Dear neighbors,
There are a few short weeks left until the Minnesota Legislature’s May 19 adjournment deadline.
We’ve packed a lot of progress into this year’s historically short legislative session, including a minimum wage increase, a new anti-bullying law and tax cuts for over one million Minnesotans – but we plan to make even more progress in the days ahead.
Here is a quick recap of this year’s accomplishments and our remaining priorities.
MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE:
No one who works full time should ever live in poverty.
Thanks to a broad coalition of workers, faith organizations, non-profits, unions and activists, the DFL-led Legislature and Governor Dayton approved Minnesota’s first minimum wage increase in nearly a decade – a historic milestone toward lifting hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans out of poverty and providing greater economic security for working families.
By raising the minimum wage to $9.50 per hour and giving workers annual pay raises based on the rate of inflation, Minnesotans and their families will have more income to spend on necessities like groceries, gas, clothing and rent. Over 325,000 hardworking Minnesotans will receive a raise thanks to this legislation.
MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS:
Over one million middle class Minnesotans will pay less in taxes as a result of legislation approved by the Legislature and Governor last month, including married couples, working families, Minnesotans with student loans, teachers, homeowners and small businesses.
SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE SCHOOLS:
In order for Minnesota’s youth to learn and grow, they need a school environment free of bullying and harassment. That’s why the Legislature and Governor Dayton approved the ‘Safe and Supportive Schools Act,’ legislation that strengthens Minnesota’s anti-bullying policies so more students can succeed in the classroom and reach their full potential.
WOMEN’S ECONOMIC SECURITY ACT:
I proudly joined a strong bipartisan majority of state lawmakers in supporting the Women’s Economic Security Act, a bill designed to close the gender pay gap so women earn equal pay for equal work, provide more protections and flexibility for pregnant mothers in the workplace and create more opportunities for women to enter high-wage, high-demand professions in fields like computer science and engineering.
Senate and House lawmakers are resolving differences between their respective bills before we send a final version to Governor Dayton to be signed into law.
HOT LUNCHES FOR EVERY STUDENT:
The House and Senate both approved legislation that adds more funding to Minnesota’s school lunch program to ensure no child is ever denied a warm meal due to the inability to pay. Governor Dayton intends to sign the funding boost into law after House and Senate lawmakers iron out the differences between our supplemental budget bills.
BONDING BILL:
Even-year Sessions typically focus on a bonding bill, which finances statewide infrastructure projects in higher education, transportation, housing, economic development, water systems and more. I’m advocating for a number of local projects including the renovation and redesign of Nicollet Mall, the renovation of an early childhood learning center at the downtown YWCA of Minneapolis, and the renovation of the historic Hennepin Center for the Arts. The cost of the final bonding bill will have a big impact on how many projects are able to receiving funding.
PRIORITIES FOR NEXT YEAR:
Some of the bills I’ve authored this year will unfortunately not advance, including my bill to overturn Citizens United and another to provide mediation services for people in foreclosure. If I am fortunate enough to return to the Legislature next year, I will work hard to get these measures signed into law to help Minnesotans stay in their homes and reduce the influence of corporate spending in our elections.
STAY IN TOUCH:
I always appreciate hearing your feedback and answering any questions you may have about the Legislature. You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-8659 or by email at rep.raymond.dehn@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Raymond Dehn
State Representative, District 59B