May 14, 2021
Legislative Session Nears Its End, Special Session Possible
The end of the legislative session is right around the corner, and many areas of disagreement still remain. Some of the main areas I am most focused on reaching a compromise are:
- Policing reform
- Small business and worker tax relief
- Passing the Veterans Restorative Justice Act
- Protecting Minnesota’s environment and our Clean Car Rule
- Fully funding public education
- Providing paid family and medical leave
- Ensuring access to healthcare for all Minnesotans
A special session to finish the budget is looking increasingly likely. Know that you can count on my support for passing a budget that works for all Minnesotans.
Minnesota as a National Leader
It is important to remember that our disagreements are over how we can do what’s best for Minnesotans stem from our desire to do the right thing. Minnesota has been a national leader in so many things, and we all want that to continue. Our fervent disagreements are caused by our passion for leaving this world a better place than we found it, and I think that is something to appreciate. You can view more of my thoughts on Minnesota as a national leader by clicking HERE.
One of the things we continue to lead on is civic participation, and Senate District 48 is a leader among our state as well. I heard from many of you this week about your top priorities for the end of session. Some of the most common subjects were:
- Environmental protection
- Policing reform
- Education policy and funding
- Healthcare affordability
Thank you to everyone who exercised their civic duty this week.
Supporting Students, Educators, and Schools
This week I was invited to appear on the Minnesota Senate DFL’s podcast, Call of the Senate. Senator Chuck Wiger, host Luke Bishop, and I had a great time discussing the education budget. You can listen to our conversation on any of your podcast apps, or watch the video by clicking HERE.
Appreciating Human Connection
As many of us get fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we’ve all been getting back in the habit of shaking hands and reconnecting in-person. I happened to run into former student Gavin St.Clair over the weekend, and it was such a wonderful surprise. I’m sure we all have lots of catching up still to do.
Another former student, Marty Stock, is a page here at the Senate. The pandemic kept us from seeing each other much, but on Thursday we got to pose for a photo together at the president’s desk.
Many of you also know that I truly love showing people around the state capitol building. The pandemic put these visits on hold, but on Wednesday this week fellow Senator Melisa Franzen brought her son and some of his friends to watch floor session. I had the opportunity to show them some of my favorite places, and it truly did my heart good.