Tag: Leader Winkler

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”

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 4, 2020.

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

“Minnesotans have done a great job of social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, but we are not out of this crisis yet,” said Speaker Hortman. “Governor Walz and his team have done an excellent job following the data and making strong decisions to protect Minnesotans. Today’s extended Stay at Home order is no different. I strongly encourage Minnesotans to stay home as much as you can, maintain social distancing, and wear a mask when in public.”

“What Minnesota is doing seems to be working, and we have to keep it up,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Lives are on the line and our long-term economic future is in jeopardy if we don’t get this right. I thank Governor Walz for continuing to make responsible decisions in the best interest of Minnesotans. The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to work with the Governor to do everything we can to help Minnesotans during this difficult time.”

 

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on first Minnesota death from COVID-19

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on the first death in Minnesota from COVID-19:

“Our thoughts go out to the loved ones of the Minnesotan who passed away,” said Speaker Hortman. “We have to do all we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable among us during this crisis. I strongly encourage all Minnesotans to follow the guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health and to stay home if at all possible.”

“We are facing a challenge unprecedented in recent history, but we are confident in Minnesotans’ ability to do what we need to do and help each other make it through,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We are going to continue doing everything we can to help Minnesotans navigate this crisis. I extend my sympathies to the family and friends of this Minnesotan.”

 

Minnesota House of Representatives working in new ways to address pandemic and economic hardships

House DFL logo

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives are temporarily working from outside the Minnesota State Capitol. In conformity with Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, State Representatives are engaging in telework rather than in-person work at the State Capitol. Legislators in the Minnesota House of Representatives are convening informal working groups to discuss measures to assist Minnesotans coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related disruptions.

“The members of the Minnesota House of Representatives are working hard on behalf of the people of Minnesota during this crisis,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “While we follow the guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health to keep people safe, we are convening informal working groups to discuss emergency measures related to COVID-19 and to the mission-critical work of the Legislature this session. We are working to develop opportunities for members of the public to weigh in and offer their feedback in a way that is protective of their health.” Continue reading “Minnesota House of Representatives working in new ways to address pandemic and economic hardships”

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on temporary closure of Minnesota schools

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on Governor Walz’s announcement regarding closure of Minnesota schools:

“Governor Walz’s decision to temporarily close Minnesota schools is in the best interest of Minnesotans, and we appreciate the thoughtful way his executive order addresses the need for care and meals for our children. The Minnesota House of Representatives has also introduced legislation to ensure our hourly school workers are compensated for days canceled due to COVID-19, and we are working to enact this quickly. We will continue working closing with Governor Walz and his Administration, along with Senate Republicans, as we navigate this pandemic.” 

 

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on Governor Walz’s COVID-19 proposals

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on Governor Walz’s COVID-19 legislative proposals:

“We strongly support the proposals from Governor Walz to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these proposals have already been introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and legislators are already working closely with state agencies and experts to enact measures quickly. We will work with Senate Republicans to mitigate damage from COVID-19 and ensure the physical and economic well-being of all Minnesotans.”

House DFL Leadership Statement on Governor Walz’s Supplemental Budget

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on Governor Walz’s supplemental budget proposal:

“Governor Walz has put forward a reasonable and responsible proposal that makes needed investments while preserving our state’s fiscal stability and flexibility in a time of great uncertainty,” said Speaker Hortman. “Minnesota House DFLers are looking forward to our continued partnership with the Governor as we work on our budget proposals and our state’s response to COVID-19.”

“This is a time to be cautious and ensure we’re addressing the public health issues and economic concerns in front of us,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We welcome the Governor’s supplemental budget proposal and continue to stand ready to work with him on our budget and COVID-19 preparedness.”

 

Majority Leader Winkler to outline principles for cannabis legislation, discuss Be Heard on Cannabis community conversations

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MIINNESOTA— On Tuesday, February 4, Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) will discuss what legislators learned from the Be Heard on Cannabis community conversation tour and outline the principles that will guide legislation to legalize the responsible use of cannabis for adults.

Rep. Winkler and legislators held 15 events around the state to encourage Minnesotans to join the conversation on how to legalize and regulate cannabis.

Who: Majority Leader Ryan Winkler and Senator Jeff Hayden
What: Press conference to announce principles for cannabis legislation
When: Tuesday, February 4, 11:00 AM
Where: Minnesota State Capitol Press Conference Room B971; 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155

Eleven states and Washington, D.C. have legalized cannabis for adult use. In an op-ed written last year, Rep. Winkler announced that legalizing cannabis for adult use will be a legislative priority during the 2020 legislative session.

 

Statement from House DFL Leadership on Senate DFL Leadership Election

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

“Senator Kent is a progressive champion, and I look forward to working with her as the new Senate DFL leader to improve the lives of Minnesotans,” said Speaker Hortman. “In his many years in the Legislature, Senator Bakk has been a steadfast ally for working people. As my partner and leader of the DFL Senate, he has been a trusted resource and friend. He deserves our gratitude and appreciation for his service.”

“Congratulations to Senator Kent on her victory,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “There is so much at stake this year, and I look forward to working with her and Senate DFLers on a bold, progressive agenda to benefit all Minnesotans. Senator Bakk has done so much for the Iron Range and the Senate. Despite this change in leadership, he will continue to be known for his effectiveness and dedication to Minnesota.”