Dear Neighbors,
We have just about three weeks left in the 2018 legislative session. Budget bills are starting to be considered on the House floor, and the majority’s package of tax legislation is up today. We’re also hopeful a public infrastructure bonding bill can see the light of day soon, too. Here’s an update from the State Capitol. Continue reading “Rep. Peggy Flanagan (HD46A) Update: April 30, 2018”
Dear Neighbors,
The pace is picking up at the Capitol, Friday was the third and final committee deadline for bills. Thereafter, the focus will shift from committee hearing rooms to the House Floor. After Governor Dayton unveiled his supplemental budget proposal earlier this session, last week the House majority began putting their own budget plan together. As we look ahead to the May 21 adjournment date, I’ll keep fighting for the things our community values, like great schools, quality health care, good paying jobs and the ability for seniors to retire with dignity.
Constituents continue to visit the State Capitol, and I enjoy the opportunity to meet with them. This week I got to visit with advocates from the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women. Continue reading “Rep. Peggy Flanagan (HD46A) Update: April 23, 2018”
Dear Neighbors,
Spring is in the air. Committee deadlines are upon us, with the first arriving at midnight last night, and the second next Thursday, so the atmosphere is busy. Here’s an update from the State Capitol.
This week both IBEW and AFSCME members held their days on the hill, and I got an update on their activities. Continue reading “Rep. Peggy Flanagan (HD46A) Update: March 23, 2018”
Dear Neighbors,
The atmosphere at the State Capitol is again buzzing, with the 2018 legislative session getting underway this week. We have a lengthy to-do list, and a relatively short 13-week session to finish our work. I assure you I’ll be fighting hard every day to ensure each student has access to quality education, people can find jobs that provide fair pay for hard work, and seniors can retire securely and with dignity. We have some true opportunities this session to build a state that works better for everyone, and I hope we can come together to deliver these results. Continue reading “Rep. Peggy Flanagan (HD46A) Update: February 23, 2018”
Dear Neighbors,
I hope this email finds you well and that you and your family are enjoying the Holiday Season. This time of year gives us a great opportunity for quality time with family, friends, and those important to us. With the New Year just around the corner, it also gives us an opportunity to both reflect on the year gone by, as well as to look ahead. I hope this season brings you and your loved ones great joy. Here is an update from the State Capitol.
Pre-Session Town Hall
While the 2018 legislative session is still a couple of months away, convening on February 20, it’s not too early to start talking about the important issues to be considered in St. Paul. On Wednesday, January 31, Rep. Youakim and Sen. Latz will join me for a Town Hall Meeting to preview the session. We can be most effective at the Capitol when we hear maximum input from the community, so I hope you will make plans to attend, share your ideas, and ask any questions you may have. Everyone is welcome; we hope to see you there. Continue reading “Rep. Peggy Flanagan (HD46A) Update: December 19, 2017”
Dear Neighbors,
Tomorrow in St. Louis Park, Congressman Keith Ellison is hosting a community forum titled “Civics 101.” I’ll be there with Congressman Ellison and other elected officials to discuss the mechanics of how various levels of government work, how laws are passed and implemented, and how to exercise your rights and privileges to the government. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, we will talk about how your voice can influence the direction of public policy.
Please join us tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Rec Center, 3700 Monterey Dr. The event is free and open to everyone. I hope to see you there.
Peggy
Dear Neighbors,
This weekend in St. Paul, the Minnesota State Capitol’s Grand Opening celebration is taking place, commemorating the stunning restoration of “the People’s House.” If it’s been a while since you’ve visited the Capitol, you will be blown away by the results of the nearly four-year restoration project, bringing the building to a pristine condition not seen since its opening in 1905. Artwork has been retouched with superb attention to detail, space available to the public has about doubled, heating and cooling systems have been modernized, technology has been upgraded to the 21st century, and accessibility has been improved so all Minnesotans can enjoy the Capitol.
The celebration started today and goes through Sunday. There will be plenty of activities for the whole family, including free concerts, a fireworks spectacular Saturday evening, behind the scenes tours every half hour, a Prince Dance Party, a Kid Zone, musical and dance performances from a variety of cultures, and much more. With the exception of the Cap Untapped craft beer tasting tomorrow (tickets for which are available here), all of the events are absolutely free to attend. Plenty of free parking is available, and bus and light rail rides on Metro Transit are free as well. Continue reading “Rep. Peggy Flanagan Update: August 11, 2017”
Dear neighbors,
Monday evening, Myron Frans, the Commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), is launching the “My Minnesota Tour” with a meeting right here in St. Louis Park. I’m quite excited that Commissioner Frans, who serves as Chief Financial Officer for the state, selected our community as the location from which to launch this tour. By conducting this tour, Commissioner Frans is looking to gather input about potential new investments the state should make as well as share information about how the state budget directly impacts local communities. I’ll be there with other state and city leaders to welcome him to St. Louis Park.
Continue reading “Rep. Peggy Flanagan Update: July 28, 2017”
Dear neighbors,
Last week, legislators and staff worked around the clock to complete a special session that was supposed to last one day to allow Republicans to finish their work on omnibus budget bills. However, that special session dragged through the entire week as they could not reach final agreement. This process was frustrating and I think it was irresponsible for us to be forced to pass the majority of our state budget in the middle of the night, after it was negotiated behind closed doors with little or no public input.
I wanted to give you a few quick updates: Continue reading “Rep. Peggy Flanagan Update: June 2, 2017”
Dear neighbors,
Only a few days remain in the 2017 legislative session, and a budget solution seems elusive. All budget issues remain unresolved with the exception of agriculture. Compromise is needed to pass a budget to fund Minnesota into the future, but unfortunately, Republicans have been unwilling to stay at the negotiating table and meet in the middle.
As we go into negotiations over the weekend, I wanted to give you a quick update: Continue reading “Rep. Peggy Flanagan Update: May 19, 2017”
