Tag: 2021 legislative session

Rep. Rena Moran to Chair House Ways and Means Committee

House DFL logo

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced the appointment of Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul) as the next chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. Rep. Moran expressed gratitude for the opportunity to chair the committee, which has broad jurisdiction over state budget matters.

“I’m deeply honored to enter this next step of my time in the Legislature, and thank Speaker Hortman for the tremendous opportunity,” Rep. Moran said. “My goal in chairing this committee will be to ensure our state budget is a true reflection of our values, and recognizes what Minnesotans need to get through this crisis of COVID-19 and racial injustices. It’s no secret people all over the state are going through challenges as a result of both. No matter how difficult the job will be, I’m looking forward to the work ahead to help Minnesotans emerge stronger.”

Upon receiving the gavel when the Legislature convenes in January, Rep. Moran will become the first person of color to chair the committee as well as the first African American woman.

Continue reading “Rep. Rena Moran to Chair House Ways and Means Committee”

Rep. Lee to chair House Capital Investment Committee Next Legislative Session

House DFL logo

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA– Today, House Speaker Melissa Hortman announced the appointment of Rep. Fue Lee (DFL – Minneapolis) as the incoming chair of the House Capital Investment Committee for the upcoming legislative session. The committee is charged with developing legislation investing in public infrastructure improvements across the state.

“I’m grateful to Speaker Hortman for this opportunity to step into this new role and continue our work to deliver critical investments in infrastructure across our state,” Rep. Lee said. “Capital Investment bills are about more than numbers on a spreadsheet, or even the bricks and mortar; they are about strengthening communities. Through our work in this committee, we can help Minnesota emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic challenges by investing in our public infrastructure, creating good-paying job opportunities, and keeping a focus on equity and inclusion.”

Capital Investment bills – or bonding bills – fund improvements of public assets including higher education institutions, wastewater treatment plants, roads and bridges, transit, parks, trails, municipal buildings, and opportunities for economic growth within communities. The committee customarily tours the state to vet proposed projects. During the fall of 2019, the panel traveled more than 3,200 miles and visited 230 sites of potential projects. 

Continue reading “Rep. Lee to chair House Capital Investment Committee Next Legislative Session”