Legislative UpdateDear neighbors, It’s been another busy week here at the Capitol as we officially hit the middle of session. After last weeks special election in Roseville, the House is now tied 67-67 which means that we have co-chairs for committees, and each committee rotates who is the chair and holding the gavel that day. On Monday the house heard and unanimously passed my House File 1346. As someone who grew up experiencing abuse, I know firsthand how critical it is to have well-trained mandatory reporters who can recognize and respond to signs of maltreatment. Right now, Minnesota’s mandated reporter training doesn’t go far enough. Only 2-3 minutes in the state’s 45-minute training focus on recognizing signs of abuse—that’s unacceptable. HF 1346 ensures better training, led by experts, so that teachers, healthcare professionals, and childcare workers can be better equipped to protect vulnerable children. I am grateful for bipartisan support in passing this bill and making Minnesota safer for children. Click here to watch my floor speech presenting HF 1346.  On Monday we also heard HF 4 which would amend the Minnesota Constitution to require that a portion of the state's projected budget surplus be returned directly to taxpayers. The bill establishes the Minnesota Tax Relief Fund, ensuring that the surplus is set aside and returned to the Minnesotans who paid it. HF 4 failed to pass and the vote tied 67-67. This week the Humane Society stopped by the Capitol and brought some fluffy friends with.  Community UpdatesI would like to congratulate the Mayer Lutheran High School Varsity Girls Basketball Team for being the section 4A champs and going to the Class A state tournament! |