Dear Friends:
Thanks to all who braved the snow and made it to yesterday’s TWO events - the Prenatal to Three Policy Forum at the University of St. Thomas and the constituent luncheon at the Capitol (see the photo below). They were both great chances to connect. The focus this week will be on the Republican majority’s spending bills - see details below. But first, another opportunity tomorrow to engage in policymaking.
Rally for Action Against Gun Violence - Tomorrow
I continue to hear from many constituents in support of policies to help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. Tomorrow (Wednesday, April 18), there will be a rally at the Capitol hosted by Moms Demand Action. Meet at 9:30am at Christ Lutheran Church (105 University Ave., just northwest of the Capitol), or at 11:00am in the Capitol Rotunda for the rally.
Republican Budget Shortchanges Minnesotans
With only five weeks left in session, the House Republican majority has finally announced its “supplemental budget targets.” These are the adjustments made midway through the two-year budget cycle. As I discussed in a previous newsletter, Governor Dayton’s supplemental budget proposal would roll back last year’s tax giveaways for corporations and the wealthy to fund tax cuts for Minnesota families, invest in early childhood learning across the state, and more. Unfortunately, the House Republican proposal goes in almost the opposite direction - prioritizing even more tax cuts for the wealthiest over meeting the needs of working families.
The majority’s supplemental budget bills are being heard this week and must pass through committee by Friday. I’ll report next week, after they are finalized.
Governor Dayton Urges Bipartisan Action & Fiscal Stability
Even as the Republican majority finalizes its budgets, Governor Dayton is already pushing for a smooth end to the session. Last week, he sent a letter to legislative leaders asking that items with bipartisan agreement - protecting vulnerable adults, addressing the opioid crisis, making schools safer, and shoring up state pensions - be passed now. He also stressed that he would not accept shifts, gimmicks, or false financial assumptions that would undo Minnesota’s hard-won fiscal stability.
Minnesota Values Project
Finally, a step back: In the months leading up to this year’s legislative session, my House DFL colleagues and I engaged in a dialogue with Minnesotans about our shared values and future. We facilitated challenging and thoughtful conversations all over the state, for people from all walks of life. Based on those sessions, we’ve put forward the Minnesota Values Project — our goals, principles, and commitments to the people of Minnesota. Our shared values bring us together and can serve as a guide for how we move forward and how we make Minnesota work better for all of us. Learn more and add your voice at https://minnesotavaluesproject.com/
A reminder to subscribe to my Facebook page and encourage your friends and neighbors to subscribe to these updates. Thank you for the honor of serving our community,
Dave Pinto
State Representative, District 64B
321 State Office Building
(651) 296-4199
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b
facebook.com/repdavepinto
Sign up for legislative updates: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/join.asp?id=15444