Tag: Rep. Winkler

Minnesota House of Representatives working in new ways to address pandemic and economic hardships

House DFL logo

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives are temporarily working from outside the Minnesota State Capitol. In conformity with Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, State Representatives are engaging in telework rather than in-person work at the State Capitol. Legislators in the Minnesota House of Representatives are convening informal working groups to discuss measures to assist Minnesotans coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and its related disruptions.

“The members of the Minnesota House of Representatives are working hard on behalf of the people of Minnesota during this crisis,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “While we follow the guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health to keep people safe, we are convening informal working groups to discuss emergency measures related to COVID-19 and to the mission-critical work of the Legislature this session. We are working to develop opportunities for members of the public to weigh in and offer their feedback in a way that is protective of their health.” Continue reading “Minnesota House of Representatives working in new ways to address pandemic and economic hardships”

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.” 

 

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.”

 

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.

 

Majority Leader Winkler outlines principles for cannabis legislation

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA— Yesterrday, House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) unveiled the principles that will guide legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis. The principles originate from 15 Be Heard on Cannabis events Rep. Winkler and legislators held around the state to encourage Minnesotans to join the conversation on how to legalize and regulate cannabis.

“We heard from Minnesotans that our current cannabis laws are doing more harm than good,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “By creating a regulatory framework we can address the harms caused by cannabis and establish a more sensible set of laws to improve our health care and criminal justice systems and ensure better outcomes for communities.”

The following principles are a reflection of the views and concerns Minnesotans shared with legislators:

Regulated Cannabis Marketplace

  • Transparent governance structure that allows for equitable, safe, and effective administration of cannabis law
  • Moving from illicit to legal market
  • Establish a market that creates opportunities for inclusive economic growth with an emphasis on communities that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis laws and incorporate social equity
  • Promote a Minnesota-grown industry that has safeguards in place to prevent “big marijuana” from taking over the marketplace
  • Safety for individuals, communities, and the environment

Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform

  • Do the least possible harm
  • Criminalization is a last resort
  • Address past harms
  • Understandability and adaptability
  • Racial equity

Public Health and Youth Access Prevention

  • Improve public health and safety
  • Prevent youth access through evidence-based education and regulation
  • Improve and maintain a clear role for the Medical Cannabis Program

Economic Development and Workforce Standards

  • Provide economic opportunity and restorative justice for communities in Minnesota most harmed by the prohibition of cannabis
  • Protect Minnesota-owned small business owners and employees by supporting safe, secure, and good paying jobs
  • Develop fair and reasonable workplace standards
  • Create a cannabis industry in Minnesota that provides for long term access and promotes self-sustainability

“Legalizing cannabis for adult use will offer broad benefits across the state,” said Assistant Senate Minority Leader Jeff Hayden. “This legislation will help address racial disparities in our criminal justice system, restrain a widespread illegal market, and help veterans who deserve access to affordable care to treat PTSD and chronic pain without turning to opioids.”

“We need to create a responsible regulatory framework and get it right. If any state can do this right, Minnesota can,” added Winkler.

Legislation to legalize cannabis for adult use will be introduced early in the 2020 Legislative Session, which begins February 11.

Majority Leader Winkler to outline principles for cannabis legislation, discuss Be Heard on Cannabis community conversations

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MIINNESOTA— On Tuesday, February 4, Majority Leader Ryan Winkler (DFL – Golden Valley) will discuss what legislators learned from the Be Heard on Cannabis community conversation tour and outline the principles that will guide legislation to legalize the responsible use of cannabis for adults.

Rep. Winkler and legislators held 15 events around the state to encourage Minnesotans to join the conversation on how to legalize and regulate cannabis.

Who: Majority Leader Ryan Winkler and Senator Jeff Hayden
What: Press conference to announce principles for cannabis legislation
When: Tuesday, February 4, 11:00 AM
Where: Minnesota State Capitol Press Conference Room B971; 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55155

Eleven states and Washington, D.C. have legalized cannabis for adult use. In an op-ed written last year, Rep. Winkler announced that legalizing cannabis for adult use will be a legislative priority during the 2020 legislative session.

 

Statement from House DFL Leadership on Senate DFL Leadership Election

House DFL logoSAINT 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.”

 

Statement from House DFL Leadership on Republican Senate agenda

House DFL logoSAINT 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.”

 

Statement from Majority Leader Winkler on National Guard helicopter crash

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statement on today’s National Guard helicopter crash.

“The Minnesota House of Representatives sends its deepest condolences to the families of the National Guard service members who passed away in this tragic accident. Our National Guard performs the highest form of service on behalf of Minnesotans, and has been in harm’s way around the world. Minnesotans and Americans honor their service and sacrifice.”