Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 19, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Early this week, the Minnesota Legislature unanimously approved a $200 million emergency appropriation to help hospitals and clinics prepare for and respond to the growing COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Walz promptly signed the bill into law.

As this public health crisis worsens, our hospitals and clinics could become overwhelmed with patients. We want our health care system and workforce to be prepared to respond and take care of Minnesotans who get sick, so lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have taken swift, bipartisan action to ‘flatten the curve.’  We are prepared to take additional actions in the days and weeks ahead.

Hours before the vote on the bill, Gov. Walz issued two new Executive Orders that temporarily pause dining in restaurants and bars (take out, drive-through, delivery, and curbside service are still allowed) and access to other public spaces like theaters, fitness centers, and museums. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 19, 2020”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 16, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Minnesota’s Legislature, governor, and public health officials are working around the clock to respond to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a rapidly evolving situation and I want to acknowledge that Minnesotans are facing a lot of uncertainty by no fault of their own.

I’m sharing a brief update on where things stand at the state government level as of today (Monday, March 16), including actions already taken by the Legislature and the governor, and current measures we are advancing to support workers, employers, and health care providers. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 16, 2020”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 3, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

The 2020 legislative session began on February 11th, and there is already much good news to report! This week’s email includes updates about insulin affordability legislation, gun violence prevention bills, what our state government is doing to address public health threats like the coronavirus, a new economic forecast, and a preview of this week’s votes on bills that would give everyone access to Paid Family & Medical Leave and Earned Sick & Safe Time.

If you want to share a question, comment, or idea about the issues highlighted in today’s email, or any cause you’re working on, you can find my full contact information online at www.house.mn/50B. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: March 3, 2020”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: February 16, 2020

Rep. Carlson

Dear Neighbors,

This week, legislators returned to St. Paul to convene the 2020 legislative session. It’s a new year, but Minnesotans’ values and the values that guide my work at the Capitol haven’t changed. We know that Minnesotans care about each other and want to see one another succeed.

Whether it’s world-class schools, affordable health care, gun violence prevention, local jobs projects, Paid Family & Medical Leave, or Earned Sick & Safe Time, these are priorities for all Minnesotans — no matter where you live or what you look like. Last year, DFL lawmakers introduced a bold agenda to build a state that works better for everyone, and we’re committed to playing the long game to make it happen.

If you have a personal story, idea, or question related to business at the State Capitol, please get in touch. You can find my full contact information online at www.house.mn/50B and connect with me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RepAndrewCarlson. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: February 16, 2020”

Sen. Melisa Franzen (SD29) Update: January 23, 2020

January 23, 2020

Please join us for a District 49 Town Hall and 2020 Legislative Preview!

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For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/584898522324136/

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For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2716310651783564/

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 21, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you had a safe and enjoyable weekend. It’s hard to believe we have two weeks left before the end of January.

Earlier this month, House Speaker Melissa Hortman appointed me to serve as the chair of the House Property and Local Tax Division. The honor is bittersweet because the Legislature is still feeling a tremendous loss after the sudden passing of our colleague and friend Diane Loeffler of Northeast Minneapolis, who was previously leading the committee. I look forward to partnering with the House Tax Committee and Minnesotans across the state in this new role.

Real-ID Deadline Approaching

real id Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: January 21, 2020”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 10, 2019

holidays

Dear Neighbors,

The holiday season can be a busy time of year, but finding some quiet time for contemplation can really get you into the holiday spirit. As I think back on the past few months, I’m reminded of how grateful I am for all the good work happening in Bloomington. For instance, I recently attended a groundbreaking for a new veteran’s transitional housing project. Once constructed, this new residence will provide veterans with stable housing as they receive the services and support they need to transition into independent living. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: December 10, 2019”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: November 22, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’re having a good week.

House Majority Leader Winkler and several of my colleagues have been working on laying the groundwork for a safe, responsible, and unique framework for adult-use cannabis legalization that’s responsive to Minnesota’s needs and concerns.

Several people argue that legalizing cannabis for responsible adult-use would expand access and affordability for people who rely on it to treat PTSD or chronic pain (especially veterans), allow law enforcement to focus their resources on more dangerous crimes, and expand personal freedom for Minnesotans, including the thousands who have been swept up in our criminal justice system for minor offenses. Others have public safety and health concerns. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: November 22, 2019”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: October 18, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’re enjoying the season of changing colors. With a sunny forecast expected this weekend, you may be interested in checking out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Fall Color Guide to make outdoor plans.

The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is hosting a bird watching hike this Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Bass Ponds trails of the Long Meadow Lake unit. Learn about some of 200+ species that make a stop during their migration south! Everyone is welcome. You can learn more details at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge’s website here.

Minnesota Values Project

The Minnesota Values Project is a partnership between Minnesotans, elected officials and organizations to create a shared vision for the future of our state. Minnesotans care deeply about our state and want to see one another succeed. Working together, we can strengthen our communities by improving education opportunities, making affordable healthcare a reality, and increasing economic prosperity for all Minnesotans. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: October 18, 2019”

Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: August 29, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

For thousands of families throughout the state, the start of another school year is here. There are countless Minnesotans, including teachers, parents, support staff, administrators and others who are set to hit the ground running – helping our young people learn skills, gain valuable life experiences, and reach academic success.

Here in Bloomington, we value our world-class schools, and our students deserve the support and resources they need to succeed in the classroom.

Despite some challenges under one of the nation’s only divided state legislatures, the Minnesota Legislature delivered substantial investments in our schools. I worked with Governor Walz and my colleagues to secure Bloomington Public Schools’ per pupil funding increase of $244 per student for this school year. Our public schools will see a 2 percent increase each of the next two years –enough to help prevent larger class sizes and classroom cuts. Continue reading “Rep. Andrew Carlson (HD50B) Update: August 29, 2019”