Students visiting for the Youth Climate Justice Summit
THIS WEEK IN THE LEGISLATURE
EDUCATION BILLS PASS HOUSE
Yesterday, the House passed the combined E-12 and Higher Education bill. I voted for the bill because it included some of the language I’ve worked on to improve STEM education and data disaggregation to help us focus resources where they are most needed, as well as some of the school safety measures encouraged by Gov. Dayton. However, I’m disappointed by what was left out of the Republican education bill. This bill negatively impacts the investments for voluntary pre-K education beyond next school year. It also doesn’t address the lack of support for special education costs for many districts, meaning we pay more as state and federal responsibilities don’t keep up. The bill does nothing to reduce college tuition or address student debt burdens. As this bill is reconciled with the Senate and Gov. Dayton’s priorities, I hope it can be improved so that our kids can get the world-class education we are directed to provide them.
Minnesota Daily: University of Minnesota supplemental budget funding left out of omnibus bills
BUDGET BILLS TAKING SHAPE
As we approach the final three weeks of session, supplemental budget bills have been passed out of their respective committees and have made their way to the final finance committee stop, Ways and Means. These bills are being combined and most will be heard on the House floor next week. There are many controversial items moving forward in the Republican budget, including anti-protest measures, a tip penalty for tipped workers, preemption language to rollback earned sick time for workers and prevent higher wages and better benefits, and an anti-choice ultrasound provision to name a few.
MPR News: Budget march begins with marathon debates
SEXUAL HARASSMENT LEGISLATION
Yesterday evening HF 4459 passed unanimously out of the Civil Law Committee. The bill would make it easier for those who have been victims of sexual harassment to seek justice by changing the very high “severe and pervasive” standard. As currently written, many things Minnesotans would think are harassment do not fall under the purview of the law.
Everyone deserves a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive workplace free from harassment and discrimination.
Pioneer Press: This one sentence could change every sexual harassment lawsuit in Minnesota — and it has bipartisan support
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT FOR TRANSPORTATION
A proposal to add another dedicated source of funding for transportation passed the Transportation Finance Committee this week. It would place a constitutional amendment question on the ballot for Minnesota voters to consider. If put to voters, the ballot would ask: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase funding for roads and bridges by dedicating existing sales tax revenue from the sale of motor vehicle parts?” If the bill (HF 4437) passes the Legislature this year, voters in 2018 would answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to that question. If approved by voters, the amendment would move 0.6% of Minnesota’s general fund from priorities like education and health care to transportation projects.
SIT-IN FOR GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION
On Tuesday, I joined Rep. Erin Maye Quade and other House DFLers for a 24 hour sit-in on the House floor to share stories of people who have been victims of gun violence and call on the Republican-led House to take action to pass meaningful gun violence prevention legislation.
MinnPost: Rep. Erin Maye Quade starts 24-hour sit-in on Minnesota House floor to protest inaction on gun control
HOUSE DFLERS OFFER HHS AND TRANSPORTATION MINORITY REPORT
In advance of the Health and Human Services and Transportation supplemental budget bill arrival on the House floor, House DFLers presented a minority report — our path forward to the people of Minnesota.
All Minnesotans deserve access to affordable, quality health care, but the Republican Health and Human Services bill kicks people off of health care. Our DFL alternative would have funded the MinnesotaCare Buy-In, repealed for-profit HMOs from operating in Minnesota, ensured women have the right to make their own health decisions, charged the pharmaceutical companies who caused the opioid crisis a penny-a-pill to help fund prevention and treatment, followed recommendations to address elder abuse, and funded measures to improve childcare affordability. In addition, the minority report funded a Northstar Commuter rail study, Metro Transit, and other responsible transportation initiatives.
The Republican majority laid the report on the table. The House will vote on the HHS and Transportation Omnibus bill on Tuesday.
RELEASE: House DFLers file Health and Human Services minority report
HAPPENING AROUND
POWER OF WORK CAREER FAIR – MAY 9
Goodwill-Easter Seals is hosting a Power of Work Career Fair on Wednesday May 9. You can connect with 40+ employers who are hiring at this free, open-to-the-public event.
You can expect:
- Get 1-1 help from our career navigators
- Personalized coaching and advice to sharpen and print your resume
- Learn to pitch your skills and answer interview questions
- On-site computer lab and reflection room to refocus and rest between interviews
- Some employers are hiring on-the-spot, so dress professionally and bring your resume
Where: Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, 553 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul, MN
When: 10 AM – 2 PM; Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Sponsors:
Cadan Technologies
Stonebridge Capital Advisors
Thrivent Financial
If you have any questions, you can contact Kyle Van Acker at (651)379-5957 or kvanacker@gesmn.org. Visit gesmn.org/careerfair for details.
FOUNDER’S DAY AT AMERICAN INDIAN OIC – MAY 17
I invite you to celebrate American Indian Month by attending Founder’s Day at American Indian OIC on Thursday, May 17th. The details are below:
Founder's Day at American Indian OIC
When: Thursday, May 17, 2018
Where: 12 - 3 PM; 1845 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
I encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. Also, I am available during select hours on Monday and Friday mornings most weeks for in-district meetings, if Northside residents aren’t able to make it to the Capitol. If you would like to send me a message or set up an in-district meeting, you can reach me by phone at 651-296-4262 or by email at rep.fue.lee@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you!