Tag: Melissa Hortman

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 13, 2018

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are enjoying the transition to spring. The legislative session is underway, and committees are busy hearing a variety of proposals.

Take my Legislative Survey

I’d like your feedback on issues that could be discussed at the Legislature this year. Please take my online survey here: surveymonkey.com/r/hortman18survey. I appreciate your input.

Sign up to Continue Receiving E-Updates

I’m cleaning up my e-mail list. Please subscribe below if you wish to continue receiving updates from the Capitol: http://eepurl.com/djOpeb. Thank you! Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: March 13, 2018”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 26, 2018

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Greetings!

The Legislature is back in session. As the 2018 session begins, I’m ready to continue working to improve Minnesotans’ quality of life.  I’m focused on creating an economy that works for everyone. Please stay in touch for updates on what’s happening at the Capitol, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and input.

Legislative Budget and State Contracts

Last year — despite a budget surplus — the extreme right-wing group of Republicans currently leading the Legislature chose to prioritize the wealthy and corporations instead of delivering results for all Minnesotans. They under-invested in education, resulting in cuts, and passed large tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations.  Governor Dayton vetoed the Legislature’s budget as he sought a better deal for Minnesotans.  Instead of returning to the negotiating table, Republican leaders spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars suing the Governor – and lost their case at the Minnesota Supreme Court. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: February 26, 2018”

Supporter of anti-Muslim policies Raheel Raza speaks at Minnesota State Capitol

The following article by the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Hatewatch staff was posted on their website January 29, 2018:

Raheel Raza

Last Wednesday, controversial Pakistani-Canadian activist Raheel Raza visited the Minnesota State Capitol to meet with Republican state lawmakers.

Raza’s appearance was met with vocal resistance from Democratic lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman, who penned a letter to Rep. Roz Peterson asking her to rescind Raza’s invitation. Hortman’s office provided a copy of the letter to Hatewatch. Continue reading “Supporter of anti-Muslim policies Raheel Raza speaks at Minnesota State Capitol”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: December 4, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are enjoying the last few weeks of fall weather.

Minnesota Women’s Press

I am honored to have been featured in this month’s issue of the Minnesota Women’s Press as a “changemaker.” The Minnesota Women’s Press was founded in 1984 to tell stories in ways that create community and encourage change. Read my interview here: http://www.womenspress.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=233&ArticleID=5330 Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: December 4, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: November 6, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I wanted to share with you that I’m part of an exciting effort this November. From Nov. 6th to Nov. 17th, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, a.k.a. COP23, is happening in Bonn, Germany. More than 195 countries will come together to discuss climate change policy and refine implementation strategies for the Paris Agreement. I will be attending the talks From Nov. 11th – Nov. 17th to represent Minnesota’s climate leadership in the state government sector. Our delegation includes representation from clean energy, elected officials, indigenous communities, youth, law, philanthropy, and more.

Through the Window Into COP23 program from Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy, nine Minnesota leaders will attend the conference to learn how other countries, businesses, nonprofits, and state and local governments from around the world are taking action. We will bring back ideas and strategies to Minnesota, and we will share Minnesota’s success stories. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: November 6, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: October 30, 2017

 

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you are having an excellent fall and enjoying the transition to everyone’s favorite time of year: winter.

Real ID Extension

As you may remember, Minnesota is one of only a few states using outdated id technology and not in compliance with federal REAL ID laws. Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted an extension until October 10, 2018 for Minnesotans to use their current state id as Minnesota works to implement REAL ID.

REAL ID was passed following the September 11, 2001 attacks to improve security. The goal was to better confirm the identities of people entering federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding federally regulated commercial airlines. At the time, Minnesota abstained citing states’ rights and individual privacy concerns. Last session, the Legislature passed REAL ID compliance, and it will be fully implemented in time for the October 2018 deadline. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman (HD36B) Update: October 30, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: August 8, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you’re enjoying your summer and are looking forward to the State Fair!

I’ve spent the first week in August at two conferences with other legislators from around the country.  First, 128 state legislators from 36 states came together as the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) in Cambridge, MA. I serve on the Board of Directors of this group, and we work to bring Democrats and Republicans together to work on policy solutions to combat climate change, remove toxins from drinking water and consumer products, and conserve water. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger joined us as a partner in launching a database that will help state legislators learn from each other’s successes. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: August 8, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 20, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

 

 

 

Neighbors and friends,

Town Hall Meeting

Please join me for a town hall meeting on Monday, July 24th at the Brooklyn Park Library for a recap of the 2017 legislative session and to discuss state issues.

When:  Monday, July 24th from 6:30-7:30 pm

Where: Brooklyn Park Library, 8500 West Broadway Ave

I hope to see you there!

If you’re unable to attend, please feel free to share your questions, comments, and concerns with me anytime. Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 20, 2017”

Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 14, 2017

Rep. Melissa Hortman (36B) – Legislative Update

Neighbors and friends,

I hope you’re enjoying summer and staying cool!

 

New Laws

Several new laws went into effect on July 1st. A major highlight of the new laws is off-sale Sunday liquor sales, which was a successful bipartisan effort this session. Click here to read more about all of the new laws and budget changes now in effect.

Save the Date: National Night Out-Brooklyn Park and Night to Unite-Coon Rapids

National Night Out (NNO) is a national safety event that promotes police-community partnerships, lower crime, and stronger neighborhoods. Individual neighborhoods host their own block parties in order to celebrate and strengthen their community. Every party looks different-some are ice cream socials, some are cookouts, and some are potlucks. Last year, Brooklyn Park was ranked 3rd in the nation with 183 parties hosted. This year, NNO will be held on Tuesday, August 1st, with the deadline to register a party being July 21st. Let’s try to rank #1 this year! You can find more information on how to host a party here.         Continue reading “Rep. Melissa Hortman Update: July 14, 2017”