Greetings from the Capitol!
We are one week into the conference committee process and Governor Dayton has yet to get involved. Unfortunately, this is what I have come to expect with this Governor. Going forward, it is imperative that the Governor proves me wrong and gets involved in the negotiating process, so we can avoid a chaotic end of session.
Earlier this week, the House passed a bipartisan bill that I chief authored, House File 809, which would prohibit funding for abortions from state sponsored health programs administered by the Department of Human Services, except in cases of rape, incest, or if the mother’s life is endangered. This policy is already in place at the federal level and in 33 other states. It is time that we adopt this same practice in Minnesota. Since the decision of Doe vs. Gomez by the Supreme Court of Minnesota ruled that women have a right to an abortion, taxpayers have paid more than $23 million for over 77,000 abortions.
The House also passed House File 812 on a bipartisan vote, which would require abortion facilities that perform ten or more abortions each month to be licensed and regulated by the Department of Health, as well as meet a set of standards established by evidence-based clinical research. I hope that Governor Dayton realizes these bills are supported by the majority of Minnesotans and need to be signed into law.
Town Hall Tonight:
Rep. Paul Anderson (Chair, Agriculture Policy Committee), Rep. Tim Miller (Vice-Chair, Agriculture Finance Committee), and I will be hosting a town hall tonight to discuss agricultural issues and legislation, specifically the buffer law. The event will be held at the Glenwood State Bank Community Room (2221 S. Broadway St. Alexandria) at 8 pm. I hope to see you there!
FGM Bill Introduction:
I introduced crucial legislation on Thursday that would hold Minnesota parents liable for the practice of female genital mutilation ("FGM").
Read my statement here.
We need to end this heinous practice in Minnesota as soon as possible.
Legislation Signed Into Law:
A bill that I chief authored, House File 559, was signed into law this week. This bill allows for hospitals that are owned by the state or local governments to invest in securities recommended by an investment adviser, bank, or trust company. This bill was originally pitched to me by Douglas County Hospital.
Stay In Touch:
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-3201 or rep.mary.franson@house.mn. I would love to hear from you.
I truly represent the best!
Sincerely,
