Tag: HD46A

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on local jobs and projects bill

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Ryan Winkler released the following statements:

“It’s disappointing to see the minority leader threaten to block much-needed investments in local jobs and projects in our communities,” said Speaker Hortman. “Governor Walz and his Administration have served the people of Minnesota well during this crisis, and his thoughtfulness is why Minnesotans overwhelmingly approve of his actions. Ending the peacetime emergency declaration before the emergency has passed would be reckless.”

“Minnesota needs to build its way out of the COVID-19 crisis, not play games with Governor Walz’s needed emergency powers,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Minnesotans in every part of the state need a strong local projects and jobs bill, and DFLers in the House are committed to delivering it with no strings attached. Workers need jobs that are safe, and we intend to create as many of them as we can.”

 

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on COVID-19 vigil

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on last night’s vigil for workers who have become infected with COVID-19 while on the job. 

“Our first responders, health care, and essential workers are putting themselves on the front line of the battle against this pandemic every day,” said Speaker Hortman. “We owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude. The Minnesota House of Representatives will continue to do all we can to support these heroes.”

“All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to be healthy and safe. In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, our first responders, nurses, and health care workers are the people making that happen,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “They are serving Minnesotans well at great personal risk to themselves and their families. They have our deepest appreciation, and we will continue working to ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs safely.”

 

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on extended Stay at Home order

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — This afternoon, Governor Walz announced an extension of his Stay at Home Executive Order, directing Minnesotans to limit movements outside of their homes until May 18, 2020. The Governor also announced that starting May 4, retail businesses and other non-critical businesses may begin offering curbside pick-up and delivery. 

House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements:

“During this pandemic, Minnesota’s government is faced with excruciating choices as we work to preserve the health, safety, and economic well-being of Minnesotans,” said Speaker Hortman. “I am pleased to see some increased flexibility for businesses and consumers under the Governor’s announcement today. The sacrifices we have made have been difficult for all of us, but have been necessary to allow us the time to prepare for the surge that appears increasingly inevitable. We cannot lose sight of the reason we all are sacrificing so much — we are working to preserve as many lives as we can. The Walz Administration and our health care professionals have used this time well to dramatically upgrade our level of preparedness. We have substantially more hospital capacity, ventilators, and personal protective equipment than we did when the stay-at-home order began. We have to stick together and keep doing all we can to slow the spread of this disease so we have the supplies we need to care for Minnesotans and to protect our health care workers.”

“Now is not the time to retreat. If we continue to fight this virus, we can build a stronger, safer, and better Minnesota as we come out of this crisis,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Calls to disregard public health concerns now will further delay our efforts to get more Minnesotans safely back to work. Instead of putting Minnesotans’ health at risk, we should continue focusing on how to safeguard Minnesotans’ health and well-being now and into the future. That’s exactly what Governor Walz and his Administration are trying to do.”

 

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on COVID-19 testing

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on Governor Walz’s announcement of a statewide testing strategy in Minnesota:

“Expanding Minnesota’s ability to test for COVID-19 is a critical step in protecting our health and getting Minnesotans back to work,” said Speaker Hortman. “The expanded contact tracing is also important. It’s essential for Minnesota’s leaders to be guided by science and public health expertise in their decision-making. I’m pleased Governor Walz, the Minnesota Department of Health, and Minnesota’s health care providers were able to move quickly to provide expanded testing for our state.”

“We are continuing to tackle this crisis because of the joint work of the Legislature, Governor Walz, his administration, the people of Minnesota, and the institutions of our state,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “The Governor’s announcement today is another step in the right direction.”

The House Health and Human Services Finance Committee will hold a hearing on COVID-19 testing on Thursday at 12:45 pm.

 

Minnesota House passes fourth COVID-19 legislative package

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 4556 today, a package of COVID-19-related legislation.

“The legislation we passed today will provide needed flexibility and assistance to Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “There is clearly more work to do to safeguard the health and economic well-being of Minnesotans. We will continue working with Governor Walz and the Minnesota Senate to help Minnesotans during this public health crisis.”

“This is the fourth package of legislation we have passed in the last month to provide Minnesotans with resources and economic security during this difficult time,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “We are continuing to adapt to serve the public as we were elected to do.”

The legislation includes the following: Continue reading “Minnesota House passes fourth COVID-19 legislative package”

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.”

Majority Leader Winkler outlines principles for cannabis legislation

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA— Yesterrday, House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) unveiled the principles that will guide legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis. The principles originate from 15 Be Heard on Cannabis events Rep. Winkler and legislators held around the state to encourage Minnesotans to join the conversation on how to legalize and regulate cannabis.

“We heard from Minnesotans that our current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “By creating a regulatory framework we can address the harms caused by cannabis and establish a more sensible set of laws to improve our health care and criminal justice systems and ensure better outcomes for communities.”

The following principles are a reflection of the views and concerns Minnesotans shared with legislators:

Regulated Cannabis Marketplace

  • Transparent governance structure that allows for equitable, safe, and effective administration of cannabis law
  • Moving from illicit to legal market
  • Establish a market that creates opportunities for inclusive economic growth with an emphasis on communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis laws and incorporate social equity
  • Promote a Minnesota-grown industry that has safeguards in place to prevent “big marijuana” from taking over the marketplace
  • Safety for individuals, communities, and the environment

Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform

  • Do the least possible harm
  • Criminalization is a last resort
  • Address past harms
  • Understandability and adaptability
  • Racial equity

Public Health and Youth Access Prevention

  • Improve public health and safety
  • Prevent youth access through evidence-based education and regulation
  • Improve and maintain a clear role for the Medical Cannabis Program

Economic Development and Workforce Standards

  • Provide economic opportunity and restorative justice for communities in Minnesota most harmed by the prohibition of cannabis
  • Protect Minnesota-owned small business owners and employees by supporting safe, secure, and good paying jobs
  • Develop fair and reasonable workplace standards
  • Create a cannabis industry in Minnesota that provides for long term access and promotes self-sustainability

“Legalizing cannabis for adult use will offer broad benefits across the state,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Jeff Hayden. “This legislation will help address racial disparities in our criminal justice system, restrain a widespread illegal market, and help veterans who deserve access to affordable care to treat PTSD and chronic pain without turning to opioids.”

“We need to create a responsible regulatory framework and get it right. If any state can do this right, Minnesota can,” added Winkler.

Legislation to legalize cannabis for adult use will be introduced early in the 2020 Legislative Session, which begins February 11.

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.”

 

Statement from Majority Leader Winkler on National Guard helicopter crash

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on today’s National Guard helicopter crash.

“The Minnesota House of Representatives sends its deepest condolences to the families of the National Guard service members who passed away in this tragic accident. Our National Guard performs the highest form of service on behalf of Minnesotans, and has been in harm’s way around the world. Minnesotans and Americans honor their service and sacrifice.”