Tag: Leader Winkler

Majority Leader Winkler, Sen. Housley introduce legislation to rededicate Interstate Park as Walter F. Mondale State Park

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) and state Senator Karin Housley (R – St. Marys Point) have introduced legislation that would rededicate the Minnesota portion of Interstate Park as Walter F. Mondale State Park.

“We are honoring Walter Mondale’s lifelong devotion to public service and his foresight in preserving the St. Croix Scenic Riverway as a national treasure,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Vice President Mondale has left us a legacy of rugged and pristine beauty which we will enjoy for generations to come, and so it is fitting that we recognize him in this way.” 

“Interstate Park is the first such interstate park in the nation. For decades, Minnesotans have marveled at its storied history and natural beauty,” Senator Housley said. “It’s only fitting that we renew the spirit of bipartisanship that led to the park’s creation by naming the Minnesota portion of Interstate Park after its original champion, Walter Mondale.” Continue reading “Majority Leader Winkler, Sen. Housley introduce legislation to rededicate Interstate Park as Walter F. Mondale State Park”

Private prison ban is heard in Legislature

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Legislation authored by House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler and state Senator Ron Latz (DFL – St. Louis Park) that would ban private prisons in Minnesota was heard the House Corrections Division this morning. HF 1237 was held over for inclusion in a future Corrections bill. SF 1678 is the Senate companion.

“Criminal justice is a core responsibility of government,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Minnesotans deserve strong public safety and private prison companies fail to deliver. House DFLers are working to make sure Minnesotans’ rights are protected ahead of corporate profits.”

If enacted, the bill would prohibit the Department of Corrections and county sheriffs from housing inmates in facilities that are not owned and operated by the state, a local unit of government, or a group of local units of government. Continue reading “Private prison ban is heard in Legislature”

Statement from Majority Leader Winkler on committee hearings on gun violence prevention

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Tonight, the Minnesota House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Finance and Policy Division announced that it would be holding its committee hearing on gun violence prevention legislation at the State Capitol. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement:

“We wanted to hold a committee hearing on gun violence prevention in a school to offer students and parents an easier opportunity to offer their thoughts on an issue that has caused so much fear and stress for families. Instead of welcoming that discussion, the gun lobby directed their activists to badger local school district officials, including asking for gun carry requests because schools are gun-free zones. The gun lobby knows that the public isn’t on their side, so they have to resort to these tactics.

“Despite the loud voices of a few extremists, Minnesotans have been clear that they want us to address gun violence. House DFLers will pass gun violence prevention legislation this session.”

Majority Leader Winkler and Coalition Kick Off 2019 Push for Driver’s Licenses for All

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler and a statewide, multi-organization coalition kicked off their 2019 legislative efforts for driver’s licenses for all, regardless of immigration status.

“Immigrants came here for the promise of freedom and opportunity, and they contribute to the culture, economy, and community of our state,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “All Minnesotans deserve to be able to work, live and take care of their families. Ensuring everyone has access to driver’s licenses will improve public safety for everyone, grow the state economy, and treat our immigrant communities with dignity and respect. This is the year for us to get this done.”

“Denying immigrants the right to a driver’s license means we’re denying people living in our communities access to jobs and opportunity, endangering public safety, and criminalizing families’ efforts to participate in civic life,” added state Representative Aisha Gomez (DFL – Minneapolis). “That’s destructive for families, for businesses, and for Minnesota. It’s time to make our roads safer, and to reject a politics that would divide people living side by side as neighbors.” Continue reading “Majority Leader Winkler and Coalition Kick Off 2019 Push for Driver’s Licenses for All”

Majority Leader Winkler and Coalition to Kick Off 2019 Campaign for Driver’s Licenses for All

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — At 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 21st, Minnesota House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler will join a broad coalition and representatives from the business community and law enforcement to kick off the 2019 legislative push for driver’s licenses for all. The statewide, multi-organization coalition and bipartisan group of legislators are committed to passing a state law this session allowing all Minnesotans, regardless of immigration status, to obtain driver’s licenses.

Speakers will include Minnesotans from across the state who are directly impacted by the current laws, business and law enforcement leaders who support the change, human rights groups and legislators.

Who:

  • Majority Leader Winkler
  • Rep. Aisha Gomez
  • Rep. Rod Hamilton
  • multi-organization coalition members
  • religious leaders
  • representatives from the business community, law enforcement, and
  • other legislators

What: Press conference to kick off 2019 legislative push for drivers license for all

When: 11:00 AM, Thursday February 21st, 2019

Where: Minnesota State Capitol, first floor stairs leading to the Minnesota Supreme Court