House kicks off series of hearings on racial justice issues
By Mike Cook
Especially in the areas of education, health, housing and public safety, a common refrain during legislative hearings is that Minnesota has some of the worst — if not the worst — racial disparities in the country.
A 13-member bipartisan group began Tuesday to delve deeper into the how and why of such inequality as part of the new House Select Committee on Racial Justice.
No action was taken and the select committee is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m. the next four Tuesdays and likely develop suggestions for action. The Oct. 13 hearing is to be dedicated to the public sharing personal experiences and recommendations.
“Earlier this year we passed a House resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis … We will finally have a forum where we can deep dive into the impacts on Black, Indigenous and people of color,” Rep. Rena Moran (DFL-St. Paul) said while previewing the first hearing.
Recent Dailies
School professionals call for changes to accommodate student learning and health
By Victoria Cooney
What school will look like in the fall has yet to be determined, but changes will be needed whether schools reopen like normal, continue distance learning, or introduce some sort of a hybrid, school professionals told legislators during an informational hearing Thursday.
Education committees examine the report card on distance learning
By Rob Hubbard
For the final two months of the 2019-20 school year, and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, students learned far from their classrooms after Gov. Tim Walz ordered online learning.
Special session ends without agreement on policing overhaul, other key issues
By HPIS Staff
Eight days of a special session was not enough for House and Senate lawmakers to reach agreement on a quartet of priority bills that included overhauling public safety and police accountability and allocating federal coronavirus funds to local units of government.
Boost to CCAP reimbursement rates approved by House
By Victoria Cooney
Providers who care for low-income children could see a boost in how much they are paid through the state’s Child Care Assistance Program, which provides subsidies that allow these children to access early childhood opportunities while their parents are working or in school.
House passes 'PROMISE Act' to rebuild areas damaged by civil unrest
By Victoria Cooney
The House passed a bundle of provisions that focus on rebuilding areas of the Twin Cities damaged by recent civil unrest and calls for $300 million during the 2020-21 biennium to help accomplish this work.
State grant deadline extension passed by House
By Mike Cook
Passed 122-2 by the House Friday, SSHF108, as amended, would allow Minnesota Management and Budget on an individualized basis to extend a state grant issued by June 30, 2020 for two fiscal years beyond the fiscal year the appropriation is scheduled to cancel.
House passes Covid relief to cities and counties, supplemental budget items
By Rob Hubbard
Money from the federal coronavirus relief bill would be on its way to cities and counties if a bill approved by the House Friday morning can get through the Senate a second time.
House passes package of police accountability legislation, sends to Senate
By Mike Cook
The House early Friday passed a sweeping policing reform package that wrapped three public safety bills — Reclaiming Community Oversight Act, Reimagining Public Safety Act and the Reforming Accountability Act — into one.
House approves extension to human services program changes
By Victoria Cooney Measures to extend human services program waivers and modifications made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic could allow for the state to both consider long-term improvements and ease back into its regular operating procedures.COVID-19 relief bill takes on supplemental budget items, heads to the floor
By Rob Hubbard
SSHF128/SSSF47* was amended with the supplementary budget items (also taking on two other amendments) and was approved by the committee on an 18-10 party-line vote. It now goes to the House Floor.
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Socially distant but emotionally resonant — retirement speeches highlight friendships, look to future
By Victoria Cooney
Monday afternoon marked the end of the 2020 regular legislative session, and the retirements of more than a dozen representatives, who thanked family, House staff, mentors, and friends – especially those in the Legislature.
State of the State: Walz urges Minnesotans to stick together during troubling time
By Rob Hubbard
During his annual State of the State address Sunday evening, Walz warned that darker days lie ahead as Minnesotans brave the COVID-19 virus that’s reached across the world and currently has North America in its grip.
