Tag: Senate DFL

Senate DFL Week in Review: March 22, 2018

WEEK FIVE:  March 22, 2018

We’re expecting the state contracts and pensions bills up on the Senate floor next week — here’s a bit more information about what that means.

The legislature’s first deadline is in the books

Under Minnesota law, “the Legislature shall establish by concurrent resolution deadlines for each regular session.” Deadlines help the Legislature narrow down the hundreds of bills introduced by lawmakers to proposals that have the best chance of becoming law. Continue reading “Senate DFL Week in Review: March 22, 2018”

Senate DFL Week in Review: March 15, 2018

WEEK FOUR:  March 15, 2018

Students across America have made their voices heard this month, from Florida, to Minnesota, to the Capitol in Saint Paul. We cannot ignore the bravery of these students and the demands they have: stop gun violence and make their schools safe. We’re listening & we’re ready to act.

MNLARS delays and excuses

For the better part of seven months, Republicans in the Minnesota legislature have held numerous public hearings and news conferences, written letters and opinion pieces, and even created their own websites to highlight problems with the Minnesota License and Registration System (MNLARS). But for all of their efforts to better-publicize the problems with MNLARS, they have done little to nothing to help fix those problems. But for all of their efforts to better-publicize the problems with MNLARS, they have done little to nothing to help fix those problems. Continue reading “Senate DFL Week in Review: March 15, 2018”

Senate DFL Week in Review: March 8, 2018

The Minnesota State Capitol is better known as the People’s House for a good reason. Every year, hundreds of organizations and thousands of people visit Cass Gilbert’s architectural masterpiece to get involved in our democracy. This week was no different.

Dozens of groups held Day at the Capitol events, visitors flocked to the rotunda to snap a picture with a live bald eagle, and more than 1,000 high school students marched from Central High in Saint Paul to the Capitol to demand that lawmakers do something to prevent school shootings.

All of these events and gatherings give DFL senators an opportunity to listen to their constituents and participate in a conversation about the direction our state is heading. Stop by the People’s House this session to visit your senator and get involved in your democracy! Continue reading “Senate DFL Week in Review: March 8, 2018”

Senate DFL Week in Review: February 23, 2018

WEEK ONE:  Feb. 23, 2018

Welcome back to the Legislature! Here’s what to look for in 2018:

State lawmakers returned to Saint Paul this week to kick off the 2018 Legislative Session. The second year of a biennium is historically reserved for the development of a significant capital investment bill (also known as the “bonding bill”) and a supplemental budget. Other press  ing issues, such as federal tax conformity, will also take center stage.

TAXES: There is typically agreement among lawmakers to conform Minnesota’s tax code to federal tax reform, but this year may be different due to the Trump Administration’s federal tax changes. If Minnesota does not conform, 2019 state tax filing could be more complicated for taxpayers. If the state does conform, significant state-based tax reform will be needed to avoid a potential $463 million tax increase on Minnesotans. Continue reading “Senate DFL Week in Review: February 23, 2018”

Senate DFL Week In Review: May 12, 2017

Last Friday, a group of Senate DFL legislators accepted an offer from a local St. Paul school principal to take a tour of his school, and learn how the current education budget bill proposal will lead to severe cuts to services at his school, Maxfield Elementary.

Principal Ryan Vernosh shared stories about the challenges his students face, including the fact that some 30% of the students who attend Maxfield have experienced homelessness this year. The St. Paul Promise Neighborhood School has made leaps and bounds over the past few years, but Vernosh explained to legislators that budget cuts are forthcoming if the current Republican education proposal is passed into law. Continue reading “Senate DFL Week In Review: May 12, 2017”

Senate DFL Week in Review: May 5, 2017

WEEK SEVENTEEN: May 5, 2017

Budget negotiations likely to be tense from the start

With just over two weeks left to negotiate a more than $40 billion budget for the next two years, there is a wide gulf between House and Senate Republicans and DFLers. Caucus leaders from both parties met behind closed doors with Governor Dayton this week to outline a framework to begin budget negotiations. Continue reading “Senate DFL Week in Review: May 5, 2017”

Senate DFL Week in Review: April 28, 2017

Two weeks after spring break ended, joint budget targets are still not in sight. Senate Republicans set a date of April 28 to achieve joint targets with the House. Legislators and staff are still waiting.

In the meantime, conference committees have been keeping a fairly busy schedule, taking a look at items that are similar in both House and Senate bills. But without a target of how much money to spend, the bulk of the work of crafting a bill both bodies can agree on must wait. Continue reading “Senate DFL Week in Review: April 28, 2017”