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Neighbors,
On National Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to thank all of our educators who shape and improve the lives of students every day, both in and out of the classroom. One of the best ways we can show our gratitude to these public servants is to fully fund our schools, making sure teachers and students have the tools they need to be successful.
I summarized the priorities passed in the House in my last two updates (here) and (here), and now we're negotiating with the Senate, with our work cut out for us. Here are the stark differences between our House education plan, and the Senate's.
The House DFL budget builds a better future for all Minnesotans by investing in our students, making affordable health care a reality, and increasing economic opportunity. The Senate Republican budget cuts classrooms, lays off teachers, and makes deep cuts to health care for over a million Minnesotans. You can read more about both budgets here.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
We are here at the legislature to make sure we take the best care of all Minnesotans. Yet American Indian women face murder rates that are more than 10 times the national average. Nobody knows exactly how many are victims of violence, and nobody knows exactly how many women go missing across the nation. Yesterday my colleagues unanimously passed my bill to create a state task force to address the endemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Minnesota.
 
You can watch Rep. Kunesh-Podein's floor speech here
Behind every missing or murdered Indigenous woman is a family and a community that have fought for action at the Capitol. No one should wonder if their daughters, their sisters, their mothers and loved ones will come home when they walk out the door.
Transportation
Our transportation budget makes responsible investments to fix our state's roads, bridges, and transit. The American Society of Civil Engineers rated Minnesota’s roads as “D+” on their most recent infrastructure report card. Bridges received a “C” and transit was awarded a “C-.” The House DFL's transportation budget prioritizes better access to transit for Minnesotans who need to get to work, school, and to live their lives. All Minnesotans should feel safe on our roads and bridges
These are the projects that our budget would support in our Senate District:
Note: the MNDot map has labeled Hwy 695 as 494 and correction will be made
Speaking of transportation, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) started an I-35W North MnPASS project in April - they're repaving, reconstructing bridges, installing new noise walls and creating a new MnPASS lane. For three years they will repair aging infrastructure and improve mobility on I-35 between Co. Rd. C in Roseville and Sunset Ave in Lino Lakes. They expect to be done in the fall of 2021. You can stay up-to-date on the construction and delays, and get their updates here: www.mndot.gov/metro/projects/35wnorthmnpass.
Regents
Yesterday we voted in four new members of the University's governing board: Janie Mayeron for the 5thCongressional District; Mike Kenyanya for the Student At-Large seat; and Kao Ly Her and Mary Davenport for the Statewide At-Large seats. I recognize how important it is for the members of the governing board to reflect the diversity of our state and our students, and I applaud our colleagues for approving a diverse, qualified slate of new regents.
Heating Assistance
As chilly weather continues, low-income Minnesotans can still access assistance in paying the heating bills. The Energy Assistance Program will continue taking applications through May 31. Minnesotans who earn less than 50 percent of the state's median income ($49,698 for a family of four) are encouraged to apply, especially households that include children under the age of six, people with disabilities, veterans and seniors.
To determine your local service provider, visit the Energy Assistance Program website here or call 1-800-657-3710.
Minnesota Historical Society
This summer, from Armed Forces Day (May 18) through Labor Day (September 2), all 26 Minnesota Historical Society historic sites and museums will offer free admission to active duty military personnel as part of the national Blue Star Museums Program. In addition, starting Memorial Day Weekend, Historic Fort Snelling will offer free general admission to all military veterans, plus five accompanying family members. You can read more here.
Please reach out with questions and comments as we near the end of the legislative session!
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Mary KP
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