Town Hall Meeting
Next week I am hosting a town hall event! I hope all of you will be able to make it. I am eager to answer all your questions. If you want to know about the activities going on here at the Minnesota Legislature, then I encourage you to join.
To participate in the town hall meeting, go to my Facebook page or join via Zoom. The Zoom information is below. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm on Monday, February 22nd. I look forward to seeing you there!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81050972370
Meeting ID: 810 5097 2370
Dial by your location:
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ksFVawnbN
HF 445 Debate
Yesterday, the Minnesota House of Representatives debated and voted on HF 445. I have discussed this bill before in my legislative updates. This bill would create a special fund that would allow the Governor to send local law enforcement officers across the state to address extraordinary public safety events.
I strongly oppose HF 445, and I voted against it. In my view, this bill amounts to nothing more than militarization of the police. Moreover, the bill gives additional power to the Governor. Police departments are supposed to serve the communities within their own jurisdiction. Giving Governor Walz the power to send police officers on missions across the state is wrong.
Ultimately, HF 445 failed to gain enough votes and was not passed last night. However, the Democrats may bring this bill back later in session for reconsideration. For my full remarks regarding HF 445, please see the below video.
Minnesota Court of Appeals
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Court of Appeals heard arguments in a lawsuit that seeks to end the Governor’s peacetime emergency powers. I am a part of this lawsuit seeking to bring an end to the emergency powers that Governor Walz has used.
In listening to the arguments, I was disappointed by what I heard. During the hearing, one of the judges suggested that the Minnesota Legislature could not end the peacetime emergency without the approval of Governor Walz. In essence, this would mean that Governor Walz could veto any attempt to stop his unilateral control of Minnesota. I was shocked and alarmed by this judge’s statement.
A ruling in this case is not expected for several weeks. While I hope for the best, I am concerned that the ruling will only validate the unconscionable way in which Governor Walz has used the powers of his office.
Governor Walz has had total authority for nearly a year. We are not a monarchy. We should not let one person have total control. Governor Walz keeps insisting that he needs to maintain his emergency powers. He can say that all he wants, but Governor Walz’s actions show that he has absolutely no regard for the Minnesota Constitution.
Contact:
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my office. My email address is Rep.Tim.Miller@house.mn. Additionally, please reach out to my Legislative Assistant, Luke, with any questions. Luke’s email is Luke.Sprinkel@house.mn. Emailing is the fastest way to get in contact with me. Contact me anytime with questions or concerns.
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