Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. Erik Mortensen (R)

Back to profile

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM REP. ERIK MORTENSEN - DISTRICT 55A

Friday, March 26, 2021
 

 

Good Friday everyone, and a happy week of passover to you as well. Today at 6 PM the legislature will recess for Easter Break. It also marks the last deadline for the House. All legislation that is to become law this year must have passed through all committees with jurisdiction.

After we gavel back in from recess on April 6th we will begin hearing the DFL "omnibus" bills from each committee. These are massive multi-hundred page, and multi-subject bills that few read and usually pass along party lines. This year the legislature has produced nothing bipartisan, and everything Republican and conservatives want will be held over our heads in these unconstitutional bills. Not to mention the DFL has now taken to choosing a narrative of the day; flipping on positions within 24 hrs.  

You can watch my video update below.

MOrt 12

 

Hypocrisy Abounds

Over the past 12 weeks it has become apparent just how little any of us have a say in the legislative process. Every decision is made by leadership and their members are simple told to tag along. The New House Republican Caucus - which I belong to - formed to reclaim their election certificate and put principle over party. We are treated like pests who Republican Minority Leader Doudt is determined to eradicate. Worse yet is that those members are being told to specifically avoid...ME!

Because I introduced an article of Impeachment against the Governor The Old House Republican caucus has been the single biggest reason we have made such little progress. We knew the DFL would never allow this to move forward, that became very clear last week when Casseys law was heard. This was a Republican bill introduced last year by Rep. Munson and even got a hearing. This year they have given it to a freshmen DFL’er and now it will likely become law. Proof that good ideas aren’t always important to your representatives as getting re-elected is.

Again I am calling upon you to participate in your Government and let your voice be heard. You can find more information about who represents you HERE.

Would you want to live in South Dakota?

SD

This week my colleague - Rep. Jeremy Munson (R-Lake Crystal) - introduced a piece of legislation that would allow counties in Minnesota to hold a referendum on whether or not to secede and join South Dakota. Essentially bringing the border to you. For the past few years we have all had to know someone who has left Minnesota to retire in states with zero to little income tax. Even today with a 4 billion dollar surplus the DFL is determined to force more taxes on the backs of hard working Minnesotians. The reality is clear, there is a real and serious divide between urban and rural Minnesota.

After states like California and Oregan held voted on allowing their rural counties to join the more conservative Idaho we need to be asking ourselves how can we fix the problem? To me the answer is clear: we need better representation in St. Paul. We need more than 2 voices scream at each other producing zero results. We need a Minnesota legislature that works for you not special interest or lobbyist groups.

While I can guarantee the DFL will never let this bill see the light of day - just like my PPP loan forgiveness and SAPA - I hope this starts to help show how real the divide is.  Here is a link to a poster that hangs in the New House Republican office. Does this look like One Minnesota to you? Just because you say something doesn’t make it ture. 

VAx

This morning Governor Walz held a press conference to announce his expansion of vaccine eligibility expansion. This new expansion means that anyone over the age of 16 is eligible to receive a vaccine starting Tuesday March 30th. This comes after the Federal Government has drastically increased the number of vaccines the state is receiving, and as we have already vaccinated 80% of those 65 and older. Below are some tools that you can use to help find vaccines closest to you. The Star Tribune has an article HERE on how to get your vaccine. 

  • Sign up for the COVID-19 Vaccine Connector to get updates on vaccine opportunities and to be entered into the random selection process for the state's Community Vaccination Program sites.
  • Search for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment near you by using the CDC’s Vaccine Finder.
  • Use the Vaccine Locator Map to find local vaccine providers in your area

Heating assistance

There is still assistance available to income-eligible households (both owners and renters) for home heating bills and furnace repairs. The State's Energy Assistance Program can help by providing financial assistance, such as:

  •       Pay past due energy bills to avoid disconnection
  •       Purchase fuel for delivery in emergencies
  •       Repair or replace homeowners' malfunctioning furnaces.

The application period is open until May 31 this year, and you can find more information and links to apply at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website

Contact

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me or my office. We are still attempting to provide regular contact remotely so if you have other needs, please email my Legislative Assistant, Grayson, at Grayson.mcnew@house.mn.

Watch the Minnesota House on Public TV

Video: Streaming Website. Also you can watch committees and Floor Sessions on YouTube.