Neighbors and Friends,
I want to begin by expressing my sympathies to the families of the National Guard soldiers involved in the helicopter crash yesterday. It is a tragic loss and we mourn with their families.
Budget forecast
Yesterday, the Minnesota Management and Budget forecast announced a $1.3 billion balance. This is a projected budget surplus for 2020 if everything goes as predicted for the next two years. It is not money in the bank. The forecast factors in inflation on the revenue side but it does not factor in inflation on the spending side. At first glance the news is positive and is certainly better than the state facing a deficit, but many Minnesotans continue to struggle. Throughout the legislative session we will discuss ways to strengthen families, and invest in our schools, housing and health care.
To read about the budget forecast, click here.
Here is more from the Capitol:
Minnesota’s water quality
Two recent Star Tribune opinion pieces about the quality of our water caught my attention. Minnesota is known for our abundant lakes and rivers and these articles focus on the risk facing our waters.
The first article, written by Peter Sorenson, relates to the discovery of the invasive species zebra mussels in Lake of the Woods.
The second article, by Rich Bisek, says action must be taken now to protect our waterways.
Medical cannabis qualifying conditions expand
The Minnesota Department of Health has announced the addition of chronic pain and age-related macular degeneration as new qualifying conditions for the medical cannabis program, taking effect in August next year. More about these developments can be found here.
Climate Change subcabinet
This week, Gov. Walz established the Climate Change Subcabinet and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change to guide the administration in the “pursuit of bold and collaborative action to combat climate change.” To learn more, click here.
Climate Action Caucus
On Wednesday, the legislative Climate Action Caucus held a public meeting to discuss health issues related to climate change. I am a member of this group and the meeting was very interesting and informative. Click here to watch.
Governor’s residence tours
Next week, the Walz family is offering public tours of the governor’s residence to view the festive decorations. There is no fee for the tour, but you are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation for Second Harvest Heartland.
Tours are Tuesday, December 10, 2019 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, Friday, December 13 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Tuesday, December 17, 2019 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
The address is 1006 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105.
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The Minnesota House has implemented a new email system, and some “bugs” have been discovered. I appreciate your patience as our IT team works to resolve any problems.
During the legislative interim, you can contact me at rep.alice.hausman@house.mn.
Thank you for the privilege of representing you in the legislature.
Sincerely,
Alice