Tag: Melissa Hortman

Dear Neighbor,

I hope summer has been treating you well. We all know summer in Minnesota is truly something special. No matter our differences, we come together to enjoy everything our state and community has to offer. I hope you can get out and enjoy some time with family and friends, and get to know our neighbors.

National Night Out and Night to Unite events in Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids 
National Night Out and Night to Unite events will be taking place in Brooklyn Park and Coon Rapids on Tuesday, August 7. These events help build stronger neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.  Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: July 20, 2018”

Dear Neighbors,

The 2018 legislative session has concluded, and I’m writing to share my perspective on the outcomes.  This past session was disappointing — there were a couple of modest accomplishments but many more missed opportunities.

First, the accomplishments.  The Legislature passed a bipartisan capital investment bill investing more than a billion dollars in infrastructure — including safety improvements to school buildings, maintenance and construction on the campuses of the University of Minnesota and Minnesota’s State Colleges and Universities, wastewater treatment plants, flood hazard mitigation, local roads and bridges, historic Fort Snelling, parks and trails, libraries, zoos, and Minnesota’s correctional facilities, among others.  The capital investment bill will create thousands of good paying jobs and will support our state’s economic health.  Governor Dayton signed the bill, enacting it into law.  This was one of the few bills where Republican legislative leaders worked effectively with the Governor, resulting in a new law, rather than a vetoed bill. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: June 12, 2018”

Dear Neighbors ,

The legislative session is nearly over. We have a few short days left until adjournment at midnight on Sunday.

Final Days of Session: Funding Education
We’re in the home stretch of the legislative session. We must finish up our work on Sunday night before the clock strikes 12:01 A.M. on Monday. A month ago, we learned that dozens of school districts are facing immediate budget deficits that could result in teachers and support staff being laid off, along with significant cuts to school programs. As a result, Governor Dayton called for $138 million in one-time, emergency funding to increase resources for every Minnesota school district by $126 per student. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: May 18, 2018”

Dear Constituents and Friends,

Happy May!

Two Weeks Left
The Minnesota Legislature must adjourn by Monday, May 21^st. That leaves us just over two weeks to finish our work. This week the House is continuing to pass budget bills including measures related to taxes, health and human services, transportation, public safety, jobs, agriculture and the environment. As we work through these bills, my number one priority is to make sure the values of the people in our community are put first. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: May 4, 2018”

There are three weeks left of session, and with the end nearing, I want to update you on what has been happening at the Capitol.

Omnibus Education Bill Debated

On Thursday, the House debated the combined E-12 and Higher Education supplemental budget bill. The bill could do more for schools, but includes funding for school safety improvements and provides a starting point for final negotiations. I voted for this measure and will continue to advocate for more investment in our local classrooms. The bill passed and will now be negotiated with the Senate. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: May 1, 2018”

Dear Deb, 

I hope you are having a good start to your Minnesota “spring”. With a short five weeks left of session, I have some updates of what’s been happening here at the Capitol.

Governor Dayton Urges Action
Governor Dayton sent a letter to legislative leaders outlining the need for a smooth and effective last five weeks to end this year’s session. He asked that items with bipartisan agreement–protecting vulnerable adults, addressing the opioid crisis, making schools safer, and shoring up state pensions–be passed now. In addition, after years of budget deficits, Governor Dayton is insisting we keep Minnesota on a fiscally stable path and do not jeopardize our state’s fiscal health with end of session legislation. I agree that fiscal stability is important and will be working with legislative leaders to make sure that happens. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: April 18, 2018”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbor,

The Legislature spent the last several days on break from official business to observe Easter and Passover. Now, we are reconvening for the final six weeks of the legislative session.

Protecting Pre-K for Thousands of Kids

I’m joining Governor Dayton to advocate for continued funding for pre-K programs which are in jeopardy of being eliminated for 4000 students at more than 59 school districts and charter schools across the state, including the Osseo and Anoka-Hennepin school districts. If nothing is done this year, these educational opportunities for thousands of kids across Minnesota will be eliminated. I am hopeful that a bipartisan compromise can be reached this session to continue funding for pre-K. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: April 10, 2018”