Dear Neighbors,
Despite the chaos at the federal level I’ve been hard at work in St. Paul making sure our shared values are being represented at the Capitol. Fighting for what’s right is more important than ever, and I refuse to let a destructive president tear down the amazing things we’ve built in Minnesota. Here is some of what’s happened over the past couple of weeks.
GOP Emergency Authority Bill
The GOP recently heard a bill that would shift emergency authority from the Governor to the Legislature. This could be disastrous for our district which can often suffer from extreme flooding. When these emergencies strike we can’t afford any delay. Learn more about this issue, here.
Meeting With Constituents
I had a great time visiting with Forest Lake High School FFA students this week! My door is always open to our community’s wonderful students.
I also met with Steph Lenard – Director of Programs and Engagement U.S Green Building Council and Angela Peterson from the Center for Energy and Environment to discuss what legislation we can support to make Minnesota more climate friendly!
Democrats Defeat Shoot First Bill
This week I helped to vote down HF 13, Republicans’ Shoot First bill which would remove Minnesota’s long-standing duty to retreat to prevent the escalation of violence. If passed, this would lead to even more gun violence victims and more loss of life.
Currently, 27 states have Shoot First laws, and every one of them has a higher rate of gun deaths than Minnesota, with the average rate of gun deaths being more than twice Minnesota’s. Shoot First laws are also associated with heavy racial bias. A study in Florida found that white shooters killing Black victims is deemed justifiable five times more frequently than when the situation is reversed.
Over the past two years, House DFLers took action to reduce gun violence by requiring criminal background checks and creating Extreme Risk Protection Orders. These policies are already making a difference. In fact, Minnesota has one of the lowest firearm mortality rates in the US, in large part to our sensible and safety centered gun violence prevention laws.
Trump Cuts put Minnesota’s Budget at Risk
This week a new state economic forecast confirmed that Donald Trump’s policies are already moving Minnesota’s economy and state budget in the wrong direction and making life more expensive for hardworking Minnesotans.
Last November, the state budget forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus over the current budget cycle, a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming biennium, and our highest budget reserve fund ever–all due to responsible DFL governance. But as of today, Minnesota’s projected positive balance has shrunk to $456 million.
Instead of bringing down prices as they promised on the campaign trail, Trump and Republicans in Congress are on the verge of enacting a sweeping tax cut for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, and they’re going to pay for it by slashing federal investments in health care for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. This will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget.
This latest budget forecast means that the Legislature must be laser-focused on a state budget that helps working and middle-class Minnesotans, not corporations and billionaires who are doing better than ever.
As your representative, I’m committed to fighting for an economy where everyone can get ahead. I will continue to oppose Republican bills to lower taxes for the rich, put barriers to healthcare access, and repeal policies that help Minnesotans thrive like Paid Family and Medical Leave.
Ramadan
Ramadan Mubarak, everyone! I hope that this month brings peace and joy to you and your loved ones.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.josiah.hill@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4124. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Josiah Hill, District 33B
5th Floor, Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar St. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155