Dear Neighbors,
With less than three weeks until adjournment, the House is continuing its work on approving major components of the state budget.
Here’s an update from St. Paul:
Higher Education
The approved Minnesota House Higher Education budget would freeze tuition at our two and four state public colleges and universities. There’s also an investment to the state grant program, which will make 6,000 more students eligible to benefit from the program. I was also pleased that the higher education bill prioritizes access to mental health services and legal advocacy support for sexual assault survivors on campus.
Public Safety
This week, the House approved the two-year Public Safety budget. The bill includes funding for the courts, criminal apprehension, and many other areas, along with investments in a safer Minnesota. I was especially pleased that the budget also includes funding for corrections. Following the tragic deaths of two corrections officers over the last year in Minnesota prisons, the budget strengthens safety by funding 110 new correctional officer positions by 2022.
The bipartisan Youth Intervention Program is also funded in the bill to help keep kids and adolescents out of the corrections system.
Environment & Natural Resources Budget
I am pleased to announce that the House Environment & Natural Resources budget was approved by the House this week. Our budget bill seeks to problem-solve long-term environmental issues. If enacted into law it would help communities respond to a variety of issues: prevent emerald ash borer spread, manage aquatic invasive species, control the outbreak of chronic wasting disease, as well as improve waste management and reduce the use of plastic.
Additionally, the budget includes a plan to plant one million trees a year for four years. It also increases support for pollinators by making the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee the official state bee and protecting the endangered species. MPR recently published an article about the importance of this bee; you can read it here. |
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Local Option for Ranked Choice Voting
This week, I participated in a press conference with my colleague Representative Elkins and Senator Eken to support ranked choice voting at the local level. We advocated for a more inclusive, civil, and participatory democracy to highlight candidates who may not otherwise have an opportunity to advance in the elections process. I’m pleased to share that this measure was included in the Elections bill, which was approved this week. |
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There were also a few more significant highlights from the elections bill:
Automatic Voter Registration:
This would automatically register voters when they apply for a Minnesota driver’s license, state identification card, after a thorough review and vetting process to determine the applicant’s eligibility to vote. Minnesotans can opt out if they choose to do so. I’m excited about this proposal because it will truly authenticate the voter rolls while aiming to increase voter turnout at the same time.
Redistricting:
The bill would also establish a Redistricting Advisory Commission in Minnesota that would be made up of five retired judges and 12 members of the public selected through an extensive application process to ensure political balance. Minnesotans want fairness and transparency when district lines are drawn for balanced future elections.
Sunshine Law:
This included provision, which I’ve chief authored, ensures voters can make informed decisions at the polls by letting voters know who is behind the campaign brochures left on our doorsteps. Minnesotans deserve to know who is attempting to buy our elections. My legislation would help shine light on the bad actors who are undermining the integrity of our democracy.
Events
This week I had the privilege to attend the annual Maple Grove Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast with Mayor Marc Stephenson and guest speaker Chris Wright, CEO of Minnesota United Soccer Team. His message was an inspiration into how we live our “why” daily as we slide into our purpose by putting on our jersey in service to our faith, family and our franchise (purpose) to serve others.
I also had the opportunity to attend the Dorothy Day Breakfast with Mayor Carter championed by the hard work of Catholic Charities to advocate for housing that allows people to live with dignity and find the “key” to thrive. |
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Keep in Touch
Much of our focus now will shift to finding common ground with the Senate. Conference committees of appointed House and Senate members will negotiate differences within each version of their respective budget bills.
I appreciate hearing from you about what’s important to prioritize in the budget.
It’s an honor to be your voice at the Capitol!
Sincerely,
Kristin Bahner
State Representative |
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