Dear Neighbors,
Town Hall Meeting
Thank you to everyone who attended my town hall meeting this past Saturday! You asked excellent questions and it was great to have a chance to meet with you in person. As we look to a constructive end to the legislative session, it’s important that I hear which issues are the most important to you.
Session Status
There are three weeks left in the legislative session. The House and Senate finally released their joint budget numbers last Friday and conference committee agreements are starting to be revealed. So far we know that Republican leadership supports underfunding public safety budgets and colleges and universities in order to provide tax breaks for the wealthy and well-connected, as well as a neo-voucher program for private schools. Additional conference committee reports and priorities will be made public throughout this week. Governor Dayton released his budget months ago and has actively stated his aversion to cutting public school funding, rolling back environmental protections, and underfunding vital infrastructure. True negotiations can begin once the remaining conference committee reports are released.
Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government
We had the first meeting of the Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government last week. The committee is tasked with exploring ways to integrate new technology in government and keep us on the leading edge, as well as improving accessibility and user-friendliness for Minnesotans.
This committee will continue to meet over the interim, when we’re not in session, to look at ways to make Minnesota even more innovative and accessible. Here’s video from the committees first meeting last week.
Legislative Survey
Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out my legislative survey! The survey results show strong support for funding public schools and protecting natural resources. A strong majority favors universal background checks for gun purchases and an increase in the gas tax to fund transportation needs. 236 people completed the survey and the full results are attached.
Join me tomorrow for Pints and Politics
I am co-hosting a "Pop-up Pints & Politics" event this Wednesday, May 3rd, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Urban Growler (2325 Endicott Street, St. Paul, MN 55114) to discuss and bring attention to the current status of environment and natural resources priorities this legislative session. Please join me, as well as other legislators, to share a beer and learn more about what's happening at the Capitol!
Again, it is an honor to be your voice at the Capitol. Please do not hesitate to contact me about any issues or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Jamie
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