Tag: Michael V. Nelson

Rep. Michael V. Nelson (40A) – Legislative Update

Dear neighbors,

The legislative session ended Sunday night at midnight. This is one of the most mismanaged legislative sessions I’ve witnessed. Republicans in the Legislature put themselves, corporations, and the wealthy ahead of Minnesotans and failed to act on the issues most important to Minnesota families. Over the last few months Governor Dayton warned Republican lawmakers which proposals he would not sign into law, but Republicans ignored him. Today, Governor Dayton followed through on his word and vetoed the Republican spending bill and a Republican tax bill that gave permanent tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations, but very little to working families.

I know Minnesotans expect us to make Minnesota work better for everyone. We all care deeply about our state and want to see one another succeed. The good news is that I was able to collaborate with my colleagues, Republicans and Democrats alike, to pass important bills for our area. Continue reading “Rep. Michael V. Nelson (HD40A) Update: May 24, 2018”

Rep. Michael V. Nelson (40A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

There are only a few days left in the legislative session before we must adjourn. I know we have a lot ahead of us if legislators are going to complete the work Minnesotans expect.

Yesterday, House Republicans blocked a proposal to ban cell phone use while driving a vehicle, unless the driver is using a hands-free device. We’ve all heard tragic stories about families losing loved ones because of a distracted driver on their cell phone. This was a bipartisan proposal that 80% of Minnesotans support. However, every Republican House member present voted to block the proposal- it was shameful. If you want to help stop distracted driving, consider calling Speaker Kurt Daudt and Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka and tell them to vote for this bill.

Here is their contact information: Continue reading “Rep. Michael V. Nelson (HD40A) Update: May 17, 2018”

Rep. Michael V. Nelson (40A) – Legislative Update

Dear Neighbors,

We have returned from our Easter/Passover break and the pace is steady as we inch toward the May 21 adjournment date. Here is an update from the Capitol:

State Employee Contracts and Pensions

Before our break, the Legislature passed and Governor Dayton signed the public employee contracts. The contracts were negotiated in 2017 and it’s time they were ratified by the legislature.

The Senate has approved a pension bill, providing a $6 billion reduction in current and future costs by lowering state, school district, county, and city liabilities, but the bill languishes in the House. Approval of this pension bill is critical to our state and to the financial future of 500,000 dedicated former state employees. I will push for the pension bill to receive the same overwhelming support as it did in the Senate, where it passed 66-0. Continue reading “Rep. Michael V. Nelson (HD40A) Update: April 13, 2018”

Rep. Michael V. Nelson (40A) – Legislative Update

We are less than a week away from the legislative session adjournment deadline of May 22nd. While legislative leaders and Governor Dayton are engaged in budget talks it is hard to get everyone on the same page.

A week ago Republican legislative leaders decided to abandon budget negotiations with Governor Dayton and send him budget bills which are filled with provisions that give advantages to corporations and the very wealthy. They are forcing Minnesotans to endure deeps cuts at a time of surpluses in Minnesota. Thankfully, the Governor said he would veto the budget bills if they were included. True to his word the Governor finished vetoing all of the budget bills after legislative leaders wasted a week. Continue reading “Rep. Mike V. Nelson Update: May 17, 2017”