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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Liz Olson (DFL)

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Rep. Olson: the Capitol to the Community - 3.7.2019

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Dear Neighbors,
 
Tuesday was UMD Day at the Capitol. Investments in higher education are investments in our future, and UMD is a phenomenal asset for our region, developing our next generation of leaders. Go Bulldogs!

Pride

The Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) is a critical part of our social safety net for low-income families, delivering both cash and food assistance while they work to move out of poverty. The amount families can receive under this program has been frozen since 1986; this is unacceptable. Yesterday, the Health and Human Services Finance Committee considered several bills to increase this amount, and I’m proud of these constituents from Duluth for coming to the Capitol to advocate for the increase.

In his budget proposal, Governor Walz has included a $100 per month per household increase for MFIP. I’m hopeful we can make this progress to help all Minnesota families get ahead.

Excitement

Our House DFL Majority has been taking some new approaches to engage with Minnesotans. As House Majority Whip, I’m particularly excited to be involved with one of them. The Minnesota Values Podcast, of which I’m a co-host with Rep. Jamie Long of Minneapolis, explores many of the bills and issues Minnesotans care about with behind the scenes conversations with legislators. 

You can find the podcast on iTunesSoundcloud, and Stitcher.

Access

I greatly value the opportunity to discuss important issues with community members, and I know my Duluth legislative colleagues, Rep. Jennifer Schultz and Sen. Erik Simonson, share this with me and are committed to being accessible. We hope you’ll attend a Town Hall Meeting we’re hosting on Saturday, April 6 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at NorShor Theatre (211 E Superior St, Duluth). Afterward, you’re invited to a Happy Hour from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. down the street at the Zeitgeist Café (222 E Superior St, Duluth), where there will be snacks and a cash bar. Everyone is welcome, and we hope you can join us.

 

Please continue to contact me with your viewpoints and ideas. I’m honored to represent you at the State Capitol.
 
Sincerely,
 
Liz Olson
State Representative