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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Erin Maye Quade (DFL)

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Legislative Update - April 24, 2018

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Dear Neighbors,

We now have less than four weeks left in the legislative session. It’s finally starting to feel like spring outside. It’s been a busy time at the Capitol as we’ve completed much of our committee work and are starting to spend more time on the floor.

Sit in for Gun Violence

Today, I began a 24 hour sit in on the House floor. I’ll be spending the next 24 hours sharing stories of the people who have been victims of gun violence and calling on the House to take action to pass meaningful gun violence prevention legislation.

House Image

House Image

When more than 90% of Minnesotans, including vast majorities of gun owners want action, it’s time we take action for Minnesotans rather than bend to the will of the gun lobby. You can follow along on Twitter.

Moms Demand Action Day

Speaking of preventing gun violence, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America held a rally at the Capitol last Wednesday. They were here to show that there’s still continued pressure to pass common sense gun laws in Minnesota.

House Image

House Image

I’m committed to delivering on common sense gun safety measures that will make our families, communities, and Minnesota safer. There’s still time to act before session ends. Call Speaker Daudt’s office and tell him you want to see background checks and protective orders: 651-296-5364 or email him at rep.kurt.daudt@house.mn

Fighting for Clean Water Protections

Last week, the Minnesota House passed a Republican-authored bill 69 to 57 to prohibit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) from implementing proposed rules for nitrogen fertilizer use. These rules, authorized under 1989’s Groundwater Protection Act, would protect Minnesota’s water resources by minimizing nitrate pollution. Far too many Minnesotans are facing unsafe drinking water, so it’s of vital importance that in areas highly susceptible to pollution there are a few ground rules for how and when to apply fertilizers. Even a number of Republicans voted against stopping these groundwater protections. 

Thankfully, Governor Mark Dayton delivered a letter indicating he’d veto the bill.  

Governor Dayton Urges Action

Governor Dayton sent a letter to legislative leaders outlining the need for a smooth process to end the session. He asked that items with bipartisan agreement--protecting vulnerable seniors, addressing the opioid crisis, making schools safer, and shoring up state pensions--be passed now. He also stressed that he would not accept shifts, gimmicks, cuts, or false financial assumptions that would undo the hard work done by DFLers to return fiscal stability to Minnesota after years of Republican deficits.

Minnesotans expect action to keep schools safe, stop the opioid crisis, keep seniors safe, and make sure retirement is secure for pensioners, but Speaker Daudt and Republicans need to stop playing political games. There is no excuse for holding these important bills back simply so they can be used as bargaining chip at the end of session. Minnesotans deserve swift action on these issues, not delays.

Republican Budget Shortchanges Education

With one week before finance committee deadlines, legislative majorities finally announced their supplemental budget targets. Instead of investing in the things Minnesotans value, like expanding quality early childhood education and making college more affordable, they’ve indicated plans to continue prioritizing tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy.

This is in stark contrast to Governor Dayton’s supplemental budget proposal, which rolls back tax giveaways for corporations and the wealthy to fund tax cuts for Minnesota families and important investments in areas such as education. I’ve heard from you and will continue to ensure the things our community values are a priority at the Capitol.

Minnesota Values Project 

Finally, a step back: In the months leading up to this year’s legislative session, my House DFL colleagues and I engaged in a dialogue with Minnesotans about our shared values and future. We facilitated challenging and thoughtful conversations all over the state, with people from all walks of life. Based on those sessions, we’ve put forward the Minnesota Values Project — our goals, principles, and commitments to the people of Minnesota. Our shared values bring us together and can serve as a guide for how we move forward and how we make Minnesota work better for all of us. Learn more and add your voice at www.minnesotavaluesproject.com.

As always, it’s a pleasure to be your voice at the Capitol as we fight to make sure the things our community values are a priority.

Sincerely,

Erin