Tag: Rep. Hortman

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: November 6, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I wanted to share with you that I’m part of an exciting effort this November. From Nov. 6th to Nov. 17th, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, a.k.a. COP23, is happening in Bonn, Germany. More than 195 countries will come together to discuss climate change policy and refine implementation strategies for the Paris Agreement. I will be attending the talks From Nov. 11th – Nov. 17th to represent Minnesota’s climate leadership in the state government sector. Our delegation includes representation from clean energy, elected officials, indigenous communities, youth, law, philanthropy, and more.

Through the Window Into COP23 program from Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy, nine Minnesota leaders will attend the conference to learn how other countries, businesses, nonprofits, and state and local governments from around the world are taking action. We will bring back ideas and strategies to Minnesota, and we will share Minnesota’s success stories. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: November 6, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: October 30, 2017

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you are having an excellent fall and enjoying the transition to everyone’s favorite time of year: winter.

Real ID Extension

As you may remember, Minnesota is one of only a few states using outdated id technology and not in compliance with federal REAL ID laws. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted an extension until October 10, 2018 for Minnesotans to use their current state id as Minnesota works to implement REAL ID.

REAL ID was passed following the September 11, 2001 attacks to improve security. The goal was to better confirm the identities of people entering federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally regulated commercial airlines. At the time, Minnesota abstained citing states’ rights and individual privacy concerns. Last session, the Legislature passed REAL ID compliance, and it will be fully implemented in time for the October 2018 deadline. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: October 30, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: August 8, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you’re enjoying your summer and are looking forward to the State Fair!

I’ve spent the first week in August at two conferences with other legislators from around the country.  First, 128 state legislators from 36 states came together as the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) in Cambridge, MA. I serve on the Board of Directors of this group, and we work to bring Democrats and Republicans together to work on policy solutions to combat climate change, remove toxins from drinking water and consumer products, and conserve water. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined us as a partner in launching a database that will help state legislators learn from each other’s successes. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: August 8, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 20, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

 

 

 

Neighbors and friends,

Town Hall Meeting

Please join me for a town hall meeting on Monday, July 24th at the Brooklyn Park Library for a recap of the 2017 legislative session and to discuss state issues.

When:  Monday, July 24th from 6:30-7:30 pm

Where: Brooklyn Park Library, 8500 West Broadway Ave

I hope to see you there!

If you’re unable to attend, please feel free to share your questions, comments, and concerns with me anytime. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 20, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 14, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you’re enjoying summer and staying cool!

 

New Laws

Several new laws went into effect on July 1st. A major highlight of the new laws is off-sale Sunday liquor sales, which was a successful bipartisan effort this session. Click here to read more about all of the new laws and budget changes now in effect.

Save the Date: National Night Out-Brooklyn Park and Night to Unite-Coon Rapids

National Night Out (NNO) is a national safety event that promotes police-community partnerships, lower crime, and stronger neighborhoods. Individual neighborhoods host their own block parties in order to celebrate and strengthen their community. Every party looks different-some are ice cream socials, some are cookouts, and some are potlucks. Last year, Brooklyn Park was ranked 3rd in the nation with 183 parties hosted. This year, NNO will be held on Tuesday, August 1st, with the deadline to register a party being July 21st. Let’s try to rank #1 this year! You can find more information on how to host a party here.         Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 14, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: June 26, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and Friends,

The 2017 legislative session ended a few weeks ago. I want to provide an update on what happened in the E-12 education budget area this year.

Despite a budget surplus, the Republican majorities repeatedly proposed underfunding our E-12 schools and eliminating free, voluntary pre-K, which would have led to teacher layoffs, increased class sizes, and fewer opportunities for students. With a budget surplus, it was extremely disappointing that funding education was such a low priority for the majority. I worked with Governor Dayton and DFLers to increase the education funding target, and the final result was an increase in school funding of 2% in each of the next two years. As a result, Anoka-Hennepin Schools will see an increase of $192 per pupil next year, and Osseo Area Schools will see an increase of $135. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: June 26, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: May 30, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and Friends,

The 2017 legislative session is over. In spite of a $1.65 billion surplus, the Legislature went into overtime and had a four-day special session last week. Governor Dayton called legislators into special session after reaching an agreement on the framework to complete the state budget. Unfortunately, the Republican legislative majorities took several days (and nights) to finish drafting the budget bills. Worse, throughout the four days of the special session, Republicans continued to ignore Governor Dayton’s requests that controversial policy provisions be removed from budget bills.

When the regular legislative session ended at midnight Monday, May 23rd, 70% of the major budget bills were unresolved including education, health and human services, and state government finance. A proposed package of tax legislation also stalled, as did a bonding bill to address infrastructure needs statewide. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: May 30, 2017”

Letter: Bravo to Melissa Hortman

To the Editor:

The Sun Post’s April 13 edition that described in detail Minnesota House Minority Leaders remarks to break up the 100 percent white male card game in the retiring room to attend an important debate as “controversial” deserves comment.

So as not to assume that this writer may be politically biased, for the record, let me state that I am not a Republican. Nor am I a Democrat. I am politically independent.

Bravo to Melissa Hortman! This young lady deserves praise, not retribution. She reminds me of the late popular television character Mary Tyler Moore. Her boss, ed Abner praised her for having “lots of spunk.”

The Republican majority House members who believed playing cards in the retiring room was more important than participating in a floor house debated termed Hortman’s actions as being inappropriate were not elected and paid to play games. Hortman had every right to call them to task and to engage them in an important House floor debate.

Instead of an apology request for Hortman, the 100 percent white male Republican house members’ actions could and should be termed to be disgraceful.

Stanley J. Kondziolka, Brooklyn Park
Brooklyn Park Sun-Post, May 2, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: May 2, 2017

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

There are three weeks left in the legislative session. Here’s an update on what’s happening at the Capitol.

Joint Budget Targets

On Friday, the House and Senate Republican majorities set joint budget targets. These targets are a first step in final budget negotiations that will take place between the House, Senate, and Governor over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, the targets they set will underfund E-12 and higher education, and also cut several areas, including health and human services – despite the fact that the state has a budget surplus. The Republican legislative majorities underfund schools and cut other areas of state government to make way for super-sized spending in the tax bill, which is weighted toward tax cuts for corporations and the rich. We are working with Governor Dayton to achieve full funding for our schools, and investments in the areas that will keep Minnesota’s economy strong into the future. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: May 2, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: April 21, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

 

Dear Neighbors,

The House and Senate have passed all the major budget bills, and now the House and Senate will work on budget compromise bills to send to Governor Dayton for final consideration. In order to finish session on time, the legislature must adjourn by May 22nd.

Minnesota has a $1.6 billion budget surplus and a stable economy. Unfortunately, so far the Republican majority is choosing to prioritize tax cuts for corporations and the rich instead of investing in the areas that have made Minnesota’s economy strong, like education. I am hopeful for a bipartisan compromise that will make investments in Minnesotans and budget responsibly for the future. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: April 21, 2017”