Tag: House DFL

Majority Leader Winkler introduces adult-use cannabis legislation, will continue conversation after crisis ends

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler introduced legislation today that would legalize the adult use of cannabis. The legislation is the result of months of public discussions on how to responsibly legalize and regulate cannabis.

“We made a commitment to introduce legislation this session, and we wanted to follow through on that commitment,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Our current priority is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, but after the town halls and discussions around this issue, we still wanted to put a strong bill forward. As we look to come out of this crisis as a better, stronger Minnesota, we need to continue working toward legalizing cannabis for responsible adult use.”

The bill includes the following:

    • Creates a regulatory structure focused on developing micro-businesses and a craft market
    • Provides for expungement of most cannabis convictions
    • Provides for a limited allowance of home grow
    • Requires testing and labeling of products
    • Restricts packaging based on dosage size
    • Provides funding for public health awareness, youth access prevention, and substance abuse addiction and treatment
    • Provides grants, loans, technical assistance, and training for small businesses
    • Uses best practices from other states to account for negative externalities

“Minnesotans have been loud and clear that our current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good,” added 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 text of the bill, HF 4632, can be found here.

Reps. Olson and Jordan introduce bill to help craft breweries and distilleries during COVID-19 crisis

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) and Rep. Sydney Jordan (DFL – Minneapolis) introduced legislation to help Minnesota craft breweries and distilleries weather the downturn in business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill creates economic opportunity by temporarily relaxing rigid restrictions on off-sale beverages, allowing for limited to-go sales from taprooms and cocktail rooms.

“As we work to ensure all Minnesotans can be healthy and safe during this pandemic, our small businesses are experiencing economic turmoil. Just as the industries have turned a corner to become mainstream in our state, craft brewers and distillers are now fighting for their survival,” Rep. Olson said. “This bill is a reasonable and temporary step to help businesses stay afloat by offering their product to loyal customers until normal operations can resume.”

“With 12 breweries and 4 distilleries, 60A is the heart of Minnesota’s craft brewery and distillery industry,” Rep. Jordan said. “It is clear these businesses need the Legislature’s help to weather the COVID-19 crisis. This temporary measure to allow them to sell 4 and 6 packs for breweries and 750ml bottles for distilleries is necessary to keep our craft breweries and distilleries in business and thriving for years to come.” Continue reading “Reps. Olson and Jordan introduce bill to help craft breweries and distilleries during COVID-19 crisis”

House DFL encourages Senate GOP to support $100 million in housing assistance

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Senate Republicans held a virtual press conference on a housing proposal that includes some housing assistance paired with language that would weaken Governor Walz’s Executive Order on prohibiting evictions during the peacetime emergency. Speaker Melissa Hortman and House Housing leaders released the following statements:

“I support a bill that prioritizes the needed $100 million in housing assistance,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Republicans in the Senate are seeking to speed up and expand the number of cases where evictions are allowed, and the Minnesota House DFL opposes those proposed policy changes.”

“The priority of Governor Walz and the Minnesota House is to ensure Minnesotans can stay safe at home and afford to keep the roof over their heads. That is why we support moving forward quickly to pass $100 million in housing assistance for Minnesota homeowners, renters, and landlords,” said Rep. Alice Hausman. “Housing advocates and landlords alike agree that funding at this level is necessary and there is no reason we shouldn’t proceed.” Continue reading “House DFL encourages Senate GOP to support $100 million in housing assistance”

Tax Committee Chair Paul Marquart reminds Minnesotans about three-month income tax filing extension

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – As part of Minnesota’s COVID-19 response, Governor Tim Walz last month announced an extension for filing Minnesota Individual Income Tax returns for tax year 2019 from Wednesday, April 15, 2020 to Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Minnesotans can file and make their payments without any penalties or interest during the extension.

“Minnesotans are experiencing very uncertain times and finding it difficult to make ends meet,” said Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth), chair of the Tax Committee. “Giving Minnesotans some flexibility is the right thing to do during this COVID-19 crisis.”

For more information, visit the Department of Revenue’s website at www.revenue.state.mn.us.

 

House DFL announces new podcast episode featuring Senate DFL Leader Susan Kent

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA —  After a short hiatus, the Minnesota Values Podcast is releasing a brand new episode about the Legislature’s response to COVID-19.

Minnesotans can listen to Rep. Liz Olson and Rep. Jamie Long’s conversation with special guest Senate DFL Leader Susan Kent beginning Thursday, April 2. The show is available at www.anchor.fm/mnvaluespod and anywhere podcasts are available (including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify).

“These are challenging times, but we know that Minnesotans care about each other,” said Rep. Liz Olson (DFL-Duluth). “This episode is dedicated to telling the stories of neighbors supporting neighbors, teachers supporting students, and communities caring for people who are hurting,” said Rep. Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis). “We’re fortunate to have Sen. Kent join us to talk about the Legislature’s role in helping workers, businesses, and families navigate this unprecedented public health crisis.”

The new episode is the first and only podcast featuring a conversation about the Legislature’s COVID-19 response between members of the Minnesota House and Senate.

 

Minnesota House quickly approves funding for coronavirus response

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota House of Representatives today voted to approve funding for the state’s public health response to COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The first presumed positive case of the condition was identified on Friday in Ramsey County, with the second following Sunday in Carver County.

“We all recognize the urgency of acting quickly to ensure our public health professionals have the resources they need to respond if COVID-19 spreads,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), the House Health and Human Service Finance Division chair and the legislation’s chief House author. “The Department of Health is well prepared to test for the condition, and officials are working closely with hospitals, clinics and other care providers. The investments lawmakers approved today will help ensure the coordinated response process can be as seamless as possible.”

The legislation transfers nearly $21 million to the state’s public health response contingency account to address COVID-19 from the state’s general fund. The bill also includes flexibility to ensure the state is effectively able to address any future strain of the virus. Continue reading “Minnesota House quickly approves funding for coronavirus response”

Minnesota House DFL releases 2020 Minnesota Values Plan

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, Minnesota House DFL leaders and legislators unveiled their 2020 Minnesota Values Plan for the Legislative Session.

“The Minnesota House DFL remains committed to building a better future for all Minnesotans,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “While we made some bipartisan progress last year, Senate Republicans blocked action on the issues most important to Minnesotans. House DFLers believe that all Minnesotans deserve a world-class education, affordable health care, economic security, and safe and inclusive communities. We will continue our efforts to make this better future a reality for all Minnesotans.”

The 2020 Minnesota Values Plan includes the following: Continue reading “Minnesota House DFL releases 2020 Minnesota Values Plan”

Minnesota House Chairman Mariani calls on Sentencing Guidelines Commission to advance probation reforms; requests Minnesotans to share input with panel

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – On Thursday, December 19, the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission (MSGC) is scheduled to hold a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to Minnesota’s probation guidelines, including the adoption of a five-year cap on terms with exemptions for the most serious of offenses. This follows commission action in November, proposed by Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell, to formally consider the proposal.

However, at its Thursday, December 12 meeting, the MSGC is set to consider reversing course by rescinding its prior action and postponing the public hearing.

Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Division, is calling on the Commission to gather public input, and move forward with the reforms. Continue reading “Minnesota House Chairman Mariani calls on Sentencing Guidelines Commission to advance probation reforms; requests Minnesotans to share input with panel”