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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Hunter Cantrell (DFL)

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Happy holidays!

Monday, December 16, 2019

Rep. Cantrell

Happy Holidays

Neighbors,

It's hard to believe 2019 is already winding down! I hope you're able to spend some time with loved ones over the holidays, no matter what you celebrate.  

Here's a quick update from the Capitol and our community:

Local Schools

I recently attended the ISD 191 school board meeting at which over 300 people listened to and shared personal stories relating to the three ISD 191 school closures.

This is a difficult time for our community, and is indicative of many years of failure at the state and federal level to develop comprehensive funding models to move us away from relying heavily on local property taxes to fund our schools.

Marion W. Savage is right up the street from where I live, and was the first ISD 191 school in our community. I’m concerned about this loss for our community, and I’ll continue to work on ways to avoid painful school closures in the future.

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Climate Action

Our new climate caucus is putting in the work and preparation we'll need to make progress in combating climate change because all Minnesotans have a stake in a safe, healthy climate, and all Minnesotans have a role to play in creating this future. You're welcome to join us for our next meeting! The meetings so far have been informative and compelling, we've covered the intersections of climate with housing, transportation, and public health. 

climate caucus

Last week, Governor Walz launched an initiative that will complement the work we’re doing in the House. He created a Climate Change Subcabinet and Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change to build on existing climate initiatives, help state agencies collaborate, and guide the Walz-Flanagan Administration.  

Planning for Minnesota's Future

Last week, Minnesota Management and Budget released the 2019 November Budget and Economic Forecast, showing a projected balance of $1.332 billion for 2020-2021.

The state budget forecast is based on the most recent information about the national and state economic outlook. What this estimate does not reflect is what is currently sitting in the bank, or the rate of inflation in future years, which could reach $1.221 billion.

We need to be diligent so we do not jeopardize our ability to provide Minnesotans with the resources they deserve, such as good health care and education, and setting up the next generation for a prosperous future. I am committed to balancing the needs of people in our community with our responsibility to continue to work towards building a fair tax structure. You can read more about the budget from MPR here. Don't hesitate to share your concerns and priorities for our state with me!

Community Highlights

I was glad I got the chance to talk with students at both Prior Lake and Burnsville High Schools recently to discuss the importance of civic engagement. 

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Bringing Down the Cost of Healthcare 

I am working on a set of healthcare bills for the 2019 session that I look forward to announcing in the New Year. I also remain hopeful that our colleagues in the Senate will move forward as soon as possible and pass the House DFL bill to provide emergency access to insulin to those who could lose their lives without access to the life-saving drug. 

If you're traveling for the holidays, I wish you safe travels! Best to you and yours over the holidays. 

Sincerely,

Hunter Cantrell

Your Neighbor and State Representative