Tag: Linda Slocum

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

With three weeks left in the legislative session, there is plenty left on our plate. We have yet to see a bonding bill to fund public infrastructure improvements from the Republican majority. We also have yet to debate and vote on several large pieces of omnibus legislation. Here are the latest updates from the Capitol:

E-12 and Higher Education Omnibus Bill
Last week, the House passed the E-12 and Higher Education Omnibus Bill. Unfortunately, this bill failed to continue voluntary Pre-K programs and underfunded our public universities. Continue reading “Rep. Linda Slocum (HD50A) Update: May 1, 2018”

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

With just over a month left in the session, we have our third bill deadline Friday at midnight, by which point committees must act on finance bills. While we’re not sure if the omnibus bills will go to the floor separately or as part of one large package, we’ll have a better idea of where things stand in the coming days. Here are some updates from the Capitol:

Fighting for Clean Water Protections

On Monday, the Minnesota House passed a Republican-authored bill 69 to 57 to prohibit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) from implementing proposed rules for nitrogen fertilizer use. These rules were authorized in 1989’s Groundwater Protection Act and would protect Minnesota’s water resources by minimizing nitrate pollution. Too many Minnesotans face unsafe water supplies, so having a few ground rules on how and when to apply fertilizers is necessary for public health. Continue reading “Rep. Lina Slocum (HD50A) Update: April 20, 2018”

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A) – Legislative Update

Dear Friends,

Now that the Legislature is back from the Easter/Passover break, we’re getting started on a full plate of issues to address before adjourning May 21. Here are some updates from the Capitol:

Letter to the Leaders

On Monday, Gov. Dayton sent a letter to legislative
leaders, calling on them to prioritize issues where compromise is within reach over the next couple weeks. These issues include protecting elderly and vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety of our schoolchildren, and tackling the opioid crisis. Continue reading “Rep. Linda Slocum (HD50A) Update: April 12, 2018”

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

We are at the first set of major deadlines at the Capitol. There is still a lot of work to do and I will continue fighting for income fairness, improved benefits, expanded education opportunities, and to make affordable health care a reality for all Minnesotans.

State Contracts Finally Approved
Contracts were ratified for 30,000 state workers and signed by Governor Dayton after months of delay. These contracts were negotiated and approved last year, but held up by Republicans. No family should ever have their livelihood threatened in such a way. It’s nice to see that we’re finally doing right by the people who plow our roads, keep our water clean, monitor health emergencies, inspect bridges and respond when our state is in crisis. Continue reading “Rep. Linda Slocum (HD50A) Update: March 29, 2018”

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A) – Legislative Update

Dear Friends,

It’s been an eventful week at the Capitol. It’s hard to believe we’re only still in week four of the Legislative Session. Here are a few things I wanted to update you on:

School Safety and Gun Violence
As with all the recent mass shootings, there’s a point where you reach road blocks and momentum toward change seems to end. It seemed like maybe we reached that point because Republicans stopped common sense gun safety proposals including background checks. Fortunately, we’ve seen the pressure for action mounting. Continue reading “Rep. Linda Slocum (HD50A) Update: March 13, 2018”

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

Happy Holidays! Many of our neighbors just finished celebrating Hanukkah and many of us are looking forward to Christmas in a few days. No matter what traditions you take part in, I hope you are able to spend time with friends and family as we approach the new year.  My wish for you and your family is a happy and healthy New Year! Continue reading “Rep. Linda Slocum (HD50A) Update: December 22, 2017”

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A) – 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. Linda Slocum Update: May 26, 2017”

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and Friends,

We are quickly approaching the legislative session’s constitutional adjournment deadline of May 22. Legislators and Governor Dayton are engaged in budget talks, working on a compromise to end the 2017 session on time. Here is an update from the Capitol:

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BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS

The House and Senate Republican majorities are still far apart from Governor Dayton in their budget offers. With less than two weeks to go before adjournment, more compromise is needed to invest in the things that Minnesotans value. Continue reading “Rep. Linda Slocum Update: May 11, 2017”

Rep. Linda Slocum (50A) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and Friends,

Last week, the legislature was on Easter and Passover break. This week, the House and Senate Majorities will be working on budget compromise bills to send to Governor Dayton for consideration. In order to finish session on time, the legislature must adjourn by May 22nd.

Minnesota has a projected $1.65 billion budget surplus and a stable economy. Unfortunately, the House Majority is so far choosing to prioritize tax cuts for corporations and the rich & well-connected instead of investing in the areas that have made Minnesota’s economy strong.

Here is a summary of the major budget bills passed this session: Continue reading “Rep. Linda Slocum Update: April 19, 2017”