Dear Neighbors,
February 2019 is now the snowiest February on record for the Twin Cities, and we still have almost a week left! While the snow keeps falling, the Minnesota House of Representatives is hard at work. Here’s a quick update from the Capitol.
Sovereignty Day at the Minnesota House of Representatives
On Monday we held Sovereignty Day in the Minnesota House of Representatives. This was an educational event for legislators that included tribal history and culture, sovereignty, and the interplay between federal, state, and tribal law. Minnesota has 11 federally-recognized tribes that are sovereign nations. It was also a historic day: leaders from all 11 tribes had never been in the House chamber together before.
We intentionally held this event on President’s Day to recognize that there is sovereignty that existed before we had the United States of America as we know it today. This day was a first step in what I hope is a process of more engagement, collaboration and listening to our tribal nations and taking their perspectives into account.
Special thanks to the tribal leaders and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan — the highest-ranking Native woman elected to executive office in the country — for joining us and making Sovereignty Day possible. You can watch full video of the tribal presentations here.
Governor Walz unveils budget proposal
Governor Walz released his two-year budget proposal this week with an emphasis education, health care, and community prosperity. You can read more about the state budget plan here.
Minnesotans value providing world-class educational opportunities for all of our children, affordable and accessible health care, and greater economic security. Governor Walz’s budget reflects these Minnesota values, and we share these goals. We will review the details of the Governor’s budget and the February economic forecast, then we will begin to craft the House budget proposal over the next several weeks.
Repeal of the Marital Rape Exception passes off House floor
HF 15 passed off the House floor unanimously yesterday. The bill repeals the marital rape exception, also known as the voluntary relationship defense, which makes it impossible to prosecute people for rape under certain circumstances if the victim is married to the rapist.
I was the chief author of this bill last year, but it wasn’t signed into law due to its inclusion in the failed Omnibus Prime bill. This is a very serious issue, and it shouldn’t be partisan. I’m confident we can eliminate this exception this year.
Visiting Mississippi Elementary School
This morning I had the wonderful opportunity to read The Biggest, Best Snowman to all of the 1st graders at Mississippi Elementary School. February is “I Love to Read” Month at Mississippi Elementary.
It’s always a joy to spend time with some of our youngest Minnesotans!
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. I appreciate hearing from you! You can reach me at 651-296-4280 or at rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn. You can also keep up with what’s happening at the Capitol by liking my legislative Facebook page. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman