Dear Neighbor,
Season’s Greetings! I hope this email finds you well and you’re staying warm.
The Legislative Session is set to begin on January 3rd. Committee assignments were recently announced and I’ll be serving as the DFL-Lead on the Veterans Affairs Committee. I’ll also be a member on the Commerce and Regulatory Reform, and the Transportation Finance committees.
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
Several residents in our district and statewide contacted me last session to share their support of changing the caucus election system to a presidential primary. Effective January 1, this change will become law.
A primary will allow all-day voting rather than voters coming together at a specific time on precinct caucus night. The state’s presidential primary will be held the first Tuesday in March during a presidential election year, such as March 3, 2020, or on a different date if agreed to by the major party chairs. Precinct caucuses may also continue, if the parties choose to hold them. The primary election for other federal, state and local offices will continue to be held in August.
NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE LEGISLATION
On Monday, along with several colleagues, I participated in a press conference to announce our intention to once again introduce bipartisan legislation that would enter Minnesota in the “National Popular Vote” compact. The news conference preceded the 2016 Electoral College Assembly where electors will officially cast their votes for President.
Support for this bill cuts across partisan lines. Previously, Republican co-authors have included Rep. Pat Garofalo (R – Farmington), Rep. Tim Sanders (R – Blaine), Rep. Rod Hamilton (R – Mountain Lake), Sen. Karin Housley (R – St. Mary’s Point) and former Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers.
The House Majority will decide if the bill merits a committee hearing when session begins.
MINI SURVEY
What issue do you think is most important for us to address during the upcoming legislative session?
A - Transportation
B - Education
C - Public Works Projects
D - Taxes
E - Other
I look forward to hearing from you on these issues and any others that are important to you. I can be reached at 651-296-7803 or by email.
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Paul