Dear Neighbors,
We are beginning the final week of the 2016 legislative session. Much of the activity has now moved to conference committees, where select Senate and House members are comparing the differences of the major finance bills and trying to reach compromise so legislation can pass both bodies of the legislature.
Since my last update, the House has passed several major funding bills in the areas of Health & Human Services, Public Safety, and State Government. You can read about the Health & Human Services, Public Safety, and State Government finance bill passed in the House by clicking the link.
Many of the big issues of the session remain unresolved. It’s my hope that the legislature and Governor can work together to make this a productive session for Minnesotans. My priorities continue to be:
- Solving our statewide transportation problem with long-term solutions
- Passing a bonding bill that will create jobs and strengthen communities
- Tackling our student debt crisis
- Investing in education from pre-K through college
- Supporting quality care for people with disabilities, and a raise for their caregivers
- Creating true border-to-border broadband
- Providing clear disclosure in campaign finance and spending
To help keep track of all the moving parts in the final week of the legislative session, you can always check House Public Information Services here. They do a great job of providing a summary of bills and votes with no partisan slant.
I invite your questions and input on any issues that matter to you. Email me at rep.jerry.newton@house.mn or call me at the Capitol at 651-296-5369 . You can also check the nonpartisan House Session Daily for updates. I appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jerry Newton
State Representative