Dear Neighbors, As we strive to work together at the State Capitol, it seems like every day we’re getting chaos and confusion from the federal government - including this week’s news on the US House Republicans’ budget. This is a bill that passed by razor-thin margins and only serves to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans while reducing billions in spending on government programs like Medicaid. More than half of the children in Minnesota depend on Medicaid dollars in some form, to say nothing of our disability community and elderly population. The choice to cut taxes for the wealthiest among us while balancing the country’s budget on the backs of the most vulnerable in our community is not one any of us should accept. In Washington D.C., we’re seeing Republicans prioritize the wealthy and well-connected over the services Minnesotans depend on and deserve. Thankfully, it appears some Republicans in Minnesota still value the notion of crafting a compassionate budget, and I look forward to that work on the state level. Bipartisanship in Committee, and on the House FloorThere are still plenty of points of contention at the State Capitol, but bipartisanship is starting to peak through - ideally more and more as session goes on. Last night, we passed two bills with broad bipartisan support that strengthen campaign finance laws and incentivize agency efficiency. I also started this week with a hearing in the Agriculture Committee on House File 1063, a bill to allow small grain elevators some financial flexibility. I'm approaching good-faith bills from House Republicans with an open mind, which is why I had no problem being one of the only Democrats to vote for this bill in committee. I hope to see more bills like that this session, and you can check out our committee hearing here. Community at the CapitolLast week, I was able to highlight a ton of constituent visits here in St. Paul, and I’m happy to say the trend continued this week! My work in the Minnesota House is at its best when it’s rooted in your needs, so I greatly appreciate it whenever our neighbors take the time out of their busy schedules to make the trip up to the State Capitol. |