Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been a busy week here at the State Capitol. I’ve gotten to meet with many constituents to hear their thoughts on a variety of issues. If you’d like to share yours, I’d encourage you to take my short legislative survey. You can take it online here. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: March 2, 2018”
Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
The 2018 legislative session got underway at noon today. There is always a unique energy in the Capitol with advocates for a variety of issues filling the corridors. The legislature is facing a full agenda for a session that must conclude by May 21. I’m interested in hearing your input on what matters to you. Please take my short legislative survey here.
Ending the Opioid Epidemic
Last week I joined Governor Dayton, Senator Chris Eaton, Representative Dave Baker of Willmar and others to introduce a comprehensive package of legislation addressing the opioid epidemic. The proposal includes grants to local communities and tribal governments for prevention efforts, investments in Minnesota’s Prescription Drug Monitoring program (to better prevent “doctor shopping”), a variety of investments in treatment and recovery programs, and more tools for law enforcement and first responders, including providing a greater supply of the lifesaving medication Narcan. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom (HD40B) Update: February 20, 2018”
Rep. Michael V. Nelson (40A) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbor,
In spite of a $1.65 billion surplus, the 2017 Minnesota legislature went into overtime. Governor Dayton called legislators into Special Session on Tuesday after reaching an agreement on the framework to complete the state budget. Unfortunately, the Republican majority took several days to cross the finish line.
When the regular legislative session ended at midnight Monday, 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. Mike Nelson Update: March 26, 2017”
Rep. Michael V. Nelson (40A) – Legislative Update
We are less than a week away from the legislative session adjournment deadline of May 22nd. While legislative leaders and Governor Dayton are engaged in budget talks it is hard to get everyone on the same page.
A week ago Republican legislative leaders decided to abandon budget negotiations with Governor Dayton and send him budget bills which are filled with provisions that give advantages to corporations and the very wealthy. They are forcing Minnesotans to endure deeps cuts at a time of surpluses in Minnesota. Thankfully, the Governor said he would veto the budget bills if they were included. True to his word the Governor finished vetoing all of the budget bills after legislative leaders wasted a week. Continue reading “Rep. Mike V. Nelson Update: May 17, 2017”
Rep. Michael V. Nelson (40A) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, a time to thank and show gratitude to our educators who help shape our children’s lives and futures. Our teachers are endless advocates for our children; they need the best tools possible in the classroom to help our kids succeed. This Capitol update focuses on the Republican Legislature’s final education budget proposals.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Getting our children off to the best possible start in life is an investment in our future and an opportunity every family deserves. Providing adequate funding for school districts to offer voluntary pre-kindergarten to Minnesota four-year-olds ought to be a priority. Unfortunately, the House Republican proposal denies young learners access to quality pre-k in communities across our state by eliminating the successful voluntary pre-k program. Continue reading “Rep. Mike V. Nelson Update: May 9, 2017”
Rep. Michael V. Nelson (40A) – Legislative Update
Dear neighbors,
As we approach the session deadline of May 22, several budget bills remain unresolved. Despite a $1.65 billion budget surplus, Republican majorities in the House and Senate are making the wrong choices.
Governor Dayton has been actively engaged with Republicans, specifying parameters for his budget preferences and detailing items that are not acceptable. In a letter sent to the press on Tuesday, all correspondence between the governor’s staff and legislators was listed. House Democrats are working toward a compromise budget in the next two weeks, but we will not stand for policies that move the state backward and hurt Minnesotans. Continue reading “Rep. Mike V. Nelson Update: May 5, 2017”
Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
There are just over three weeks left in the legislative session with Conference Committees continuing to meet. They are hashing out differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget bills. I’m serving on the Conference Committee for the Public Safety/Judiciary bill and there are some substantial differences between each version.
Today, leadership in the Republican leadership in House and Senate released their joint budget targets. These will dictate how much each budget area has available to invest or to cut. Unfortunately these numbers represent the wrong priorities for working families in Minnesota. Tax cuts for the wealthiest are again put ahead of the things that matter most, such as increased investments in our schools. I hope that in these final weeks we compromise to pass a state budget which increases opportunities for all Minnesotans. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom Update: April 28, 2017”
Rep. Debra Hilstrom (40B) – Legislative Update
Dear Neighbors,
The Legislative break has concluded and we returned to St. Paul on Tuesday to begin wrapping up the 2017 legislative session. Here is an update:
One month to go
We have a full agenda ahead as we complete the budget process before the constitutional adjournment deadline of May 22. Most finance bills have been passed and either are in conference committee or will be shortly. House and Senate conferees were appointed by the Speaker of the House to compare the different versions of each finance bill. Governor Dayton will also be very involved in the process as we seek to reach agreement on the final budget. Continue reading “Rep. Debra Hilstrom Update: April 21, 2017”
