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.
It’s my hope that we will reach a bipartisan compromise in the budget negotiations soon, but so far House and Senate Republicans have done little to move toward the Governor. Governor Dayton has provided legislative leaders with significant input throughout the legislative session – he’s sent 55 letters and 179 pages of input from state agency commissioners outlining which items would face a certain veto. Despite these clear guidelines, House and Senate Republicans have stuffed their budget bills with controversial policy provisions that the Governor already said he would veto – including private school vouchers, the elimination of voluntary, free pre-K, and invalidating city actions that protect workers’ pay and benefits.
I am hopeful that in the remaining three weeks – considering the state has a healthy economy and a budget surplus – we will be able to find a compromise that works for everyone.
Highway 610 Update
Read below for an update on the Highway 610 project from MNDOT.
Closure details
Although we opened Hwy 610 to traffic early last December, you’ll find lane restrictions and ramp closures on the new three-mile stretch of highway between Elm Creek Blvd and I-94 in Maple Grove. We need to restrict traffic until early June to complete guardrail installation, landscaping and some additional concrete work this spring.
Construction crews restricted Hwy 610 to a single lane in each direction this morning. The ramps from westbound Co Rd 81 to westbound Hwy 610 and the ramp from eastbound Hwy 610 to eastbound Co Rd 81 are also closed. All restrictions and closures will remain in place until late Thursday, June 8.
The final three miles of roadway fills in the gap between Elm Creek Blvd and I-94 in Maple Grove, allowing travel through the northern Twin Cities suburbs unimpeded between I-35W in Mounds View and I-94 in Maple Grove. Highway 610 runs approximately 11 miles between the junction of Highways 10 and 47 on the border of Blaine and Coon Rapids and I-94 in Maple Grove.
More about this project
The $80 million expansion of Highway 610 in Maple Grove is a Corridors of Commerce initiative to reduce travel times and improve safety. It will also help businesses transport their products more efficiently to meet the needs of our state’s growing economy. The new highway corridor also will help continue economic growth and create jobs within the northwest Twin Cities suburbs.
For more information about the Hwy 610 project, visit www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/610west/.
For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.
Call for Vietnam War Stories
The Vietnam War defined a generation. It changed the lives of people who fought in it and who fought against it, leaving an indelible mark on millions of people. How has the Vietnam War made an impact on your life?
TPT and PBS stations across Minnesota are seeking photos, video, audio, and memories that will be displayed on an interactive Story Wall website (MNVietnam.org), launching this fall.
The Story Wall is a part of MINNESOTA REMEMBERS VIETNAM, a year-long, statewide initiative aimed at inspiring Minnesotans to remember and share stories, recognize bravery, express their reasons for dissent, and foster understanding around the lasting impact of war.
Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s major new documentary series, “The Vietnam War,” is set to debut on PBS stations on September 17. The 18-hour film will be a national event that is certain to reopen discussion and debate about the costs of war and the experiences of those who served.
MINNESOTA REMEMBERS VIETNAM will complement the PBS documentary with a rich collection of multimedia content designed to educate, engage and inspire.
Add your voice to the story at MNVietnam.org.
As always, please contact me anytime with your comments and concerns. I appreciate hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Melissa Hortman