Tag: Frank Hornstein

Sen. Dibble, Rep. Hornstein, and Rep. Long statement on President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment Plan

House DFL logo

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Sen. Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis), DFL-Lead on the Senate Transportation Committee, Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis), Chair of the House Transportation Committee, and Rep. Jamie Long (DFL-Minneapolis), Chair of the House Climate and Energy Committee released the following statement this afternoon following President Biden’s announcement of a $2.2 trillion infrastructure investment plan:

“We applaud President Biden for today’s release of a bold, visionary plan to invest in America’s infrastructure. We support the President’s emphasis on improving roads, bridges, public transportation, and building a clean energy economy. As Minnesota state legislators, we strongly agree with the plan’s focus on building a strong economy and addressing the climate crisis.

Next week, House and Senate DFLers will release detailed plans to invest in Minnesota’s transportation and energy infrastructure with a focus on job creation, equity, and action to address climate change.”

Rep. Hornstein & Sen. Latz Announce New Legislation to Address Hate Crimes

House DFL logoEmpowering Minnesotans to Stand Up Against Hate

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Representative Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis) and Senator Ron Latz (DFL- St. Louis Park) announced legislation today to expand and improve reporting of hate crimes in Minnesota. HF 3837 requires updated training for peace officers on crimes motivated by bias, and directs the Minnesota Department of Human Rights to consult with the Board of Peace Officer Standards on proposed improvements.

Over the course of six months last year, Minnesota Attorney General Ellison held seven town hall meetings across the state focused on hate crimes with a broad coalition of elected officials, religious and community leaders, and impacted community members. The legislation announced today is a result in part of these conversations. Rep. Hornstein attended several of the meetings and was moved by the large attendance, interest, and stories from Minnesotans.

“Our new bill will raise awareness of the urgent need to update our hate crime statutes,” said Rep. Hornstein. “It gives law enforcement and communities the tools they need to address this mounting concern. All Minnesotans deserve to feel safe.” Continue reading “Rep. Hornstein & Sen. Latz Announce New Legislation to Address Hate Crimes”

House Transportation Committee Advances ‘Hands-Free’ Device Bill

ST. PAUL, MN – The House Transportation Policy & Finance Committee today held a public hearing about the ‘hands-free’ cell phone bill, HF 50, which aims to increase safety for drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians on Minnesota’s roads by requiring drivers to use their cell phones in a hands-free mode. Safety experts, advocates and family members of loved ones who were killed in distracted driving crashes provided public testimony about the proposal, which has strong bipartisan support. The bill passed out of committee.

Greg LaVallee, a distracted driving speaker for Just Drive, Inc. spoke at the committee on Tuesday. His son, Phil, was killed by a distracted driver while he was out for a run.

“The complacent attitude of our society towards cell phone use while driving is claiming 9 lives per day in the U.S.”, said Mr. LaVallee. “This is outrageous! Hands-Free legislation will help enforce the current texting ban and it is a step in the right direction to prevent crashes and save lives.” Continue reading “House Transportation Committee Advances ‘Hands-Free’ Device Bill”

House Transportation Chair Hornstein to Hold Hearing on ‘Hands Free’ Bill

Minnesota State Capitol

St. Paul, Minnesota — On Tuesday, January 22, the House Transportation Finance and Policy Committee will hear HF 50, the bipartisan ‘hands free’ device legislation to prohibit the use of cellular phones and devices while driving, with the exception of hands free mode. Safety advocates, supporters, and family members who have lost loved ones due to distracted driving are expected to testify. Of those, Greg LaVallee, whose son was killed by a distracted driver while on a run, will be sharing his story.

WHO: Chair and Chief Author Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Minneapolis), committee members, safety advocates, Paul Aasen of the Minnesota Safety Council, Greg LaVallee, and other families who have lost loved ones due to distracted driving

WHAT: Committee hearing on HF 50, the ‘Hands Free’ device bill

WHEN: Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 12:45 p.m.

WHERE: Room 10, State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, Minn. 55155