Dear neighbors,
Over the past two years, I have been proud and honored to serve as your voice at the State Capitol.
With DFL majorities in each legislative chamber and a Democratic Governor for the first time in over twenty years, I am hopeful that we can take meaningful action to strengthen our communities and improve the lives of middle class, working class, and low-income Minnesotans.
The 2013-2014 legislative session is now one month old. I want to give you a brief recap of what’s happened so far.
LEGISLATION:
This week the Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously passed its first bill of the legislative session–a bill to reduce taxes for Minnesota families.
The bill conforms Minnesota’s tax system to changes passed in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012. As a result, an estimated 200,000 Minnesotans, including teachers, students, homeowners and seniors, will be able to file their state taxes with more convenience and with a greater tax benefit.
I am also the chief author of four bills currently making their way through their respective legislative committees.
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HF107 increases the amount of absent days for a child receiving child care assistance for which a child care provider may be reimbursed. The current cap is set at 10 days in a fiscal year, but my bill would increase that amount to 25 days.
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HF310 creates a Cultural and Ethnic Community Leadership Council designed to advise the Department of Human Services on strategies for reducing racial and ethnic health disparities.
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HF102 places limits on how much the assessed value of property can rise along the Central Corridor.
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HF415 clarifies an exception to the transfer prohibition for medical assistance. It focuses on the transfer of assets for people who have been institutionalized.
You can learn more about these pieces of legislation by visiting my website at www.house.mn/65A.
GOVERNOR DAYTON’S BUDGET AND TAX REFORM PROPOSALS:
On January 22, Governor Mark Dayton released his budget and tax proposals for the next biennium. I believe the Governor’s proposals are a good starting point in what will be a robust conversation about how to put our state on sound fiscal footing.
Unlike budgets of the past that have relied on short-term fixes and gimmicks, the Governor uses a fresh approach by combining both cuts and new revenue—an approach that will not balance the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable communities.
I am pleased that the Governor’s proposal makes substantial investments in our children’s education. Making sure our young people can obtain the skills and tools they need to succeed is one of my top priorities.
Over the coming days and weeks, I will examine Governor Dayton’s plan more closely. Please be sure to send me your thoughts and feedback as well.
GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION:
Last week, the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee held hearings on legislation to prevent gun violence. The alarming increase of mass shootings over the past year is an issue that should concern us all.
No parent should ever be in a position where they drop their child off at school and cannot be assured of their safety. I am hopeful that legislators can work together and pass common sense measures to reduce gun violence and enhance public safety.
EQUALITY FOR ALL:
I was proud to receive an A+ rating on the Organizing Apprenticeship Project’s 2012 racial justice legislative scorecard. The group rated state legislators based on their votes on a variety of legislation, such as foreclosure prevention, job creation initiatives, health care access, educational opportunities, and the voter ID constitutional amendment.
I also joined my colleague Rep. Raymond Dehn on Monday, February 4 to introduce a resolution honoring Rosa Parks on the 100th anniversary of her birthday. Over fifty years ago, Ms. Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus sparked a boycott that became one of the largest and most successful movements against racial segregation in our nation’s history. I was proud to honor her legacy and renew my commitment to protecting our nation’s promise of liberty and justice for all.
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
I’m excited to invite you and your neighbors to my first town hall meeting of the new legislative session. It’s taking place on Saturday, March 2 from 10:00am – 12:00pm at Saint Paul College (room 4310), located at 235 Marshal Avenue in St. Paul.
I’ll be joined by State Senator Sandy Pappas and State Rep. Carlos Mariani. We’re looking forward to taking your questions and learning more about the issues that you care about most. If you need more information, please contact Michael Mollner at (651) 296-5489.
Starting on March 4th, I’ll be hosting regular “community chats” every Monday and Friday from 8:00-9:00am at Golden Thyme Cafe, located at 921 Selby Avenue in St. Paul.
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As the legislative session continues, please send me your ideas and feedback for how our state can create jobs, balance the budget, and build stronger communities. You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-5158, by email at rep.rena.moran@house.mn, or by postal mail at 413 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Together we are stronger!
Sincerely,
Rena Moran
State Representative, District 65A