota’s opioid public health crisis. The House passed this bill last month, which sets up negotiations to work out differences in the two bills before sending the final compromise to Governor Tim Walz, who has indicated he would sign the bill into law.
Governor Walz delivered his State of the State address this week, where he shared stories of Minnesotans to highlight the important work that has yet to be done this legislative session with the goal of making the case about why his vision would improve Minnesota. His speech provides an opportunity to discuss the differences in DFL and Republican values.
Minnesota has the only divided legislature in the United States, and although Governor Walz emphasized he wants to find a path forward and succeed, the differences in priorities couldn’t be clearer. While DFLers are investing in the kind of state all Minnesotans deserve, Republicans are attacking what makes Minnesota great. The Walz and House DFL budgets both strengthen communities across the state through honest investments to improve education opportunities, support Minnesotan families, and increase economic prosperity across the state regardless of where a person lives or what they look like. In stark contrast, the Senate Republican budget prioritizes corporations and the wealthy by giving taxpayer money to private schools, underfunding the state’s transportation and health care, and leaving future budget gaps.
Gov. Walz shares stories of Minnesotans in his State of the State address
Governor Walz delivered his State of the State address this week, and he shared stories about how investing in Minnesota’s citizens elevates, provides opportunities, and improves the lives of all Minnesotans. Governor Walz emphasized how his budget will help more people in Minnesota succeed.
No joke: Senators convene ‘Committee on Banned Bills’ on April 1
The fictitious ‘Senate Committee on Banned Bills’ held a very real hearing on April 1 to review a variety of bills that have been refused committee hearings in the Senate. The committee hearing was open to the public and heard testimony on six bills that have broad, bipartisan support yet have been blocked by the Senate majority.
Equal Pay Day
Equal Pay Day was observed this week, and women’s equality in the workplace was advocated throughout the Capitol, as well as, across the country. Equal Pay Day symbolizes how far into a year a woman has to work in order to catch up to a man’s earnings from the previous year. This year’s date was April 2, 2019.
Tune in: ‘The Call of the Senate’ podcast
Want to find out which DFL Senator worked in an orange grove or which Senator likes to snowmobile? Check out the new DFL Senate podcast – Call of the Senate! Senator Jeff Hayden hosts weekly interviews with DFL Senators, discussing their backgrounds, personal stories, and legislative priorities for this session. Episodes are 20 minutes or less and are an entertaining and easy way to engage with Minnesota state legislators, while also staying up to date on the most current and pressing issues at the Capitol. Don’t miss out on this behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating lives and experiences of the DFL Senators of Minnesota.
Listen here: http://www.senatedfl.mn/callofthesenate or find us on Spotify, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, GooglePlay, or Buzzsprout.
Senate Ag and Housing bill shortchanges rural Minnesota
Commerce Committee puts forward budget
Snow Days bill signed, school districts get weather reprieve
Initiatives to fight Chronic Wasting Disease receive committee hearing
High school fishing grants will reel in new anglers
Senate continues efforts to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable
Senate passes prescription drug transparency, fails to act on emergency insulin
Legislation to expand access to telemedicine services is heard in committee
People over profits: ONECare invests in options for all
Committee gives hearing to voices of missing and murdered indigenous women
Republicans refuse to pay for transportation package
Tax Committee considers buffer property tax credit
Republicans have little appetite for supporting Minnesota’s veterans and military members