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Neighbors,
Yesterday the Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission held a public hearing to discuss a proposal to limit probation to 5 years, and there's an opportunity to make public comments up to five days after the hearing - just email sentencing.guidelines@state.mn.us or call 651-296-0144.
This issue is extremely important because probation sentences in Minnesota can last up to 40 years, compounding disparities in income, housing, and employment. Because there are no uniform standards for probation, these terms can be discriminatory based on geography and race, and they impact families and communities long after time is served. Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell wrote an opinion piece in the Star Tribune about the issue, which you can read here.
Be A Voter
Voting in the presidential primary is important, no matter your party affiliation, because democracy works best when all voices are heard.
Absentee balloting for the 2020 Minnesota presidential nominating primary begins on January 17th -- less than a month from now. You can order an absentee ballot or update your voter registration here. In case you still have questions, here's a short Q and A:
When will the presidential nomination primary take place?
March 3, 2020, with early voting beginning on January 17th.
Will all parties be on the same ballot?
No, each major party will have a separate ballot.
Will there be a place to write in a choice or vote for “uncommitted”?
If it is requested by the party chair. Party chairs will need to submit names of write-in candidates to be counted seven days before the primary.
Will any other offices be on the ballot?
No, only presidential candidates from a major party will appear on the presidential primary ballot. Other offices with a primary will be on the primary ballot in August.
Will parties have to abide by the primary results?
The presidential primary results must bind the election of delegates in each party.
Will there still be precinct caucuses?
Yes, precinct caucuses and local and state nominating conventions will still take place to conduct other party business.
An update on emergency insulin legislation
The House and Senate members of the insulin working group held a public meeting on the status of insulin affordability on Wednesday. House Speaker Melissa Hortman directed the House members of the working group to report on the status of their efforts after 60 days. December 18th marked 60 days since the insulin work group was formed. It's clear Minnesotans want a patient-centered approach to solving the insulin crisis, one that ensures affordable insulin is available to Minnesotans when they need it.
Minnesotans lives are on the line and it's time for us to reach an agreement and pass a solution into law. You can watch the hearing here.
Lawns to Legumes
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