Dear Neighbors,
This week the Legislature returned from the Easter/Passover recess with just about six weeks remaining in the session. Earlier this week, Governor Dayton sent legislative leaders a letter outlining his vision for a successful end of session. He hopes we can quickly work together on our shared goals, such as ending the opioid crisis, enhancing protections for seniors, and stabilizing our pensions. This would then give us plenty of time for issues which may be more contentious, such as taxes and bonding bills.
Budget Targets Released
Last night, the Ways and Means Committee approved the House Majority’s budget targets for each topic area. These set parameters for how much is available to either invest in or cut for the rest of the session. Next week, we will see comprehensive budget bills emerge for each area of the budget. These will then need to be reconciled with the Senate, and Governor Dayton will weigh in with his priorities as well.
Guardians ad Litem
I’m hopeful we can make greater investments in the state’s guardian ad litem program as part of this budget. The program provides advocates for children’s best interests in custody or child protection cases. A report was recently released showing a need for additional oversight, and a need for more guardians for the kids who need them. Part of the reason for this is an increase in child protection cases in recent years, with the guardian ad litem program not keeping up.
I spoke with KSTP Channel 5 yesterday about my efforts on this issue. No child should face the court process without unbiased, qualified help like that provided by a guardian ad litem.
Metro Parks
Earlier this week, we held a unique meeting of the Metro Area House Delegation to discuss the capital improvement proposal for the Metro regional parks.
This bill, of which I am a co-author, would invest $15 million in our regional parks and open-space land improvements. The plan includes important funding for the Three Rivers Park District and the Shingle Creek Regional Trail. I hope the House Majority will come forward with their bonding proposal soon so we can move forward on important investments like this.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
Earlier this week, the Governor urged the Legislature to appropriate about $1 million toward a suicide prevention hotline. Crisis Connection, operated by Canvas Health, a non-profit mental health agency, is running out of money and could shut down May 21 if new funding doesn’t come through.
The suicide rate in Minnesota has increased 19 percent since 2010, with 745 Minnesotans dying from suicide in 2016 alone. We need to come together to fund this critical lifeline.
Feel free to reach out with your comments and feedback as the session continues.
Sincerely,
Debra Hilstrom
State Representative