Tag: Minnesota House of Representatives

House DFL Leadership Statement on the February Economic Forecast

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, Minnesota Management and Budget released the February Economic Forecast, showing a projected balance of $1.052 billion for the upcoming biennium, $492 million less than the November forecast. Slowed economic growth continues to be projected for the future. While the forecast does show a balance, it includes inflation on the revenue side, and excludes it on the spending side in several key areas. Estimated inflation is slightly greater than the projected budget balance.

“This budget forecast signals significant challenges for the future,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We have to be cautious going forward. A workforce shortage is constraining our economic growth, making it even more important that we focus on things that help Minnesotans enter and stay in the workforce — like job training, education, child care assistance, paid family leave, and earned safe and sick time. It is also a time to roll out the welcome mat for people who choose to move to Minnesota and expand our workforce.”

“The economic forecast warrants caution, but the shrinking balance is thanks in part to Republican tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy in recent years,” said Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “We can’t make progress for Minnesotans’ health care, schools, roads, bridges, transit, or other priorities by cutting taxes for corporations and the wealthy. House DFLers are committed to delivering results to improve the lives of Minnesotans, and we will continue advancing our agenda to do so.”

House DFLers set to approve gun violence prevention legislation

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Finance and Policy Division tonight is hearing two bills to address the epidemic of senseless gun violence. HF 8 and HF 9 will help ensure Minnesotans who may be dangerous or otherwise ineligible from owning or possessing a firearm aren’t able to do so.

HF 8 would require criminal background checks to be performed prior to all gun sales. HF 9 would provide for “Red Flag laws,” temporarily restricting an individual’s access to firearms if a court determines they may be a threat to themselves or others.

“In our committee, we’ve taken a community-centered approach to public safety that engages the full community to solve problems, including that of gun violence,” said Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL – Saint Paul), committee chair. “Communities need tools they can use to intervene responsibly with those who have a history of criminal problems, or who are exhibiting worrisome behavior.” Continue reading “House DFLers set to approve gun violence prevention legislation”

House and Senate DFL to Respond to February Economic Forecast

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — On Thursday, DFL Legislative Leaders will respond to MMB’s February Economic Forecast immediately following Governor Walz at approximately 12:15 PM.

Who: Speaker Hortman, House Majority Leader Winkler, Senate Minority Leader Bakk, Sen. Cohen, Sen. Dziedzic, and Sen. Rest

What: Press response on February Economic Forecast

When: Approximately 12:15 PM, Thursday, February 28, 2019

Where: Minnesota Department of Revenue Skjegstad Room (2000), 600 Robert St N, St Paul, MN 55101

 

House DFLers Announce “Health and Safety in Our Schools Day” on March 1

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – House Education Policy Chair Cheryl Youakim (DFL-Hopkins) today is announcing a new event taking place at the Capitol this Friday, March 1 called “Health and Safety in Our Schools Day.” The event is a House DFL Majority initiative inspired by students, parents, and public education advocates.

What, When, Where, Who

In conjunction with “Health and Safety in Our Schools Day,” the Education Policy Committee will meet in Room 5 of the State Office Building Friday, March 1 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. to advance a conversation with our fellow Minnesotans about this important priority. During this public hearing, students, parents, educators, administrators, advocates, and House DFLers will share their hopes, dreams, and challenges as it relates to health and safety in our schools. Members of the press and members of the public are invited to attend and participate.

“In the Minnesota House, we are committed to ensuring that students, educators, employees, administrators, and members of the public are healthy and safe while in school to the fullest extent possible,” said Rep. Youakim. “This is a priority for the House DFL Majority and should be for all elected officials, regardless of political party.” Continue reading “House DFLers Announce “Health and Safety in Our Schools Day” on March 1”

House Commerce Committee Approves New Tools to Address Predatory Payday Lending

Public Testimony Shines Spotlight on Significant Harm Caused by Triple-Digit Interest Loans

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, the House Commerce Committee approved bipartisan legislation to address a harmful cycle of debt caused by predatory payday lending. Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis) presented HF 1501, which would cap the interest rate and annual fee on payday loans at 36%. Minnesota Attorney General Ellison testified in support of the legislation.

“HF 1501 is a common sense solution to predatory lending in our state,” said Rep. Davnie. “Hardworking Minnesotans deserve and need access to safe and responsible resources, not a system designed to take them in and milk their bank accounts over the long term, leaving them worse off and without funds to cover basic living expenses. It’s high time Minnesota joins those states that put reasonable limits on the rates of loans for struggling consumers.”

At a public hearing, a former payday borrower, advocates, and experts described the financial destruction caused by loans carrying 200% to 300% annual interest rates with unaffordable terms that create a cycle of debt. Sixteen states plus the District of Columbia cap annual interest on payday loans at 36% or lower to disrupt this cycle of debt. Congress passed a similar 36% cap on loans to active-duty military at the urging of the Department of Defense, after the DoD documented financial harm from payday loans so significant that it impacted military readiness. Continue reading “House Commerce Committee Approves New Tools to Address Predatory Payday Lending”

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”

House DFLers Announce Feb. 26 Public Hearing to Address Predatory Payday Lending

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA —  On Tuesday, February 26, the House Commerce Committee will discuss bipartisan legislation to regulate predatory payday lending. Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Minneapolis) will present HF 1501, which would cap the interest rate and annual fee on payday loans at 36%. According to payday lending statistics in Minnesota from the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, fees charged equate to annual interest percentage rates ranging from 391%-1,170%. Sixteen states, including South Dakota, and the District of Columbia already have payday loan regulation in law. Chair Laurie Halverson (DFL-Eagan) is also a sponsor of the bill. Minnesota Attorney General Ellison is supportive.

What: A public hearing on HF 1501 in the House Commerce Committee

When: February 26, 2:30 PM

Where: Basement Hearing Room, State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, MN 55155

Who: House Commerce Committee members, advocates, financial institutions

Please note that committee may run later than 4:00 PM and/or recess and reconvene in the evening depending upon bill testimony and discussion.

Minnesota House Approves Help America Vote Act Funding

SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, Rep. Michael Nelson (DFL – Brooklyn Park) released the following statement after the Minnesota House of Representatives voted to appropriate federal funds under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Minnesota is increasingly more likely to see attacks on our election systems, and the legislation (H.F.14) would unlock $6.6 million in federal funding to support state efforts in securing election infrastructure against cyber threats.

“It’s no secret that our elections have been targeted by bad actors,” said Rep. Michael Nelson. “While Minnesota isn’t last on many lists, we are in fact the very last state to appropriate this money. It’s time for us to take seriously the threats against our democracy by passing the Help America Vote Act so Minnesotans can more easily participate in safe, secure elections.”

In March of 2018, the federal government appropriated $380 million in grants. Each state was allocated a share of the grant money. $6.6 million was designated for Minnesota. The grant is available in the state’s HAVA account, but the Secretary of State cannot use the funds unless they are directly appropriated by the Legislature.

The funds would go toward modernizing the statewide voter registration system, improving accessibility, training local election officials, and implementing security improvements for election systems.

 

Minnesota House Unanimously Approves Bill to Repeal “Marital Rape Exception”

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The Minnesota House today unanimously approved legislation authored by Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids) that would help to support victims of sexual assault by getting rid of the “voluntary relationship defense,” which shields perpetrators from prosecution in certain instances if they are married to the victim.

Bill language for HF 15 is available here. Video, audio, and high-resolution photos of Rep. Stephenson’s remarks are available upon request. 

“Courageous Minnesotans like Jenny Teeson who are coming forward to tell painful personal stories are the inspiration behind this legislation,” said Rep. Stephenson. “Repealing the state’s ‘marital rape exception’ is an example of how the Legislature is putting Minnesotans’ values into action. We care about one another, and we want to hold perpetrators accountable when they hurt the people we love.”

HF 15 received significant coverage in the news following its introduction and several emotional public hearings. Jenny Teeson of Andover, MN shared her experience of being drugged, raped, and videotaped by her former husband. When she sought justice, the legal system said her case could not proceed because of a law that Stephenson has been working to repeal.

Rep. Stephenson can be reached by phone at 651-296-5513 or by email at rep.zack.stephenson@house.mn.

Legislators and advocates rally to support “great start” bills

SAINT PAUL, Minn.—Today at the Capitol, a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators, joined by advocates for health care, mental health, and early childhood, announced support for prenatal care and home visiting proposals, initiatives that would improve the wellbeing of parents and children at the beginning of life. The announcement immediately followed a legislative hearing on the home visiting proposal.

“Prenatal care and home visiting services are part of a broader legislative effort to help make sure that every child gets a great start in life,” said Rep. Dave Pinto (DFL—St. Paul), chair of the House Early Childhood Finance & Policy Division. “The House, Senate, and Governor are all prioritizing early care and learning. This is the session to do right by the youngest Minnesotans.”

While Minnesota leads the nation in many aspects of health care, too many African-American and American Indian women die from pregnancy-related causes. Black and Native women are three to four times more likely to die during pregnancy compared to their white counterparts, and their infants are more than twice as likely to die as white infants. Rep. Kelly Morrison (DFL—Deephaven) and Sen. Jim Abeler (R—Anoka) have introduced companion bills, HF 909and SF 855, to expand access and utilization of prenatal care and decrease racial and ethnic disparities. Continue reading “Legislators and advocates rally to support “great start” bills”