Dear Neighbors,
It was an eventful week with the 2016 legislative session officially beginning on Tuesday, the Governor's state of the state on Wednesday, committees getting underway, a GOCRA rally on Thursday, and a tour of two local businesses on Friday!
Unemployment Insurance
The first day of session was uneventful in that no legislation was officially taken up. However, there was a long debate on the floor to suspend House rules to take up unemployment benefit extensions for workers on the Iron Range.
Unfortunately, the vote to suspend the rules did not receive the adequate super-majority of votes as my DFL colleagues objected to a component of the bill that would have corrected the state’s over-funded unemployment insurance trust fund, which is close to an all-time high.
I am disappointed as this bill would provide relief for steelworkers and a boost for small businesses so they can reinvest and hire more people in all corners of Minnesota.
Governor’s State of the State Address
Here, I am pictured with colleagues who joined me in escorting Governor Dayton to the podium
The Governor gave his state of the state address on Wednesday at the McNamara Alumni Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota. As a state representative and University alumnus, I was honored to be among the bi-partisan group of legislators that escorted the Governor to the podium.
While there were a few bi-partisan/non-partisan moments, I disagreed with most of the policy goals the Governor outlined. For example, the administration recommended increased spending with minimal or no tax reforms or reductions and a continued push for all-day kindergarten.
Simply put, government spends too much as the state’s budget has grown from $24 billion in 2000 to over $40 billion today. That is unsustainable growth.
In regards to all-day pre-K, I believe that the Governor’s proposal places an unnecessary mandate on our local schools. Instead, I am in favor of targeted pre-k scholarships for families that are in need as they have been proven to be overwhelmingly beneficial for children.
Happenings at the University of Minnesota: Divestment Response & Aborted Fetal Tissue Research Updates
Hearing the State of the State at the University of Minnesota, in some way, sets a hopeful tone for some key issues I will be working on this session. One of these issues has been resolved, for now.
As may recall, last week I joined several of my colleagues in signing a letter to President Kaler asking that he and the board of regents oppose divestment efforts. For those who do not know, divestment is an anti-Israel movement and unacceptable to the vast majority of Minnesotans.
I was thrilled to see President Kaler's response to these student groups- taking a strong stance in support of Israel. You can read the president's letter here.
Also taking place this week was the formal introduction of my bill to withhold funding from the University until they cease research on aborted fetal tissue and establish an ethical way to obtain fetal tissue—that is, from babies that die of natural causes. If you are interested in learning more about this piece of legislation, you can read the bill’s language here.
MNSure
There was more disappointing news regarding MNsure this week as we learned that just 40% of 1095-A forms have been distributed, far less than the 70% that should have been distributed as of February.
Minnesotans who obtain insurance coverage through MNsure must have their 1095-A form before they're able to complete their taxes. Delays in distributing these forms could force Minnesotans to have to file extensions or pay late penalties.
This is simply unacceptable and I will continue to fight reform MNsure and make certain that it is benefiting Minnesotans not hurting them.
Gun Owners Rally
The Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance (GOCRA) held their annual rally at the capitol on Thursday. As a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment, I was happy to meet with folks in our area who attended the rally.
In 2016, we face new attempts to restrict the 2nd amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, including Democrats’ gun owner registration bill - which would do nothing to prevent criminals engaging in gun-violence. I will continue to oppose such legislation.
Staying in Touch
I toured two local businesses today, Federal Ammunition and Pentair. These businesses do a lot of good in our community and I am proud to represent them!
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or concerns on anything related to state government. It would be an honor to discuss your ideas on how we can make Minnesota better for everyone. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn.
You can also stay up-to-date on everything that is happening in St. Paul by visiting my Facebook page and Twitter account.
Warm Regards,
Abigail