On this week’s episode of the DFL Debrief Podcast, we sat down with DFL House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler to discuss all things budget! DFLers managed to secure some big wins in this year’s budget despite intense opposition from Minnesota Republicans. Listen to the podcast here.
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota House voted today to allow the state’s medical cannabis program to offer flower, with the Senate expected to follow suit. The change is expected to bring down costs and improve access for what is considered the most restrictive medical program in the nation. Since its establishment in 2014, Minnesota’s medical program has only allowed for liquids, oils, and pills.
“Over the course of 12 public hearings this year and a statewide tour visiting 15 communities, Minnesotans were loud and clear that our state’s medical cannabis program was too expensive, and that allowing flower could significantly improve access,” said Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “As a result of Minnesotans who made their voices heard over the course of years — whether you are a veteran suffering from PTSD, a person with a serious health condition, or a parent with a sick child — more people will gain the ability to live healthy, fulfilled lives. Without Minnesotans’ activism and personal stories, and without a historic vote in the Minnesota House to legalize cannabis for adult use, this accomplishment would not have been possible.”
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on today’s bipartisan budget agreement:
“I am pleased we have reached an agreement on the framework for a bipartisan budget that prioritizes students, families, workers, and small businesses,” said Speaker Hortman. “After a year of unprecedented challenges, we have the resources to help the Minnesotans who have sacrificed the most while investing in a Minnesota that works better for everyone. This budget makes significant investments in E-12 education to help our students recover from a difficult year and works to close our opportunity gaps. House DFLers also remain committed to including meaningful criminal justice reforms in our final budget. While this agreement does not contain everything we would have liked and the need for ongoing investment in the future remains, we worked together and achieved a compromise that is in the best interests of Minnesotans.”
“Families and workers are finding it more difficult to get ahead. Thanks to President Biden and Democrats in Congress, there are significant resources to help Minnesotans who are struggling the most, but it doesn’t change the fact that Minnesotans’ needs are not being met by current levels of investment,” said Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “For too long, Minnesota put the rich and well-connected first. Thanks to the House DFL Majority and Governor Walz, Minnesota is now moving in a direction that provides a world-class education, affordable child care, and financial security for all — no matter where you live or what you look like.”
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.”
Eliminating racial disparities in education so children can reach their full potentialSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Hortman, Majority Leader Winkler and Education Committee Chairs Davnie and Youakim and House members today participated in the all-day Education Symposium: ‘Bridging the Gap’.
Legislators received a high-level overview of Minnesota’s education system, with a focus on solutions to eliminate racial disparities in education so children can reach their full potential. House members listened to public testimony from the students, educators, parents, superintendents, the state demographer, universities, and various education organizations that have been working on closing the opportunity gap using evidence-based research. An agenda listing the panels and speakers is attached.
“Every child in Minnesota deserves a great start in life — and that includes a world-class education,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We know that Minnesota has one of the largest opportunity gaps in education in the country. The racial disparities in Minnesota students’ math and reading test scores are inexcusable. It’s time for us to act, and ensure our children can reach their full potential.”
“Minnesota has a strong public education system, but it doesn’t work well for everyone,” said Rep. Jim Davnie, chair of the House Education Finance Committee. “We have the data; we have admired the racial disparities long enough. We need to act boldly towards solutions to the gaps our young people and families experience.”
“In pursuit of an equitable education for all, my purpose remains to serve as a role model for my students, and find ways to continually provide access and opportunity,” said Jessica Davis, 2019 Minnesota Teacher of the Year. “I am honored to model deliberate equity by participating in today’s symposium to eliminate racial disparities in education, and I look forward to being a voice for my students in a conversation that will determine the fate of Minnesota’s younger generations. Every voice matters. Together we can realize a better future.”
“All Minnesota children deserve a quality education, no matter what zip code they live in, how they look, or where they come from,” remarked Rep. Cheryl Youakim, chair of the House Education Policy Committee. “Since becoming chair, our committee has been focused on community-based solutions and crafting public policy to close the opportunity gap. Our children deserve no less.”
“Closing the education opportunity gap and eliminating racial disparities is key to our state’s future success,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “We’re going to continue this conversation with Minnesotans as we work to craft comprehensive solutions to address this issue that is holding back our children.”
Minnesota House DFLers will continue this crucial conversation across the state in a series of town hall meetings.
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on the first case of the COVID-19 virus in Minnesota:
“The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to work with Governor Walz, the Minnesota Senate, and local officials to ensure our state is prepared to respond to COVID-19. We encourage Minnesotans to follow the health guidelines put forward by the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC.”
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on today’s National Guard helicopter crash.
“The Minnesota House of Representatives sends its deepest condolences to the families of the National Guard service members who passed away in this tragic accident. Our National Guard performs the highest form of service on behalf of Minnesotans, and has been in harm’s way around the world. Minnesotans and Americans honor their service and sacrifice.”
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – A new law to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable and create a comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic takes effect today. House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement:
“Thanks to the bravery of families impacted by the opioid crisis who spoke up and demanded a solution, today we’re holding big pharma accountable for the epidemic they created and profit from. This is a strong law that will protect Minnesotans, save lives, and tackle this crisis. Our next fight is on insulin. We need the same approach: forcing pharmaceutical companies to pay for the harm they are causing. Affordable prescription drugs will not come without a fight.”
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements after Governor Walz’s insulin roundtable event this morning:
“Minnesotans shouldn’t lose their lives because they can’t afford lifesaving medications they need, like insulin,” said Speaker Hortman. “The House stands ready to take meaningful action on insulin affordability and hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable.”
“Senate Republicans killed the Alec Smith Emergency Insulin Act and sold out to Big Pharma,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “The skyrocketing price increases for drugs like insulin have to do with one thing: greed. House DFLers are committed to addressing the high prices of prescription drugs and standing up to the pharmaceutical companies profiting off Minnesotans.”
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The House, Senate, and Governor’s office concluded negotiations tonight without an agreement on budget targets. The Republican-controlled Senate has yet to make a substantial offer in negotiations.
House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement:
“Republican tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy are robbing Minnesotans of economic success and opportunity. House DFLers are waiting for Senate Republicans to move from their destructive budget’s starting position, actually make an offer, and get serious about compromise. Tonight it looks like an extreme Republican tax position is holding up budget talks. We have put forward an honest budget that makes needed investments to improve the lives of Minnesotans. We’re continuing to wait for Senate Republicans to make a real effort at compromise.”
Here is the background information:
