Tag: HD36B

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 6, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’re enjoying the slightly warmer temperatures. It looks like spring is on its way. Personally, I’m not looking forward to the “spring forward” clock change coming this weekend — but more on that next week!

Here’s an update on another busy week at the State Capitol.

Update on COVID-19

cv19 v2

On Monday, I joined Governor Tim Walz, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, and legislative leaders for an update on COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. Today, the Department of Health announced the first case of the virus in Minnesota. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 6, 2020”

House DFL Leaders & Education Committees, House Members Hold Education Symposium: Bridging the Gap

House DFL logoEliminating racial disparities in education so children can reach their full potential

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Hortman, Majority Leader Winkler and Education Committee Chairs Davnie and Youakim and House members today participated in the all-day Education Symposium: ‘Bridging the Gap’.

Legislators received a high-level overview of Minnesota’s education system, with a focus on solutions to eliminate racial disparities in education so children can reach their full potential. House members listened to public testimony from the students, educators, parents, superintendents, the state demographer, universities, and various education organizations that have been working on closing the opportunity gap using evidence-based research. An agenda listing the panels and speakers is attached.

“Every child in Minnesota deserves a great start in life — and that includes a world-class education,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We know that Minnesota has one of the largest opportunity gaps in education in the country. The racial disparities in Minnesota students’ math and reading test scores are inexcusable. It’s time for us to act, and ensure our children can reach their full potential.”

 

“Minnesota has a strong public education system, but it doesn’t work well for everyone,” said Rep. Jim Davnie, chair of the House Education Finance Committee. “We have the data; we have admired the racial disparities long enough. We need to act boldly towards solutions to the gaps our young people and families experience.”

 

“In pursuit of an equitable education for all, my purpose remains to serve as a role model for my students, and find ways to continually provide access and opportunity,” said Jessica Davis, 2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year.  “I am honored to model deliberate equity by participating in today’s symposium to eliminate racial disparities in education, and I look forward to being a voice for my students in a conversation that will determine the fate of Minnesota’s younger generations. Every voice matters. Together we can realize a better future.”

 

“All Minnesota children deserve a quality education, no matter what zip code they live in, how they look, or where they come from,” remarked Rep. Cheryl Youakim, chair of the House Education Policy Committee. “Since becoming chair, our committee has been focused on community-based solutions and crafting public policy to close the opportunity gap. Our children deserve no less.”

 

“Closing the education opportunity gap and eliminating racial disparities is key to our state’s future success,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “We’re going to continue this conversation with Minnesotans as we work to craft comprehensive solutions to address this issue that is holding back our children.”

 

Minnesota House DFLers will continue this crucial conversation across the state in a series of town hall meetings.

 

Statement on first Minnesota case of COVID-19

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on the first case of the COVID-19 virus in Minnesota:

“The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to work with Governor Walz, the Minnesota Senate, and local officials to ensure our state is prepared to respond to COVID-19. We encourage Minnesotans to follow the health guidelines put forward by the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC.”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 28, 2020

Dear Deb,

We had a very busy week at the Minnesota House of Representatives, passing our first bills of the 2020 Legislative Session.

Protecting voter privacy in the presidential nominating primary

The Minnesota House DFL supports increased voter privacy in the presidential primary. That’s why we passed legislation recommended by Secretary of State Steve Simon that would address data and privacy concerns.

The reason this year’s process in Minnesota is run through a primary rather than precinct caucuses is because Minnesotans were very unhappy with the 2008 and 2016 straw poll process at precinct caucuses. Minnesotans asked the Legislature to take action to make the process more accessible.

Minnesotans have now asked the Legislature to take action to protect their privacy, but any change will require agreement with Senate Republicans. We hope they will join us to address Minnesotans’ concerns about privacy. You can learn more here.

Passing the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

insulin passage

Minnesotans shouldn’t lose their lives because they can’t afford the lifesaving medications they need. On Wednesday, the Minnesota House DFL passed a proposal that provides emergency access to insulin, long-term affordability, and is ready to implement right now. We are waiting for Republicans to recognize that the pharmaceutical industry created and profits from this crisis, and it must participate in funding a solution. You can read more here.

Keeping Minnesotans safe from senseless gun violence

bill passage photo

Celebrating floor passage of gun violence prevention legislation with bill authors Rep. Dave Pinto (left) and Rep. Ruth Richardson (middle)

Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want the legislature to take action to address senseless gun violence. The DFL-led House responded to this call to action again on Thursday, passing legislation for criminal background checks on all gun sales and extreme risk protection orders.

Despite overwhelming public support for these proposals, Senate Republicans have blocked them at every opportunity. Senate Republicans should listen to Minnesotans and join us in supporting and passing these measures so we can enact them into law. These measures are making a difference where they’ve been enacted — including in Republican-led states. You can learn more here.

As always, please contact me anytime with your input. I appreciate hearing from you! You can reach me at 651-296-4280 or rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn. You can also keep up with what’s happening at the Capitol by liking my legislative Facebook page and following the Minnesota House DFL on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 20, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Thanks to those of you who were able to make it to our town halls last weekend. Attendance and participation was outstanding — we were at max capacity!

coon rapids town hall

brooklyn park town hall

We’re a little over a week into the 2020 Legislative Session. This email update takes a quick look at some of the top issues we’ll be discussing. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 20, 2020”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 17, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

At the State Capitol, 2019 was our main budget year, and 2020 is the year we will look at making investments in our capital infrastructure. This email update contains our last budget recap, looking at the budget bills signed into law in 2019. Today, we will take a closer look at the Public Safety and Judiciary Budget.

The 2020 Legislative Session started on February 11th — stay tuned for more information on the top issues that will likely be discussed at the State Capitol this year!

Public Safety & Judiciary Budget

Despite significant differences between the House and Senate, we worked together on a bipartisan compromise to fund our public safety and judiciary system. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 17, 2020”

Speaker Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 11, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

This email update includes information on upcoming town halls and takes a closer look at the tax bill passed and signed into law in 2019.

Town Hall Meetings on February 15th and 16th

I’m hosting two town hall meetings with Rep. Zack Stephenson and Sen. John Hoffman on February 15th and 16th. Details are below. The Legislative Session starts today — so there is a lot to talk about! We hope you can join us for this early session discussion.

coon rapids town hall
Coon Rapids Town Hall
Saturday, February 15th, 10:00-11:30 am
Crooked Lake Library
11440 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Continue reading “Speaker Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 11, 2020”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 28, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

This week’s email update has information on early voting in the presidential primary, jobs available with the 2020 census, and takes a closer look at our State Government budget, which funds effective and efficient services for Minnesotans, including election security funding and support for our veterans.

Early Voting in the Presidential Primary

Minnesota’s presidential primary is March 3rd, but early voting is underway! If you’re in Coon Rapids, you can vote early during normal business hours at City Hall (11155 Robinson Dr NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433). Brooklyn Park residents can vote early at the Brooklyn Park Water Treatment Facility Conf. Room (5100 Edinbrook Ter N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443).

Make sure your voice is heard! You can learn more at the Secretary of State’s website. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 28, 2020”

Statement from House DFL Leadership on Republican Senate agenda

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on Senate Republicans’ 2020 agenda.

“Senate Republicans are failing on the issues Minnesotans care most about — affordable prescription drugs including insulin, gun violence prevention, paid family leave, addressing climate change, world-class public schools, and more,” said Speaker Hortman. “House DFLers will continue our efforts to build a Minnesota that works better for all of us.”

“Minnesota Senate Republicans should come to the table to work with Democrats for progress on the things Minnesotans value,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Instead, they are proposing tax giveaways for the wealthy while draining funding from our public schools, neglecting our roads and bridges, and failing to truly address high prescription drug costs. House DFLers are focused on helping Minnesotans address the challenges they face: out of control health care costs, high tuition, insecure retirements, child care expenses, and more.”

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 10, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

It was great to see so many of you at last night’s legislative discussion. The Legislative Session starts on February 11th — stay tuned for more information on the issues likely to come up this session and a 2020 Legislative Survey.

This week’s email update takes a closer look at the transportation bill we passed in 2019, which will fund our state’s transportation system through mid-2021.

Transportation Budget

All Minnesotans deserve safe transportation, with reliable roads, bridges and transit. Crumbling roads and bridges cost the average Minnesotan more than $1,000 a year in gas, lost time, and car repairs. Transportation infrastructure keeps us safe, creates good jobs in the short and long term, and makes our state a better place to live and do business. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 10, 2020”