Tag: Melissa Hortman

House leadership encourages public to watch session remotely

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House leaders are encouraging members of the public to watch Thursday’s legislative session remotely instead of coming to the State Capitol.

“We have to take steps to keep legislators, staff, and the public safe,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We will continue to follow guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health when we convene and as a result, we strongly encourage members of the public to watch the floor session from off-site.”

“The Minnesota House of Representatives is continuing to re-engineer how we work in the face of a global pandemic and that requires efforts by all of us to keep everyone safe,” added Majority Leader Winkler. “The public can continue reaching out to us in a variety of ways that do not involve coming to the Capitol. We continue to urge everyone to stay home if at all possible.”

Members of the public can watch the House floor session on the House website, YouTube, and on TPT Minnesota. Video from all floor sessions is archived here.

 

Statement from Speaker Hortman on legislative activity

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA— Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman released the following statement on legislative activity:

“State Representatives are working to craft measures to assist Minnesotans coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related disruptions. We know that Minnesotans are facing significant medical concerns and financial hardships, and the Minnesota House of Representatives is working hard with the goal of a legislative session on Thursday to pass legislation to safeguard their health and economic well-being.

“The House is working via informal working groups, which mirror the existing committee structure. We are working to create opportunities for the public to engage and offer their feedback. In addition to reaching out to their representatives directly, members of the public may use a feedback form on the House website. We are working to implement a virtual committee hearing process that would be open to the public as soon as possible. DFL State Representatives alone have received input from and responded to thousands of constituents over the last week. We encourage members of the public to continue reaching out to their legislators. Continue reading “Statement from Speaker Hortman on legislative activity”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 22, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy — and practicing social distancing. We are in some very challenging times, but I remain confident in Minnesotans’ ability to help each other make it through.

Here’s an update on our state’s COVID-19 response efforts.

Updated actions and guidance from Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health

Schools closed to students

Last Sunday morning, Governor Walz announced that schools will be closed to students from March 18-Friday, March 27 in order for school administrators and teachers to make long-term plans for the continuity of education and essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 22, 2020”

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.”

 

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.” 

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 13, 2020

Dear Deb,

I wanted to provide a brief update on what Minnesota is doing in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. (COVID-19 is sometimes informally referred to as “coronavirus,” which is a term that encompasses a broader range of viruses).

Actions that all Minnesotans should implement immediately

Today, Governor Walz declared a peacetime state of emergency due to the global spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Governor, with Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, announced community mitigation strategies they recommend that all Minnesotans implement immediately to combat the spread of COVID-19. Please implement and share these recommendations: Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 13, 2020”

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.”

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 6, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you’re enjoying the slightly warmer temperatures. It looks like spring is on its way. Personally, I’m not looking forward to the “spring forward” clock change coming this weekend — but more on that next week!

Here’s an update on another busy week at the State Capitol.

Update on COVID-19

cv19 v2

On Monday, I joined Governor Tim Walz, Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm, and legislative leaders for an update on COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. Today, the Department of Health announced the first case of the virus in Minnesota. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 6, 2020”

House DFL Leaders & Education Committees, House Members Hold Education Symposium: Bridging the Gap

House DFL logoEliminating racial disparities in education so children can reach their full potential

SAINT 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.