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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL)

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Minnesota Legislature Poised To Deliver Progress

Thursday, January 24, 2013

With the first few weeks of the 2013-2014 legislative session behind us, it is becoming clear that DFL majorities plan to put our state on a path to progress.

I was proud to co-sponsor the first five pieces of legislation introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives. These bills would pay back what was borrowed from our schools to balance the previous budget, provide direct property tax relief to homeowners and renters, make investments that create jobs and expand economic opportunity, and set up a health insurance exchange to make it easier and more affordable for Minnesotans and small businesses to purchase coverage.

In addition to these key pieces of legislation, I threw my full weight behind a bill designed to prevent needless foreclosures and keep families in their homes. My colleague Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley) introduced the bill after learning about Rose McGee, a constituent who fell victim to a practice known as “dual-tracking,” which is when a lender pursues foreclosure while the unknowing homeowner is in the process of mortgage modification.

What happened to Rose McGee is just plain wrong. That’s why our legislation bans dual-tracking, requires lenders to give homeowners a single point of contact, and provides mandatory mediation when requested by a borrower. It also contains extra protections for military servicemembers. While this bill is just a starting point, it would mean real progress for thousands of homeowners, especially neighborhoods in North Minneapolis that have been hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis.

Another issue I am hopeful we can address is gun violence. Like so many of us, I was shocked and saddened when senseless violence struck Sandy Hook Elementary School. Far too many Americans' lives are needlessly cut short by ongoing shootings, including six Minnesotans who were killed at Accent Signage, a company based in the district I represent.

Sadly, our neighborhoods in North Minneapolis are no stranger to gun violence. Tragedies like the death of 3-year-old Terrell Mayes, who was killed by a stray bullet in late 2011, will never be forgotten. We owe it to the parents and family members who lost loved ones to take action to reduce violence and keep our streets safe. With President Obama pushing for common sense reforms like better background checks, banning assault weapons, and outlawing high capacity clips and magazines, I am hopeful we can pass similar measures at the state level and make real progress on strengthening public safety. 

The issue slated to receive the most attention this legislative session is our state’s budget. The proposal released by Governor Dayton last week is a good starting point for what will be a robust, ongoing conversation about the best way to cut the deficit and make smart investments that grow our economy. I am particularly pleased the Governor’s proposal includes direct property tax relief and expands funding for our children’s education.

At a recent town hall meeting I held with State Senator Bobby Joe Champion, dozens of Minnesotans were eager to learn more about how budget decisions will affect their neighborhoods and communities. I am looking forward to many more conversations and town hall meetings about this important issue.

Over the coming weeks, I will continue examining Governor Dayton’s proposal, but most importantly, I want to hear your ideas and feedback about how we can create jobs, keep people in their homes, and make sure our children receive a great education. I encourage you to contact me by phone at (651) 296-8659, by mail at 423 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155, or via email at rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn.