Tag: House District 36B

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you’re enjoying your summer and are looking forward to the State Fair!

I’ve spent the first week in August at two conferences with other legislators from around the country.  First, 128 state legislators from 36 states came together as the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) in Cambridge, MA. I serve on the Board of Directors of this group, and we work to bring Democrats and Republicans together to work on policy solutions to combat climate change, remove toxins from drinking water and consumer products, and conserve water. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined us as a partner in launching a database that will help state legislators learn from each other’s successes. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: August 8, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

 

 

 

Neighbors and friends,

Town Hall Meeting

Please join me for a town hall meeting on Monday, July 24^th at the Brooklyn Park Library for a recap of the 2017 legislative session and to discuss state issues.

When:  Monday, July 24^th from 6:30-7:30 pm

Where: Brooklyn Park Library, 8500 West Broadway Ave

I hope to see you there!

If you’re unable to attend, please feel free to share your questions, comments, and concerns with me anytime. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 20, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you’re enjoying summer and staying cool!

 

New Laws

Several new laws went into effect on July 1st. A major highlight of the new laws is off-sale Sunday liquor sales, which was a successful bipartisan effort this session. Click here to read more about all of the new laws and budget changes now in effect.

Save the Date: National Night Out-Brooklyn Park and Night to Unite-Coon Rapids

National Night Out (NNO) is a national safety event that promotes police-community partnerships, lower crime, and stronger neighborhoods. Individual neighborhoods host their own block parties in order to celebrate and strengthen their community. Every party looks different-some are ice cream socials, some are cookouts, and some are potlucks. Last year, Brooklyn Park was ranked 3rd in the nation with 183 parties hosted. This year, NNO will be held on Tuesday, August 1st, with the deadline to register a party being July 21st. Let’s try to rank #1 this year! You can find more information on how to host a party here.         Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 14, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and Friends,

The 2017 legislative session ended a few weeks ago. I want to provide an update on what happened in the E-12 education budget area this year.

Despite a budget surplus, the Republican majorities repeatedly proposed underfunding our E-12 schools and eliminating free, voluntary pre-K, which would have led to teacher layoffs, increased class sizes, and fewer opportunities for students. With a budget surplus, it was extremely disappointing that funding education was such a low priority for the majority. I worked with Governor Dayton and DFLers to increase the education funding target, and the final result was an increase in school funding of 2% in each of the next two years. As a result, Anoka-Hennepin Schools will see an increase of $192 per pupil next year, and Osseo Area Schools will see an increase of $135. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: June 26, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and Friends,

The 2017 legislative session is over. In spite of a $1.65 billion surplus, the Legislature went into overtime and had a four-day special session last week. Governor Dayton called legislators into special session after reaching an agreement on the framework to complete the state budget. Unfortunately, the Republican legislative majorities took several days (and nights) to finish drafting the budget bills. Worse, throughout the four days of the special session, Republicans continued to ignore Governor Dayton’s requests that controversial policy provisions be removed from budget bills.

When the regular legislative session ended at midnight Monday, May 23^rd, 70% of the major budget bills were unresolved including education, health and human services, and state government finance. A proposed package of tax legislation also stalled, as did a bonding bill to address infrastructure needs statewide. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: May 30, 2017”

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

There are three weeks left in the legislative session. Here’s an update on what’s happening at the Capitol.

Joint Budget Targets

On Friday, the House and Senate Republican majorities set joint budget targets. These targets are a first step in final budget negotiations that will take place between the House, Senate, and Governor over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, the targets they set will underfund E-12 and higher education, and also cut several areas, including health and human services – despite the fact that the state has a budget surplus. The Republican legislative majorities underfund schools and cut other areas of state government to make way for super-sized spending in the tax bill, which is weighted toward tax cuts for corporations and the rich. We are working with Governor Dayton to achieve full funding for our schools, and investments in the areas that will keep Minnesota’s economy strong into the future. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: May 2, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

 

Dear Neighbors,

The House and Senate have passed all the major budget bills, and now the House and Senate will work on budget compromise bills to send to Governor Dayton for final consideration. In order to finish session on time, the legislature must adjourn by May 22^nd.

Minnesota has a $1.6 billion budget surplus and a stable economy. Unfortunately, so far the Republican majority is choosing to prioritize tax cuts for corporations and the rich instead of investing in the areas that have made Minnesota’s economy strong, like education. I am hopeful for a bipartisan compromise that will make investments in Minnesotans and budget responsibly for the future. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: April 21, 2017”