Dear Neighbor,
The Legislature is back at work for the 2015 session after the 89th Legislature was sworn into office today at the Capitol.
It is good to be back in St. Paul so we can begin working on important legislation, especially setting a new two-year budget. As I mentioned in a recent letter, I again am chairing the House Higher Education Policy& Finance Committee.
I will send periodic updates throughout the session to keep you up to speed and to pass along my thoughts on the issues. A number of links are available to help you follow along other ways. Here are some I hope you find helpful:
Minnesota House of Representatives
( http://www.house.mn/)
-Information about the legislative process and the Minnesota House of Representatives in general.
Session Daily
( http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/sdaily.aspx)
-A nonpartisan publication of Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services which provides hard news from the Capitol.
New laws
( http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/newlaws/newlawsmain.asp)
-Compiled by the Minnesota House of Representatives Public Information Services.
TV coverage
( http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/htv/htv.asp)
-Coverage is broadcast statewide – along with Minnesota Senate television coverage – on your local PBS station’s digital Minnesota Channel.
Your Legislators TV program
( http://www.pioneer.org/about-your-legislators.html)
-Your Legislators is a live one-hour program which runs 8 p.m. Thursdays on public TV. The weekly panels typically include a mix of two Republicans and two Democrats joining moderator Barry Anderson. Viewers are able to submit questions during the show. The link above provides more information, including channel listings.
Streaming video
( http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/htv/schedule.asp)
-Live Internet video streaming of all television productions, plus additional coverage not provided on the broadcast channel, including evening, weekend and interim coverage.
How a bill moves to law
( http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hinfo/leginfo/How_a_bill.pdf)
-A 16-page booklet explaining, in a simple, straightforward manner, how a bill moves from an idea to law. Capitol Steps is intended as a resource for junior high school students.
Please stay in touch and provide me with input on the issues throughout the session.
Please stay in touch as we make our way through the session. My new office number is 471 in the State Office Building. If you plan to visit the Capitol, please call (651) 296-4946 and set up an appointment to meet with me to discuss any of the issues.
Sincerely,
Bud