DFLers introduce first ten proposals to improve the lives of all Minnesotans
St. Paul, Minnesota — Minnesota House DFL leaders and legislators unveiled the “Minnesota Values Agenda” today — House Files 1 through 10. These bills are based in part on the Minnesota Values Plan released in September.
The Minnesota Values Plan was an initiative of the Minnesota House DFL to engage legislators, Minnesotans, and community groups in a conversation about the future of our state. In 2017, House DFLers traveled the state to listen to Minnesotans and have conversations about our shared values. Legislators continued those conversations with community members and organizations, shaping part of the agenda for the 2019 Legislative Session.
“Our shared values as Minnesotans bring us together and those values are serving as our guide for how we move forward,” said Majority Whip Liz Olson. “Working together, we can strengthen our communities across the state by improving education opportunities, keeping Minnesotans safe from the threat of gun violence, and investing in a brighter economic future for all of our families.”
House Files 1-10 include (chief author in parenthesis):
- HF 1: The Great Start for All Minnesota Children Act (Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn)
- HF 2: K-12 Student Support Legislation (Rep. Heather Edelson)
- HF 3: More affordable health care through a MinnesotaCare Buy-In (Rep. Tina Liebling)
- HF 4: Preventing prescription drug price gouging and holding pharmaceutical companies accountable (Rep. John Lesch)
- HF 5: Paid Family & Medical Leave and Earned Sick & Safe Time (Rep. Laurie Halverson)
- HF 6: Wage Theft prevention and enforcement (Rep. Tim Mahoney)
- HF 7: Rural broadband expansion (Rep. Rob Ecklund)
- HF 8: Keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous people through criminal background checks (Rep. Dave Pinto)
- HF 9: Preventing gun violence through Extreme Risk Protection Orders (Rep. Ruth Richardson)
- HF 10: Protecting Minnesotans from sexual harassment (Rep. Kelly Moller)
“We look forward to working with Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan on our shared One Minnesota vision,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Minnesota is a strong state, but we know it can be even better, and our state’s prosperity can and should reach more Minnesotans.”
House DFLers are focused on a number of other issues this session, including addressing the opioid crisis, protecting our seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and investing in infrastructure. Increasing funding for public education is a top priority, with more details coming after the February budget forecast.
“Minnesotans’ priorities are our priorities, and we’re committed to making our state work better for all of us, no matter what we look like or where we come from,” added Majority Leader Ryan Winkler.
House Files 1 through 10 will be officially introduced during Thursday’s floor session.