Speaker Hortman 2 , CD3 DFL

Minnesota House approves State Government, Elections, Veterans Budget

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – This evening, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed their proposal for the State Government budget bill, including provisions from the State Government Finance and Elections Committee as well as the Labor, Industry, Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Committee. The legislation funds the state’s constitutional offices, internal service agencies, and various boards, councils, and commissions. In addition to funding the state government, the bill also contains policies and funding to protect and strengthen Minnesota’s elections. The bill passed on a vote of 68-62.

“As our state addresses and recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, the investments in this bill facilitate the responsive state government Minnesotans deserve,” said Michael Nelson (DFL – Brooklyn Park), Chair of the House State Government Finance and Elections Committee. “Minnesotans hold elections in high regard, as seen by our consistent leadership in voter turnout. Following a safe, transparent, and secure election in 2020, our proposal strives to engage even more Minnesotans in the right to have their voices heard when exercising their civic duty.”

House DFLers Highlight Public Safety Budget with Funding, Reform and Justice for Minnesotans

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Thursday, House DFL lawmakers discussed their 2021 Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform budget bill. The legislation invests in law enforcement, improves police accountability, and listens to the victims of sex crimes.

“Every person deserves to live with human dignity in their community. To deliver on this promise, we have the responsibility to ensure our systems treat all Minnesotans with fairness and respect, while delivering justice,” said Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL – Saint Paul), chair of the House Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform Committee. “In the midst of the Derek Chauvin trial, with the eyes of the world once again upon our state, it’s incumbent upon all of us to listen to Minnesotans and deliver the change they’re seeking so they can experience true public safety, no matter where they live or what they look like. Our work is inspired by the diverse citizens who are stepping up to be part of making communities safe, from multi-racial neighborhood based intervention work to advocates for juveniles and vulnerable adults. We have the ability to deliver critical funding while enacting reforms Minnesotans are counting on, and this bill does exactly that.”

Minnesota House advances summer learning package

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House advanced a bipartisan measure 69-63 to fund a summer learning package for Minnesota students from cradle to career.

“Today’s vote for summer learning is the first step in passing significant investments for education this session,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “All Minnesota children deserve a world-class education and every opportunity to succeed. We are going to help our children and students recover from a difficult year and then thrive once this pandemic is behind us.”

“It’s critically important for us to be thinking carefully about strategic investments that put our students first,” said Rep. Jim Davnie, House Education Finance Chair. “The measures and steps we can take now will help our kids bounce back more quickly from the pandemic, academically and emotionally, and be better prepared for their future.”

MN House votes to condemn insurrection and false election claims, 8 GOP lawmakers vote no

The resolution condemned violence at the U.S. and state capitols and declared support for 2020 election results.

Eight GOP state representatives voted against a resolution Monday that condemned recent violence at the U.S. and state capitols, and declared support for the certified 2020 election results.

The resolution was introduced following a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol earlier this month, in which a mob stormed the halls of Congress while lawmakers were certifying electoral college results.

The resolution read: “A House resolution condemning violence and violent rhetoric directed at our United States Capitol and state capitols, and affirming support for democracy, rule of law, and the certified results of Minnesota’s election and the elections of the other states.” Continue reading.

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 14, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

The 2021 Legislative Session started on January 5th, and due to the pandemic, it was unlike any swearing-in day in Minnesota history. For the safety of staff and members, the vast majority of members were sworn in over Zoom.

Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice Paul Thissen gives the oath of office remotely to a group of House members. Photo by Paul Battaglia.

I’m honored to continue serving as Speaker of the House and lead our efforts to build a Minnesota that works better for everyone.

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: January 1, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

2020 is behind us, ending the one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced in our lifetimes.

I believe that in 2021 we will beat COVID-19, we’ll be able to enjoy being in each other’s company again without worrying about getting each other sick, and we’ll recover the jobs we lost as we fought this disease. At the Minnesota House, we will continue our work to ensure that every Minnesotan has affordable health care, great educational opportunities from pre-school through job training, and economic security.

I look forward to working with Governor Walz and Senate Majority Leader Gazelka to reach a reasonable compromise on the state’s next two-year budget that serves the needs of the people of Minnesota.

Finally, after this difficult year, my personal New Year’s resolution is to continue to be grateful for all that I have — most especially my health and my family. Today I am grateful for fantastic cross country skiing conditions, with great snow and sunshine. I’ll be hitting the trail soon! I hope 2021 brings you joy and peace.

Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year for you and your friends and family!

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. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Melissa Hortman

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on November Economic Forecast

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Today, Minnesota Management and Budget released the November Economic Forecast, showing a projected $641 million surplus in the current biennium and a $1.273 billion shortfall in the FY 22-23 biennium. The forecast includes inflation on the revenue side and excludes it on the spending side in several key areas. Inflation is estimated to be $1.3 billion in the next biennium, which could roughly double the budget shortfall. Minnesota currently has $350 million in the state’s cash flow account and $2.377 billion in the budget reserves.

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements:

“This is positive news, but we have a long way to go to fully recover from COVID-19,” said Speaker Hortman. “We need to invest in the areas that will help Minnesotans make it through this crisis and thrive after it, including protecting their health and economic security. This forecast allows us to provide some assistance to those struggling the most during this difficult time, and then focus on rebuilding Minnesota’s economy in the 2021 Legislative Session. House DFLers are committed to building a Minnesota that works better for everyone.”

“Today’s forecast is further evidence that Minnesota has the resources to invest in our people and provide economic opportunity for everyone. We only need the will to act,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We need to focus our efforts to help working families, small businesses, and Minnesotans hit the hardest by this pandemic — not corporations, the wealthy, and well-connected who are still doing very well. The relief bill that we presented last week puts working families first, strengthening unemployment insurance and providing support for small businesses. The question now is whether the Republican Senate majority agrees.”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: November 25, 2020

Dear Neighbors,

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year has been challenging, but we still have so much to be thankful for. I hope you’re able to take a moment during this holiday to pause and reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your life.

From my family to yours, I wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely,

Melissa Hortman

Statement from Speaker Hortman and Majority Leader Winkler on COVID Economic Relief Package

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Majority Leader Ryan Winkler released the following statements on COVID-19 economic relief legislation:

“The burden of protecting Minnesotans from the spread of COVID-19 has hit some businesses and workers harder than others. While we join state leaders across the country in urging federal action to provide economic relief as soon as possible, we are working as quickly as we can on state measures to provide additional assistance,” said Speaker Hortman. “We need to work together to help those struggling during this tough time, and then turn our attention in the 2021 Session to rebuilding Minnesota’s economy in the wake of this pandemic.”

“The public health guidelines and restrictions in place are needed and saving lives, but hurting an important segment of businesses and our economy. The state needs to take action,” said Majority Leader Winkler. “We have seen a pattern with many COVID efforts from the federal government — corporations, the wealthy, and well-connected have been the biggest beneficiaries of federal aid, while working families have to make do with what’s left. We have to do better in Minnesota. With strong investments in unemployment insurance and other programs that aid low-income families, we can help those who are struggling the most. We are ready to work with our Republican colleagues to provide relief as soon as possible for both workers and businesses.”

The COVID-19 relief package from House DFLers and Governor Walz includes critical measures to:

Keep Small Businesses Afloat
- Provide direct aid to businesses through Business Assistance Program
- Waive State and regulatory fees for bars, restaurants, event centers, craft breweries, and more
- Establish eviction moratorium so small businesses can stay in their locations

Support Workers Struggling to Get By
- Extend unemployment benefits for an additional 13 weeks, helping as many as 100,000 workers whose benefits currently end late December
- Provide a $500 one-time emergency payment to struggling families

Help Minnesota Families Put Food on the Table
- Establish one-time grant to restaurants to provide food for healthcare workers, homeless shelters, and long-term care facilities
- Provide a tax credit for businesses that donate food that would otherwise spoil or be thrown away

Minnesota House approves major jobs legislation to jumpstart economy

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — With 100 votes, Minnesota House lawmakers today approved legislation that will create and protect tens of thousands of jobs. The nearly $2 billion package would be a major boon to Minnesota’s economy at a time when the unemployment rate is stuck at historically high levels due to the pandemic. House Republicans previously blocked passage of similar jobs bills in May and July.

“We listened to Minnesotans who have been asking for our help,” said House Capital Investment Chair Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown). “This economic stimulus bill connects Minnesotans to other Minnesotans, addresses critical public infrastructure needs across the state, and will create thousands of jobs at a time when they are sorely needed. I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this important jobs and local projects and economic development package.”

According to the most recent data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate stands at 7.9% and job gains were lower than expected in September. The US economy is still 11 million jobs short of pre-pandemic levels.

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