Dear Neighbors,
Last week, the House of Representatives passed three omnibus finance bills. Usually, an omnibus bill- a bill that is a compilation of prioritized ‘stand-alone’ bills heard in previous committee hearings, is designated to each finance subject area (ie: Education, Public Safety, Environment). This year, the House Majority decided to combine all subject areas into three “mega” omnibus bills: 1. E-12 Education and Higher Education; 2. Public Safety, Health and Human Services, and State Government Finance; and 3 Agriculture, Environment and Jobs.
I offered an amendment to the Education Omnibus bill that made changes to the College Possible program. The program is designed to encourage low-income students to attend and graduate from college. My amendment states: to the extent possible, funds must be used to hire coaches with similar racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic characteristics as the school where they will work, and that College Possible staff and coaches are provided extensive racial equity and cultural competency training. The amendment was adopted and I voted in favor of the overall bill which also contained funding for the U of M - Rochester's "Recovery On Campus" program!
Gabby Giffords Visit to Minnesota
On Wednesday, former U.S. Member of Congress, Gabby Giffords visited the Minnesota State Capitol to promote and support common sense gun control measures. The timing of her visit was impeccable as several gun control amendments were offered to the Public Safety omnibus bill earlier last week. Not surprisingly, the House Majority refused to even allow debate nor a vote on any of these amendments. Polls have shown that a majority of the public is ready for a positive change; legislatures nationwide seem to be stalled on the issue.
First Saturday Coffee Meeting
Due to the fluid nature of the legislative session, this month’s ‘Second Saturday’ Coffee hour has been moved up to this Saturday, May 7. The meeting will be at the usual spot: Dunn Brothers Coffee (120 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester) from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. I hope you can make it, and that you will bring your comments and questions.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kim Norton
State Representative