Dear Neighbor,
It has been another busy week in St. Paul, with some incredibly significant issues up for discussion. Here are my thoughts on some of those subjects and more:
Religious freedom on the line
The Senate had two choices on Monday: A) Restore state law to our long-held consensus that religious communities in Minnesota have the autonomy to decide questions of faith, or B) Follow suit on a House Democrat vote which deals religious freedom a major setback in Minnesota.
Unfortunately, the Senate majority all voted to deal religious freedom a major setback, leaving the separation of church and state in Minnesota broken.
This issue has been simmering the last few weeks at the Capitol. In late February, the House majority voted down a House Republican committee amendment to restore a religious freedom provision that was deleted from Minnesota Human Rights Act law last year. The proposed measure ensures religious organizations and faith-based schools can, among other things, hire teachers and ministers consistent with their mission and values.
As I have previously noted, before last year, when gender identity was included (or subsumed) within the MHRA definition of sexual orientation, the still-existing religious exemption for sexual orientation covered gender identity claims as well. When a new, separate definition of gender identity was created last year, there was no corresponding religious exemption added. This issue caused alarm among Minnesota’s faith community and House Republicans worked with religious leaders to craft an amendment to MHRA legislation S.F. 4292. House Democrats and Senate Democrats then voted against that language.
I will continue advocating for this religious freedom component to be restored. It remains to be seen what will happen with this bill before the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn in late May, but I will keep you posted as developments occur.
Full-time Legislature
House Democrats are now pushing legislation that would make Minnesota the 11th state to have a full-time Legislature.
I disagree with this approach because being a part-time Legislature allows members to spend more time back in their home districts, working in careers outside of politics and remaining connected with their communities. A citizen legislature is crucial to keeping a lid on government power and protecting Minnesotans from suffering even more mandates and burdens.
Our state’s part-time legislature has served Minnesota for over 160 years, putting public service ahead of careers in politics. I am concerned about professional politicians becoming out of touch with the realities Minnesotans face in their day-to-day lives.
Also, with more than 5,000 bills already introduced this biennium, we can’t help but ask what on earth legislators would do with even MORE time at the Capitol. Frankly, I don’t think we want to know that answer.
Local visitors
It was great to welcome so many visitors to my office once again this week, including:
MN Private College Council and the College of St Bens/St John’s University President Bruess
WACOSA's Adaptive Media Program Mike Nichols MOHR's Disability Services Day at the Capitol
Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association Day
Minnesota Boys and Girls Clubs Day of Advocacy Day at the Capitol- St Cloud Youth of the Year: Hamdi Hanshi
Public safety
The House minority hosted a press conference this week to call for hearings on several bills we have authored to support our law enforcement officers, hold criminals accountable and keep our communities safe. These bills have been specifically requested by our partners in law enforcement.
Our law enforcement officers deserve to have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively. At the same time, we need to crack down on crime by stopping violent offenders and ensuring the criminals are fully held accountable.
We know that public safety should be one of the highest priorities of government. The hearings we are requesting would allow a full public discussion of policy proposals that would uphold law and order here in Minnesota.
Meanwhile, the state budget enacted last year did include $300 million in one-time aid for law enforcement agencies. While I am pleased these dollars were provided for local law enforcement, Democrats restricted use of this money to the following:
- Community violence prevention and? intervention programs
- Community engagement
- Mental health crisis responses
- Victim? services
- Training programs
- First responder wellness
- Equipment related to fire, rescue, and? emergency services
- To pay other personnel or equipment costs
Tactical vehicles, for instance, do not qualify, even though we continue seeing instances where they could save lives. Neither does something as practical as improving lighting to increase safety.
One of the bills House Republicans propose (H.F. 4837) would allow more flexibility in how public safety aid is used by local governments so they can meet their specific needs. Our citizens and law enforcement officers alike deserve no less.
Also, as noted in a recent newsletter, I am co-authoring legislation to increase penalties for so-called “straw purchases” where someone who is eligible to purchase a firearm purchases one for someone whose criminal status prohibits them from doing so. House Republicans recently moved to declare urgency and bring this bill (H.F. 548) to the floor after receiving news an indictment has been filed against someone who allegedly acted as a straw purchaser of the weapons used in the shooting of three first responders in Burnsville. It is unfortunate the majority blocked our motion and prevented this bill from receiving a vote of the full House.
House deadlines
According to the peculiar legislative rules set by the majority party, both the first and second deadlines for bills come on the same day this year – today. The first deadline is for committees to act favorably on bills in the House of origin. But that’s a moot point, since this year we are skipping right to the second deadline, which stipulates committees to act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other house.
Watch for more news from the House soon. Until then, have a great weekend and please stay in touch.
Ag Day
Tuesday was both National Ag Day and Farm Bureau Day on the Hill. I have a great appreciation for the efforts our farmers and other ag workers do to keep our state and nation fed. Thanks for all you do!
Until next time, here are some links to help you follow developments in St. Paul this session:
- Rep. Bernie Perryman page – My official House website with assorted information.
- Session Daily – Daily news and information about House committee and floor action.
- Live Webcasts and Mobile Stream – View floor sessions, committee hearings, press conferences and more from home or on a mobile device.
- House Public Information Services Publications – Information about the Legislature and legislative process.
- House Public Information Services Press Releases
- New Laws – Summaries of all vetoes and new laws enacted from the 2021 legislative session.
- House Research – Issues and information.
- House Fiscal Analysis – Issue briefs.
Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov. I am here to serve you!
Bernie
