Dear Neighbors,
Minnesotans expect the legislature to get our work done on time, but that didn’t happen this year. After walking away from negotiations and wasting weeks passing bills that they knew Governor Dayton would veto, it appears as if legislative Republicans are finally willing to negotiate with him in good faith.
Before regular session adjourned, I was proud to pass Minnesota’s first funding for urban farming in the Agriculture Finance bill, and the East Phillips Urban Institute funding in the Jobs and Economic Development bill. Both pieces of legislation are now on the Governor’s desk. His signature is the final step.
Last night, legislative leaders and Governor Dayton agreed to broad terms for a Special Session, which started at 12:01 a.m. today and will go until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow. All session I’ve worked for a budget that invests in the things our community values, such as education, affordable housing, transportation, a clean environment, living wage jobs and policies that ensure everyone has an opportunity to succeed. However, Republicans dug in their heels and demanded more than two-thirds of the budget surplus be used for giveaways to big health insurance companies, shifting money away from public schools to private ones, and other bad priorities like tax cuts for big tobacco, corporations, and the wealthy. When you contrast that with our economic and social justice priorities, it’s easy to see why we’re in a Special Session now!
I’m hopeful we’ll see legislative Republicans come around and put forward bills that invest in the things that make Minnesota a great place to live. We have 15 hours left and we haven’t seen anything yet, but I’ll keep you updated as I continue working for our neighborhoods here at the Capitol.
Stay in Touch
You can always contact me if you have questions or concerns at 651-296-0294 or by email at rep.karen.clark@house.mn .
Sincerely,
Karen Clark
State Representative – District 62A