Dear Neighbor,
The 2018 legislative session has adjourned. Working together, we were able to deliver some significant accomplishments for Duluth that will allow our community to grow and remain vibrant. Many of these came as part of the capital investment bonding bill, with important infrastructure improvements throughout the state including many right here in Duluth.
We were able to secure $1.9 million for the Lake Superior Zoo, $4 million for updates at Glensheen, $6.9 million for the steam plant, $4 million for various critical building fixes at UMD, as well as $60 million for affordable housing and $30 million for regional mental health crisis centers, which will help address our community’s needs in each of these areas. Investments in infrastructure are investments in community opportunities, and I’m proud of this work.
Earlier this session, House colleagues and I launched the Minnesota Values Project (MVP). This was aimed at approaching our state’s politics and government in a new way that recognizes our key shared values. Deep down, I believe Minnesotans care deeply about one another and want to see each other succeed, and actions of the Legislature should reflect that. But if this was our goal, the session ended leaving a great deal about which to be disappointed.
I conducted my legislative survey this year from that basic starting point, asking just a few questions about what makes people proud to be a Minnesotan and what they’d like to see the Legislature do to improve their lives. I wanted to highlight some of the questions and responses, and line them up with what did, or did not, get finished this session.
What would you like to see changed at the state level that would make life better for you, your family, and your community?
"What I would like to see is the legislature make progress on gun control," - Judith T.
“Basic things that a working gov't ought to be focused on: infrastructure, safety, public education,” - Pete T.
Unfortunately, a major letdown this session was a lack of action to prevent gun violence. We had two common-sense, broadly supported lifesaving measures right in front of us: expanded criminal background checks and a “red-flag” law. Frequently, regular Minnesotans would visit the Capitol urging action on this critical issue. If people continue to speak out and raise their voices over the gun lobby’s influence, I’m confident we will see action.
Regarding Pete’s comment, while we put significant money toward infrastructure, the Legislature fell short regarding the other two items. Little progress was made regarding education, either through investments to protect pre-K for our youngest learners or to maintain quality and low class sizes at our K-12 schools as school districts face significant budget crunches. I was very involved in two key issues regarding public safety: efforts to end the opioid crisis, and to protect seniors and vulnerable adults in care facilities. Addressing opioids at the start of session was a bipartisan priority. Unfortunately, Big Pharma utilized lobbyist muscle behind the scenes and was able to stop “penny-a-pill” legislation which would help end the opioid crisis and protect Minnesotans. Only watered-down half-measures were ultimately considered toward the end of session regarding eldercare, including the creation of another task force. We don’t need to talk about this issue more; we need to act on this issue.
What are your concerns for yourself, your family, and your community?
"I worry about our ability to help our daughter pay for college and save for retirement," - Jennifer L.
“Money has corrupted our democratic representation & everyday life. Things like environment, health care & equality are taking a back seat to campaign finance and lobbying,” - Tom S.
Jennifer’s comment is one shared by many in the community. While economic indicators remain strong, many families are still struggling to achieve true economic security. Many families are just one medical emergency or car repair from falling behind, causing a great deal of worry, not to mention looking ahead to the future, like college or retirement. It was disappointing that even though the budget surplus we had was modest, the House Majority wasn’t interested in investments lowering college tuition or addressing student debt. One bipartisan measure though was a pensions bill – over three years in the making – which will provide our dedicated state workers peace of mind in retirement while cutting our long-term obligations about in half.
I share in Tom’s frustration about the influence of money in our politics. As we were working on the “penny-a-pill” measure, it was disheartening to see the number of new lobbyists hired by Big Pharma descending upon the Capitol seemingly increase by the day. Regrettably, the session ended in much of the same way it has in recent memory. Despite months of discussion, testimony and deliberation in committees, town hall meetings, and with Minnesotans individually, in the last hours, a few leaders and top staffers head into a back room working to develop an “agreement.” The voices of entire communities get shut out of governing this way, leading to results that largely benefit partisan Capitol insiders, not regular Minnesotans. There are several ways we can improve this process and I’ll be working to advance these.
What makes you proud to be a Minnesotan?
"Our work ethic, good health care, our hardiness, and our lakes," - Marlys K.
“MN has a reputation for ‘niceness,’ loyalty of Minnesotans to values and ideals,” - Pat C
"Good education, good state for business, strong labor force, low crime rates, quality health care," Kathleen P.
"Being a union friendly state," - Anonymous
Setting aside any singular success or failure of the legislative session, seeing comments like these reminds me of the important responsibility we all have to protect each of these things. There’s plenty about Minnesota to be proud of, like our great natural resources, world-class schools, access to quality health care, a great workforce, a strong business environment, and safe communities. It’s up to all of us to make sure these remain well into the future, and I look forward to being a part of this work at the Capitol.
While the session is over, I still would like to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your comments, concerns, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to serve as your State Representative.
Liz