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.”
Dear Deb,
We had a very busy week at the Minnesota House of Representatives, passing our first bills of the 2020 Legislative Session.
The Minnesota House DFL supports increased voter privacy in the presidential primary. That’s why we passed legislation recommended by Secretary of State Steve Simon that would address data and privacy concerns.
The reason this year’s process in Minnesota is run through a primary rather than precinct caucuses is because Minnesotans were very unhappy with the 2008 and 2016 straw poll process at precinct caucuses. Minnesotans asked the Legislature to take action to make the process more accessible.
Minnesotans have now asked the Legislature to take action to protect their privacy, but any change will require agreement with Senate Republicans. We hope they will join us to address Minnesotans’ concerns about privacy. You can learn more here.
Minnesotans shouldn’t lose their lives because they can’t afford the lifesaving medications they need. On Wednesday, the Minnesota House DFL passed a proposal that provides emergency access to insulin, long-term affordability, and is ready to implement right now. We are waiting for Republicans to recognize that the pharmaceutical industry created and profits from this crisis, and it must participate in funding a solution. You can read more here.
Celebrating floor passage of gun violence prevention legislation with bill authors Rep. Dave Pinto (left) and Rep. Ruth Richardson (middle)
Minnesotans have been loud and clear that they want the legislature to take action to address senseless gun violence. The DFL-led House responded to this call to action again on Thursday, passing legislation for criminal background checks on all gun sales and extreme risk protection orders.
Despite overwhelming public support for these proposals, Senate Republicans have blocked them at every opportunity. Senate Republicans should listen to Minnesotans and join us in supporting and passing these measures so we can enact them into law. These measures are making a difference where they’ve been enacted — including in Republican-led states. You can learn more here.
As always, please contact me anytime with your input. I appreciate hearing from you! You can reach me at 651-296-4280 or rep.melissa.hortman@house.mn. You can also keep up with what’s happening at the Capitol by liking my legislative Facebook page and following the Minnesota House DFL on Twitter and Facebook. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman
Dear Neighbors,
Thanks to those of you who were able to make it to our town halls last weekend. Attendance and participation was outstanding — we were at max capacity!
We’re a little over a week into the 2020 Legislative Session. This email update takes a quick look at some of the top issues we’ll be discussing. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 20, 2020”
Dear Neighbors,
At the State Capitol, 2019 was our main budget year, and 2020 is the year we will look at making investments in our capital infrastructure. This email update contains our last budget recap, looking at the budget bills signed into law in 2019. Today, we will take a closer look at the Public Safety and Judiciary Budget.
The 2020 Legislative Session started on February 11th — stay tuned for more information on the top issues that will likely be discussed at the State Capitol this year!
Despite significant differences between the House and Senate, we worked together on a bipartisan compromise to fund our public safety and judiciary system. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 17, 2020”
Dear Neighbors,
This email update includes information on upcoming town halls and takes a closer look at the tax bill passed and signed into law in 2019.
I’m hosting two town hall meetings with Rep. Zack Stephenson and Sen. John Hoffman on February 15th and 16th. Details are below. The Legislative Session starts today — so there is a lot to talk about! We hope you can join us for this early session discussion.
Coon Rapids Town Hall
Saturday, February 15th, 10:00-11:30 am
Crooked Lake Library
11440 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Continue reading “Speaker Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 11, 2020”
SAINT 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.”
Dear Neighbors,
This week’s email update has information on early voting in the presidential primary, jobs available with the 2020 census, and takes a closer look at our State Government budget, which funds effective and efficient services for Minnesotans, including election security funding and support for our veterans.
Minnesota’s presidential primary is March 3rd, but early voting is underway! If you’re in Coon Rapids, you can vote early during normal business hours at City Hall (11155 Robinson Dr NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433). Brooklyn Park residents can vote early at the Brooklyn Park Water Treatment Facility Conf. Room (5100 Edinbrook Ter N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443).
Make sure your voice is heard! You can learn more at the Secretary of State’s website. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 28, 2020”
SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on Senate Republicans’ 2020 agenda.
“Senate Republicans are failing on the issues Minnesotans care most about — affordable prescription drugs including insulin, gun violence prevention, paid family leave, addressing climate change, world-class public schools, and more,” said Speaker Hortman. “House DFLers will continue our efforts to build a Minnesota that works better for all of us.”
“Minnesota Senate Republicans should come to the table to work with Democrats for progress on the things Minnesotans value,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “Instead, they are proposing tax giveaways for the wealthy while draining funding from our public schools, neglecting our roads and bridges, and failing to truly address high prescription drug costs. House DFLers are focused on helping Minnesotans address the challenges they face: out of control health care costs, high tuition, insecure retirements, child care expenses, and more.”
Dear Neighbors,
It was great to see so many of you at last night’s legislative discussion. The Legislative Session starts on February 11th — stay tuned for more information on the issues likely to come up this session and a 2020 Legislative Survey.
This week’s email update takes a closer look at the transportation bill we passed in 2019, which will fund our state’s transportation system through mid-2021.
Transportation Budget
All Minnesotans deserve safe transportation, with reliable roads, bridges and transit. Crumbling roads and bridges cost the average Minnesotan more than $1,000 a year in gas, lost time, and car repairs. Transportation infrastructure keeps us safe, creates good jobs in the short and long term, and makes our state a better place to live and do business. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 10, 2020”
Dear Neighbors,
Today marks one year since I was sworn in to serve as the Speaker of the House in the Minnesota House of Representatives!
Being sworn in by former Speaker — and now Minnesota Supreme Court Justice — Paul Thissen
Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 8, 2020”
