Dear Neighbors,
Hope you are catching signs of Spring. Yesterday at the Capitol, I met with a constituent of the MN Association of Professional Employees. Her current position with the Minnesota DNR where she conducts important research for conservation and land-use planning is in peril because it is funded by a federal grant. Besides the impact of eliminating a valuable resource for protecting Minnesota’s ecological and water resources would have, it was impossible not to feel the fear and uncertainty she is faced with right now.
And, although I have been hard at work focusing on state-level legislation, it is imperative to also consider what’s at stake with the chaos and uncertainty swirling at the federal government. I know it is more important than ever that I lead decision-making grounded in our community’s shared values and priorities, and that I am working to protect progress we’ve made here in Minnesota.
Here’s an update:
Legislative Work
I’m working on several important drafts of legislation and making great progress in advancing them. For instance, bills I’ve introduced include; my bonding request bill for the City of Edina to match the much needed Highway 100/Vernon Ave bridge work, a bill I’ve worked on to bring in key partnerships to address student chronic absenteeism has secured bipartisan support, and a bill draft stemming from collaborative work with neighboring legislator, Rep. Jones of Minneapolis, works to support small businesses impacted by prolonged road construction projects. You can keep track of all of the bills I’m the lead author on here.
Important Floor Votes
 | | I was proud to vote NO on HF13, a 'shoot first' bill that would erode provisions of MN's existing self-defense laws -- laws that are already effective giving individuals the right to protect themselves or their families, including the use of deadly force, if necessary. We know 'shoot first' laws have created a culture of violence giving armed extremists the green light to shoot anyone they fear or unfairly suspect. You can watch my colleagues and advocates go into detail on why this bill is so dangerous, here. |
In addition, I also voted NO on HF 12, a discriminatory bill brought to the floor that would change current Minnesota State High School League policy and ban trans girls from participating in sports. The MSHSL policy has been in place for over a decade and was developed with input from students, athletic directors and coaches throughout the state. I support our current policy because it has been working in our state for our students as Minnesota leads the country for highest participation in middle and high school girls’ sports.
It is also important to know that I strongly opposed the predatory nature of this bill because it was designed to invite anyone, anywhere, anytime to question the gender identity of any of the 200,000 girls who participate in sports at the elementary and secondary level in our state with no oversight. This not only would create a path for intense scrutiny and harassment putting all girls at risk – trans or not – if this bill passed, it would allow for strangers to have the legal authority to question a girl’s identity, as young as five years old, and force her to go to the doctor for invasive medical testing to prove she can “utilize eggs for fertilization.” Here I am speaking on the floor sharing why I voted NO on HF 12.
Capitol Intern for the Day
I am thrilled to carry the torch, first started by former Rep. Heather Edelson, of bringing students from our district to the Capitol with my nonpartisan Intern for a Day program for high school students. Nine students from Edina High School joined me earlier this week at the Capitol engaging in policy discussions, conversations with legislators from both sides of the aisle and lobbyists, plus spending time in House chambers and in a committee meeting. I look forward to hosting 17 more students this session!
Constituent Visits
It’s always wonderful meeting with constituents! Here are some highlights from the past couple of weeks.
 | | Constituent and Director at LifeSource Mark Murray and I connected to talk about ways we can build organ donation awareness in our state, an issue close to my heart. Becoming a donor is one of the most selfless things one can do, and a lifesaving gift for the 2,600 Minnesotans currently on the national donation registry list waiting for the 'call'. |
When Morningside neighborhood shows up in St. Paul, it's a good day. Thanks for the visit to talk about the vital role clean energy plays in our state and our world as part of Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol. Learn about getting a free home energy audit here. | |  |
 | | I had a special visit from charter school International Spanish Language Academy student council members from District 50! I’m very impressed with these curious students -- one was elected to a Public Relations position. I am working on a few pieces of legislation to increase funding for public school safety aid to help schools keep our students safe. |
Trump Administration Cuts put Minnesota’s Budget at Risk
Our number one priority this legislative session is to pass a budget. This week, a new state economic forecast confirmed that the Trump Administration policies are already impacting Minnesota’s economy and state budget 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, the Trump Administration with the support of Republicans, who hold a majority in Congress, are on the verge of enacting a sweeping tax cut for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, and paying 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 that works for everyone.
JOIN US: District 50 Town Hall
I hope you can join Rep. Elkins, Sen. Mann and I along with Chief Deputy Attorney General, John Keller, for conversation about the current MN legislative session and ways our AG is working to protect our state and communities from harmful federal government executive orders.
Stay Connected
I can be reached by email at rep.julie.greene@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4363 with any questions or thoughts you’d like to share., If you are making a visit to the Capitol, I’d love to hear from you to connect. If you are not already following my legislative updates and would like to receive them on a regular basis, please subscribe here. I also invite you to follow my Facebook here.
As always, it’s an honor to represent you and our communities.
Sincerely,
Julie Greene, District 50A
5th Floor Centennial Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155