Tag: Andrew Carlson

Dear Neighbors,

We have about a week left in the 2019 session. The Legislature has passed our budget bills and are now working in House/Senate conference committees to sort differences in various finance issue areas. I’d like to highlight key differences in the areas of education and health care.

Education

While some communities have the financial ability to build great public schools through referendums and bigger operating levies, other communities do not. The House DFL budget invests in our students with an increase to the per-pupil formula by 3% in 2020, and another 2% in 2021. The Senate GOP budget barely makes a dent in addressing larger class sizes, special education underfunding, and teacher layoffs with their 0.5% increase over the next two years. All of our kids deserve a world-class education and inaction now will inevitably lead to devastating cuts that hurt future opportunities. Below is a breakdown of what these funding differences would look like for Bloomington schools. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: May 13, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful holiday last week. The Legislature has returned from our annual Easter/Passover recess and have begun to discuss and vote on budget bills.

Here’s an update from St. Paul:

Late last evening, the Minnesota House approved the E-12 education budget that increases the per-pupil funding formula for Bloomington Public Schools by $968 per student. It makes honest investments in every student across the state, free of shifts, or gimmicks. I’ve heard from countless parents, students, teachers, and staff who have shared with me how budget cuts and growing class sizes have impacted the quality of instruction, support, and education in schools. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: April 24, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well. Major budget bills are coming together and our focus will soon shift from committee to longer floor sessions. Here’s an update from the Capitol:

‘Hand-Free’ Legislation on its way to Governor

The Minnesota House of Representatives today passed the final, compromise ‘hands free’ bill after differences were reconciled with the Minnesota Senate. I was glad to support this long overdue, lifesaving measure for all Minnesotans. The Governor is expected to promptly sign the conference committee report this week, making Minnesota the 17^th state, including the District of Columbia to require a ‘hands free’ device while driving.

Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: April 10, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

Two months remain in the legislative session. Here’s an update on some of the progress we’ve made:

House DFL Lawmakers Announce Framework for Minnesota Values Budget

House DFL lawmakers announced a framework for the Minnesota Values Budget this week. Our budget makes significant investments in education, affordable health care, and safe & inclusive communities to build a Minnesota that works better for everyone. Minnesotans care about each other, and we want to see one another succeed. Our new budget framework invests in priorities that Minnesotans have told us they value, and will help improve the lives of people across the state.

Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 28, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

We are now beyond the halfway point of the legislative session. Committees are wrapping up their work as we prepare to craft an equitable state budget that works for everyone.

Here’s an update from the Capitol:

Significant Bipartisan Measures Approved in House

This week, the House passed two significant bills related to public safety and health. HF 50, the ‘hands-free’ cell phone bill, was approved on a broad bipartisan vote. All Minnesotans deserve to be safe on the roads and with distracted driving fatalities on the rise, this was long overdue. We also had the opportunity to hold Big Pharma accountable for their contribution to opioid crisis sweeping across the nation. HF 400 funds addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery services through a new Opioid Stewardship Fund, which would come from fees paid by pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 22, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

It seems as though spring has finally arrived! With flood watches circulating the state as the temperatures rise, be sure to check in on road statuses before heading out. You can do so at the FEMA Flood Map Center’s website.

Here’s what we’ve been working on in St. Paul:

Hands-Free Update

The bill to ban handheld devices while driving has cleared all necessary committees and is headed to the House Floor for a full vote! As a co-sponsor of the bill, I’m looking forward to voting ‘green’ on this lifesaving measure. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 13, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you well. Our first legislative deadline to approve policy bills is already next week on Friday. This will help us narrow our focus and remain steadfast as we complete our work by adjournment on May 20. Here’s an update from St. Paul:

Legislation for Bloomington

I recently presented my bill that delivers public infrastructure improvements to Bloomington Central Station, located in the South Loop District. Improving this development will help our community build on economic growth, as the Blue Line LRT runs through Central Station to connect residents and Minnesotans to the 50-acre plot comprised of offices, residential units, retailers and a hotel.

Thank you to the Schane Rudlang of the City of Bloomington and Mark Fabel, of Development for McGough for testifying in support of the bill. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 6, 2019”

Dear Neighbors,

It’s hard to believe our snowy February is almost over. If you’re concerned about ice dams, the Minnesota Department of Commerce offers tips for how to deal with them now and how to prevent them in the future, which can also save you money on your heating bills. You can find this information about steps to take related to air sealing and ventilation here.

Here’s an update from St. Paul:

Governor Walz Releases State Budget Plan

Governor Walz last week released his proposal for a new two-year state budget, which he calls a “Budget for One Minnesota.” It prioritizes stronger schools, more affordable and comprehensive health care, and economic prosperity for communities across the state. You can read more about the state budget plan here. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: February 28, 2018”

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you had a great weekend! We’ve seen a lot of legislative activity and advocacy groups visiting at the Capitol. Here’s an update from St. Paul:

Last week began with a rare joint press conference hosted by Governor Tim Walz, Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman, and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka. The elected leaders announced three additional deadlines intended to prevent closed-door, behind-the-scenes budget negotiations that are not accessible to members of the public, as had become the norm from previous control of the House.

Watch the full press conference here and read MPR’s coverage of it here. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: February 18, 2019”

 

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you were able to enjoy some time outside of the house over the weekend! As we prepare for another cold snap with the icy roads, please stay safe and allow for plenty of travel time on your commute. Unfortunately, many Minnesotans had frozen pipes that burst and caused significant water damage to their homes.

Water damage is one of the most common reasons people file claims on their homeowners insurance, and it is often the first time that people use their coverage.

The Minnesota Commerce Department, which regulates the state’s insurance industry, offers these tips to help with the insurance claims process: Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: February 5, 2019”