91st Minnesota Legislature Convenes
On January 8th, the 91st Minnesota legislature convened at the State Capitol. All 134 Representatives were on the ballot last fall, and as a result, there are many new faces in St. Paul.
One of the bigger changes is that the House, which had a Republican majority since 2015, is now controlled by the DFL by a margin of 75-59. Our Senate District saw some change in representation in the House as well. Representative Linda Slo- cum did not seek re-election in 2018, and she was succeeded by Rep. Michael Howard (DFL- Richfield). I have worked with Rep. Howard in his capacity as a city council member, and I look forward to continuing that partnership to serve Richfield and Bloomington. Rep. Andrew Carlson (DFL-Bloomington) continues to represent the other side of our district.
Although the full Senate was not up for election last year, there has still been some turno- ver. As a result of then-Sen. Michelle Fischbach ascending to the office of Lt. Governor, there was a special election in Senate District 13, which was won by Sen. Jeff Howe (R-Rockville). Republicans, thus, still maintain a majority. Additionally, Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick) has been appointed by Governor Walz to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, which creates a vacancy from his district, which will be filled by a special election inFebruary.
I’m looking forward to working with my new and re- turning colleagues on several issues. This year, the state budget will take center stage. The most recent forecast showed a $1.5 billion surplus, but accounting for some necessary expenditures and a projected decline in tax revenue in the next biennium, there will be limited opportunities for new spending. I expect health care costs, education, transportation, paid family leave, taxes, and gun safety to be prominent topics of discussion as well. I hope you’ll keep in touch me as things move forward!
State Constitutional Officers Inaugurated
On Monday, January 7th, Minnesota’s statewide constitutional officers were sworn in — all but one of them new.
I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the inauguration, which featured the Minneapolis Children’s Chorus, and a Native American drum circle. Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, in addition to Attorney General Keith Ellison and State Auditor Julie Blaha, were sworn into their first terms in office. Secretary of State Steve Simon was sworn in for his second.
Please reach out to my office if you need assistance with any state executive department or office.
Committee Assignments Change
Although the partisan makeup of the Senate didn’t change, the shuffle because of Lt. Gov. Fischbach’s resignation from the
Senate did result in some committee assignment changes.
Senator Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) was elect- ed President of the Minnesota Senate to succeed Fischbach. TheSenatePresidentservesasthe presiding officer, and is responsible for directing bills to appropriate committees, and overseeing debate on the Senate floor. Upon becoming Senate President, Sen. Miller relinquished his chairmanship of the Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee. That committee will now be chaired by Sen. Eric Pratt (R-Prior Lake).
Sen. Pratt previously chaired the E-12 Educa- tion Policy Committee. That committee was combined with the E-12 Education Finance Committee, which is still chaired by Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester). As a result of that change, some Senators who previously served on one of the E- 12 committees were given different assignments instead—and I am one of them.
This year, for the first time, I will be serving on the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee. This committee is chaired by Senator Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls), and its jurisdiction includes commercial regulations, consumer rights, and health insur- ance issues, among others. Insurance issues, in particular, have been an interest of mine, and I’m glad that I’ll have a chance to weigh in on them in a different capacity. I’ll also continue serving on the Health and Human Services Finance and Policy, and Local Government Committees.
Constituent Groups Come to the Capitol
I always appreciate how many of our neighbors from Richfield and Bloomington take the time to personally come up to St.Paul and speak with me about the issues they’re passionate about. Hardly a day goes by where the halls of the Senate Building aren’t busy with advocates from all over Minnesota coming to speak to their own Senators.
Coming up, I’m looking forward to meeting with constituents representing some of the following groups:
- Education Minnesota
- Girl Scouts
- Credit union members
- Firefighters
- Physical therapy students
I also enjoy meeting with school students who tour the Capitol. Next week, a group of 6th graders from Valley View Middle School in Bloomington will be here, and I’m looking for- ward to greeting them and answering their questions about the work we do.
Looking Ahead…
In the coming weeks, I look forward to committees beginning to meet more regularly, and getting into the work that requires. Serving on the HHS Finance and Policy Committee, I will have the opportunity to shape a budget that comprises approximately one-third of total state spending. I’m also looking forward to connecting with local elected officials at the Municipal Legislative Conference. I’m also planning to meet with Commerce Commissioner Steve Kelley, and continuing to participate in meetings of the Early Learning Council. It is an honor to represent you in the Senate. If you have time, I hope you’ll stop by the Capitol and say “Hi!” otherwise, I’ll see you around town!