House District 36B 2 , CD3 DFL

Minnesota House advances summer learning package

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House advanced a bipartisan measure 69-63 to fund a summer learning package for Minnesota students from cradle to career.

“Today’s vote for summer learning is the first step in passing significant investments for education this session,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “All Minnesota children deserve a world-class education and every opportunity to succeed. We are going to help our children and students recover from a difficult year and then thrive once this pandemic is behind us.”

“It’s critically important for us to be thinking carefully about strategic investments that put our students first,” said Rep. Jim Davnie, House Education Finance Chair. “The measures and steps we can take now will help our kids bounce back more quickly from the pandemic, academically and emotionally, and be better prepared for their future.”

MN House votes to condemn insurrection and false election claims, 8 GOP lawmakers vote no

The resolution condemned violence at the U.S. and state capitols and declared support for 2020 election results.

Eight GOP state representatives voted against a resolution Monday that condemned recent violence at the U.S. and state capitols, and declared support for the certified 2020 election results.

The resolution was introduced following a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month, in which a mob stormed the halls of Congress while lawmakers were certifying electoral college results.

The resolution read: “A House resolution condemning violence and violent rhetoric directed at our United States Capitol and state capitols, and affirming support for democracy, rule of law, and the certified results of Minnesota’s election and the elections of the other states.” Continue reading.

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 18, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you had a restful weekend.

For me, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day I spend contemplating the ways in which I can work for justice, and a day that makes me nostalgic for my time as a college student at Boston University (BU), where Dr. King received his PhD.

In the fall of 1989, I took a course from Professor John H. Cartwright called, “The Life and Thought of Martin Luther King, Jr.” I spent many hours in the School of Theology’s library, studying the theologians who influenced Dr. King, and learning about Dr. King’s life and work. I felt so proud and inspired to be attending the same institution he had, reading some of the very same texts.

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 14, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

The 2021 Legislative Session started on January 5th, and due to the pandemic, it was unlike any swearing-in day in Minnesota history. For the safety of staff and members, the vast majority of members were sworn in over Zoom.

Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Paul Thissen gives the oath of office remotely to a group of House members. Photo by Paul Battaglia.

I’m honored to continue serving as Speaker of the House and lead our efforts to build a Minnesota that works better for everyone.

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 1, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

2020 is behind us, ending the one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced in our lifetimes.

I believe that in 2021 we will beat COVID-19, we’ll be able to enjoy being in each other’s company again without worrying about getting each other sick, and we’ll recover the jobs we lost as we fought this disease. At the Minnesota House, we will continue our work to ensure that every Minnesotan has affordable health care, great educational opportunities from pre-school through job training, and economic security.

I look forward to working with Governor Walz and Senate Majority Leader Gazelka to reach a reasonable compromise on the state’s next two-year budget that serves the needs of the people of Minnesota.

Finally, after this difficult year, my personal New Year’s resolution is to continue to be grateful for all that I have — most especially my health and my family. Today I am grateful for fantastic cross country skiing conditions, with great snow and sunshine. I’ll be hitting the trail soon! I hope 2021 brings you joy and peace.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year for you and your friends and family!

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. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Melissa Hortman

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on November Economic Forecast

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, Minnesota Management and Budget released the November Economic Forecast, showing a projected $641 million surplus in the current biennium and a $1.273 billion shortfall in the FY 22-23 biennium. The forecast includes inflation on the revenue side and excludes it on the spending side in several key areas. Inflation is estimated to be $1.3 billion in the next biennium, which could roughly double the budget shortfall. Minnesota currently has $350 million in the state’s cash flow account and $2.377 billion in the budget reserves.

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

“This is positive news, but we have a long way to go to fully recover from COVID-19,” said Speaker Hortman. “We need to invest in the areas that will help Minnesotans make it through this crisis and thrive after it, including protecting their health and economic security. This forecast allows us to provide some assistance to those struggling the most during this difficult time, and then focus on rebuilding Minnesota’s economy in the 2021 Legislative Session. House DFLers are committed to building a Minnesota that works better for everyone.”

“Today’s forecast is further evidence that Minnesota has the resources to invest in our people and provide economic opportunity for everyone. We only need the will to act,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We need to focus our efforts to help working families, small businesses, and Minnesotans hit the hardest by this pandemic — not corporations, the wealthy, and well-connected who are still doing very well. The relief bill that we presented last week puts working families first, strengthening unemployment insurance and providing support for small businesses. The question now is whether the Republican Senate majority agrees.”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: November 25, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year has been challenging, but we still have so much to be thankful for. I hope you’re able to take a moment during this holiday to pause and reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your life.

From my family to yours, I wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Melissa Hortman

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on COVID Economic Relief Package

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on COVID-19 economic relief legislation:

“The burden of protecting Minnesotans from the spread of COVID-19 has hit some businesses and workers harder than others. While we join state leaders across the country in urging federal action to provide economic relief as soon as possible, we are working as quickly as we can on state measures to provide additional assistance,” said Speaker Hortman. “We need to work together to help those struggling during this tough time, and then turn our attention in the 2021 Session to rebuilding Minnesota’s economy in the wake of this pandemic.”

“The public health guidelines and restrictions in place are needed and saving lives, but hurting an important segment of businesses and our economy. The state needs to take action,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We have seen a pattern with many COVID efforts from the federal government — corporations, the wealthy, and well-connected have been the biggest beneficiaries of federal aid, while working families have to make do with what’s left. We have to do better in Minnesota. With strong investments in unemployment insurance and other programs that aid low-income families, we can help those who are struggling the most. We are ready to work with our Republican colleagues to provide relief as soon as possible for both workers and businesses.”

The COVID-19 relief package from House DFLers and Governor Walz includes critical measures to:

Keep Small Businesses Afloat
- Provide direct aid to businesses through Business Assistance Program
- Waive State and regulatory fees for bars, restaurants, event centers, craft breweries, and more
- Establish eviction moratorium so small businesses can stay in their locations

Support Workers Struggling to Get By
- Extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks, helping as many as 100,000 workers whose benefits currently end late December
- Provide a $500 one-time emergency payment to struggling families

Help Minnesota Families Put Food on the Table
- Establish one-time grant to restaurants to provide food for healthcare workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities
- Provide a tax credit for businesses that donate food that would otherwise spoil or be thrown away

Minnesota House approves major jobs legislation to jumpstart economy

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — With 100 votes, Minnesota House lawmakers today approved legislation that will create and protect tens of thousands of jobs. The nearly $2 billion package would be a major boon to Minnesota’s economy at a time when the unemployment rate is stuck at historically high levels due to the pandemic. House Republicans previously blocked passage of similar jobs bills in May and July.

“We listened to Minnesotans who have been asking for our help,” said House Capital Investment Chair Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown). “This economic stimulus bill connects Minnesotans to other Minnesotans, addresses critical public infrastructure needs across the state, and will create thousands of jobs at a time when they are sorely needed. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this important jobs and local projects and economic development package.”

According to the most recent data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate stands at 7.9% and job gains were lower than expected in September. The US economy is still 11 million jobs short of pre-pandemic levels.

Minnesota House Announces Membership of New Select Committee on Racial Justice, Schedules First Public Meeting for Sept. 22

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – House Speaker Melissa Hortman today announced the membership of the new House Select Committee on Racial Justice and scheduled its first public meeting for September 22. The committee is responsible for examining disparities Minnesotans of color face regarding health, public safety, education, employment, housing and other areas.

Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL – Mendota Heights) and Rep. Rena Moran (DFL – Saint Paul) will co-chair the committee. Rep. Lisa Demuth (R – Cold Spring) will serve as vice chair.

“Minnesota can never truly prosper as a state if it doesn’t guarantee equitable opportunities to every resident, regardless of their race,” said Rep. Richardson. “The House’s new select committee is long overdue and it represents a commitment to bring about meaningful change.”

“I’m proud we have this forum in the Minnesota House to dive deeply into the impacts Black, Indigenous and People of Color still face in our state, which affect their health, safety, and overall wellbeing,” said Rep. Moran. “While racism’s harm to public health isn’t new, this year’s events have shined a light on the problem and it’s a pivotal time to tackle the crisis head-on.”

In July, the House approved a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis in Minnesota, noting more than 100 studies have linked racism to worse health outcomes, while Black and Indigenous communities experience the highest death rates. Additionally, several medical organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, and the American Public Health Association have recognized that racism is a social determinant for health, with a profound impact across an individual’s lifespan, along with other long-standing, unaddressed disparities and socioeconomic inequities as a result of systemic racism.

“I’m grateful to Reps. Richardson and Moran for co-chairing this important Select Committee, and to Rep. Demuth for serving as Vice Chair. I look forward to the committee’s recommendations,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We have to dismantle the structural racism inherent in our own institution and address our state’s inexcusable racial inequities.”

“It’s clear that racial disparities are entrenched in our communities and run deep to the foundations that shape policing, education, housing, employment, health, and more,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “The House needs to examine itself and address racism for what it is — an economic and public health crisis.”

Other members include Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL – Roseville), Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls), Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL – Edina), Rep. Kaohly Her (DFL – Saint Paul), Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL – Spring Lake Park), Rep. Sandy Layman (R – Cohasset), Rep. Jamie Long (DFL – Minneapolis), Rep. Anne Neu (R – North Branch), Rep. Steve Sandell (DFL – Woodbury), and Rep. Dean Urdahl (R – Grove City).

The first hearing will be held on Tuesday, September 22 at 1:30 p.m.

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