Dear Neighbors,
We have reached our 10th week of the legislative session and our first deadline for bills to be heard in committee is on Friday. In addition to the bills I’ve introduced this session, five have been granted hearings. I’ve also just been notified that another bill of mine which provides funding to combat aquatic invasive species will be heard next week in the Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Finance Committee.
Here is an update from St. Paul:
Town Hall Reminder
As a friendly reminder, Senator Laine and I will be hosting our Town Hall Listening Session this Saturday, March 11 from 10:30 a.m.-noon. I’ve attached a flyer with all the details. I look forward to gaining your input on what’s important to you.
Budget Forecast
Last week, Minnesota Management and Budget announced a forecasted budget surplus of $1.65 billion. The February Economic Forecast revealed that Minnesota continues to have low unemployment and a stable budget.
While Minnesota's economy is performing well, we need to continue to look for ways to improve. This surplus is an opportunity to reinvest in every Minnesotan in all corners of the state - through strong public schools, affordable college and job training, and access to good jobs and good benefits like paid leave and earned sick time.
For too long we have neglected our roads, bridges, and transit system including safe biking and walking facilities. It has been three years since the legislature passed a robust bonding bill to invest in our infrastructure. It is time to push politics aside and put the needs of Minnesotans first.
To stay competitive, it's vital we reinvest in our priorities. I'm ready to continue working with Governor Dayton and my legislative colleagues to build a shared vision of economic prosperity for all Minnesotans.
Preemption in Committee
On Thursday last week, the Minnesota House passed HF 600 which would preempt local governments from setting workplace policies. The bill is the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s top priority.
If enacted, it would prevent local communities from setting pro-worker policies such as earned sick leave, paid family leave, fair scheduling, and a higher minimum wage. The bill would also roll back earned sick time for 150,000 Minnesotans, and prevent future wage and benefit increases in communities across the state.
Committee hearings on HF 600 drew strong criticism from a broad variety of Minnesotans including nurses, faith leaders, labor members, city officials, neighborhood groups, and workers. Governor Dayton has said he will veto the legislation. The bill passed 76-53.
Grand Opening Essay Contest
Minnesota students are invited to participate in a statewide “My Minnesota Capitol” essay contest, as a part of the post Capitol restoration festivities to take place this summer. One student from each age group (elementary, middle and high school) will be selected to read their essay as part of the ribbon cutting ceremony the weekend of the Grand Opening (August 11-13, 2017), and will also be awarded $1000 for a college savings plan. You can find more details here.
Please feel free to contact me with your comments, ideas and any way in which I can help you on state matters at 651-296-5510 or at rep.connie.bernardy@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative