Tag: Debra Hilstrom

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

The legislative session is entering its final days. We must adjourn on or before Monday, May 21 but the constitution dictates we can only pass bills until midnight on Sunday night, May 20. Here’s an update from the Capitol.

Where Things Stand

Currently, joint House/Senate conference committees are considering the omnibus finance bill, with each area of the state budget included), as well as the tax bill. To little avail, Governor Dayton has repeatedly urged Republicans in the House and Senate majorities to work with him on the issues on which we can find common ground, like protecting seniors and vulnerable adults from abuse, ending the state’s opioid crisis, shoring up state pensions and making schools safer. The Dayton Administration has sent Republican leaders 270 pages of input and concerns about legislation being considered without much of a response. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: May 12, 2018”

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

We’re entering the final two weeks of the 2018 legislative session. In the past week or so, the Minnesota House has passed the majority’s major budget bills, as well as their tax bill. Each area of the state budget has been rolled into just four bills: 1) health and human services and transportation, 2) E-12 education and higher education, public safety (which got to stand on its own), and finally, 4) jobs and energy, agriculture, environment and natural resources, and state government finance.

I wanted to give you an update on the status of each of these: Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: May 5, 2018”

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

This week the Legislature returned from the Easter/Passover recess with just about six weeks remaining in the session. Earlier this week, Governor Dayton sent legislative leaders a letter outlining his vision for a successful end of session. He hopes we can quickly work together on our shared goals, such as ending the opioid crisis, enhancing protections for seniors, and stabilizing our pensions. This would then give us plenty of time for issues which may be more contentious, such as taxes and bonding bills.

Budget Targets Released

Last night, the Ways and Means Committee approved the House Majority’s budget targets for each topic area. These set parameters for how much is available to either invest in or cut for the rest of the session. Next week, we will see comprehensive budget bills emerge for each area of the budget. These will then need to be reconciled with the Senate, and Governor Dayton will weigh in with his priorities as well. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: April 13, 2018”

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for the honor of serving our community at the Minnesota State Capitol. We’re about halfway through the legislative session and there is significant work yet to finish. Passing a public infrastructure bill, addressing federal tax legislation, ensuring safety for seniors, and taking steps to end the opioid epidemic all remain outstanding. I will continue working to prioritize a better future for all Minnesotans through investments in education, healthcare access, and other things we value that make our state great for everyone.

Please continue to reach out with your feedback and ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance.

Debra Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: April 2, 2018”

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Welcome to spring! It is an extremely busy time at the Capitol. The first deadline for policy bills to get through committee was yesterday. The second policy deadline is next Thursday. After the spring break attention in committees will shift to the state budget and tax matters. Here’s this week’s Capitol Update.

Employee contracts still not approved

We’re wrapping up the fifth week of the legislative session and our state workers still have not had their union contracts approved. This means the pay and benefits for the 30,000 hardworking Minnesotans who provide critical services for us are still in limbo. The Minnesota Senate is poised to take a vote on their approval next week. Hopefully the House can follow soon behind. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: March 23, 2018”

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

 

Dear Neighbors,

 

The State Capitol continued to be busy with activity this week. It’s great to visit with community members, like these representatives of the North Metro Mayors Association.

Here is my legislative update for the week. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: March 9, 2018”

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

It’s been a busy week here at the State Capitol. I’ve gotten to meet with many constituents to hear their thoughts on a variety of issues. If you’d like to share yours, I’d encourage you to take my short legislative survey. You can take it online here. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: March 2, 2018”

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

The 2018 legislative session got underway at noon today. There is always a unique energy in the Capitol with advocates for a variety of issues filling the corridors. The legislature is facing a full agenda for a session that must conclude by May 21. I’m interested in hearing your input on what matters to you. Please take my short legislative survey here.

Ending the Opioid Epidemic

Last week I joined Governor Dayton, Senator Chris Eaton, Representative Dave Baker of Willmar and others to introduce a comprehensive package of legislation addressing the opioid epidemic. The proposal includes grants to local communities and tribal governments for prevention efforts, investments in Minnesota’s Prescription Drug Monitoring program (to better prevent “doctor shopping”), a variety of investments in treatment and recovery programs, and more tools for law enforcement and first responders, including providing a greater supply of the lifesaving medication Narcan. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: February 20, 2018”

 

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

There are just over three weeks left in the legislative session with Conference Committees continuing to meet. They are hashing out differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget bills. I’m serving on the Conference Committee for the Public Safety/Judiciary bill and there are some substantial differences between each version.

Today, leadership in the Republican leadership in House and Senate released their joint budget targets. These will dictate how much each budget area has available to invest or to cut. Unfortunately these numbers represent the wrong priorities for working families in Minnesota. Tax cuts for the wealthiest are again put ahead of the things that matter most, such as increased investments in our schools. I hope that in these final weeks we compromise to pass a state budget which increases opportunities for all Minnesotans. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom Update: April 28, 2017”

 

Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

The Legislative break has concluded and we returned to St. Paul on Tuesday to begin wrapping up the 2017 legislative session. Here is an update:

One month to go

We have a full agenda ahead as we complete the budget process before the constitutional adjournment deadline of May 22. Most finance bills have been passed and either are in conference committee or will be shortly. House and Senate conferees were appointed by the Speaker of the House to compare the different versions of each finance bill. Governor Dayton will also be very involved in the process as we seek to reach agreement on the final budget. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom Update: April 21, 2017”