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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Rena Moran (DFL)

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Legislative Update - May 4, 2018

Friday, May 4, 2018

Dear Neighbors, 

I hope you have opportunities to enjoy beautiful spring weather this weekend. While a lot of my time is going to be spent at the Capitol until we adjourn on May 21st, there are many great ways to get out and get active in our community. 

Two Weeks Left

The Minnesota Legislature must adjourn by Monday, May 21st. That leaves us a little more than two weeks to finish our work. This week the House continued the work of passing budget bills including measures related to taxes, health and human services, transportation, public safety, jobs, agriculture and the environment. I voted no on many of the bills that came before us this week, because my number one priority is to make sure the values of the people in our community are put first. Unfortunately, a lot of what the Republican leadership put before us this week didn’t do that.  

I’m committed to improving opportunities for all Minnesotans, but Republicans in the Legislature have chosen to prioritize tax cuts for corporations over all of our other responsibilities to the public. We should be focusing on shoring up our state’s pensions, passing a robust jobs bill, expanding educational opportunities, making college more affordable, and ensuring seniors are secure in their retirement.  

Governor Dayton Calls for Education Funding

Right now, at least 26 school districts in the metropolitan area and 33 school districts in Greater Minnesota are facing immediate budget deficits that could result in hundreds of teachers and support staff being laid off, along with significant cuts to school programs in the coming year.  

As a result, Governor Dayton has called for $138 million in one-time, emergency funding to increase resources for every Minnesota school district by $126 per student, or a 2% per-pupil increase. In St. Paul alone, that would mean $6.5 million for 36,000 students in the 2018-2019 budget year to prevent staff layoffs and overcrowded classrooms. 

I strongly support these needed funds. Every child in our community deserves a world-class education, but we cannot deliver on that promise without adequate resources. 

Republican Tax Bill Passes

On Monday, the House passed the Republican’s supplemental tax bill HF 4385. The House tax bill is a response to the federal tax bill, which will raise taxes on many Minnesotans. It’s unfortunate that House Republicans chose to follow the lead of Republicans in Washington D. C. and prioritize tax cuts for corporations over Minnesota’s hard working families and seniors. 

Minnesotans want to see one another succeed, but at every turn, Republicans prioritize corporations and the wealthy instead of most Minnesotans. I rose to speak about how this bill won’t help everyday working Minnesotans in our community. You can watch that speech here.

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Republican Public Safety Bill Does Nothing on Guns, Punishes Protesters 

Earlier this week the House passed the Omnibus Public Safety Bill. Again, I voted no. The bill did nothing to advance common sense measures to prevent gun violence. Minnesotans are demanding criminal background checks and gun violence protective orders. Minnesotans expect us to deliver on common-sense gun safety measures that will make our families, communities, and Minnesota safer. So far, Republicans in charge of the Legislature have blocked progress. 

The bill also included increased penalties for Minnesotans who are exercising their first amendment right to protest. I joined my colleagues in the POCI caucus to speak out against this action that seeks to silence our voices when we try to speak out against the injustices we see every day. You can watch my remarks on the floor here.

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Omnibus Supplemental Budget Bills

Last night and earlier this week, the House is passed the rest of the supplemental budget bills including measures related to health and human services, transportation, jobs, agriculture and the environment.  

All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to be safe, healthy, and successful, but these bills don’t make the investments necessary to make those things happen. At every turn, Republicans put corporations ahead of working people and divide and distract Minnesotans instead of prioritizing an agenda to build a better future for everyone.

These omnibus bills are the latest examples of the Republicans misplaced priorities that don’t represent Minnesota values. At one point last night, I offered an amendment that would have provided greater pay equity for women of color, and made it illegal for new employers to ask how much you were making at your previous job before negotiating a salary. Regrettably, Republicans voted down my amendments. 

Session Daily: House passes four-part omnibus supplemental finance bill

Session Daily: House passes combined health and transportation omnibus bills 

Thanks to my Session Intern

We get excellent young people at the Capitol who want to learn and help make government work better for everyone. I’m always trying to create openings and opportunities for women of color and for those who don’t always have a voice here at the Capitol. This week I honored Inderia Falana on the House Floor. Inderia is a talented and determined young woman who has interned with my office this session. She is currently a junior at Hamline University studying Public Health Science, Political Science, and Philosophy. She has a bright future ahead of her, and I greatly appreciate her willingness to get involved and learn more about the legislative process.

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Keep in Touch

Please contact me during the legislative session on the matters that are important to you and your family. I can be reached at 651-296-5158 or Rep.Rena.Moran@house.mn

Together, we are stronger! 

Sincerely, 

Rena Moran

Deputy Minority Leader

State Representative – District 65A