Dear Neighbors,
The Legislature is now focused on negotiating differences between the House and Senate in conference committees on specific budget areas.
As this is taking place, leadership from both legislative bodies and Governor Walz meet to discuss the big picture structural framework that will in turn help conference committees finish their work. To promote transparency, Governor Walz and legislative leaders created several self-imposed deadlines for May, leading up to our constitutional adjournment on May 20.
The first of these self-imposed deadlines was on May 1, when each legislative body was supposed to complete their respective budget proposals. I’m proud to say the House met this goal early.
As negotiations continue, I’ve been monitoring House/Senate conference committees to ensure strong House proposals are being considered for inclusion to the final budget. You can read more about the differences in a recent Pioneer Press analysis. |
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| Observing the Health and Human Services Conference Committee with colleagues Reps. Alice Mann and Ruth Richardson. |
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Ending Elder Abuse
Today the Minnesota House passed the Elder and Vulnerable Adults Protection Act, which takes meaningful action to protect our cherished seniors. Many of the proposals in the legislation emerged last year from an Elder Abuse Consumer Workgroup convened by AARP Minnesota, and were crafted with the assistance of organizations such as Elder Voice Family Advocates and Legal Aid. These proposals include licensure of assisted living facilities, the ability for a resident to have a camera in their living space, a prohibition on deceptive marketing practices, and clarification of the rights of residents and their families.
Constituent Spotlight
| I recently had the opportunity to recognize Vietnam veteran David Drealan of Chanhassen with an act of kindness House Resolution. He donated his recently deceased son's car to a soldier who was experiencing hard times after returning home from his deployment to Iraq. Asking nothing in return, and in spite of his terrible grief, Mr. Drealan performed act of kindness for a fellow soldier in need. It was my honor to present Mr. Drealan with this award. Several veterans and community leaders joined us for the presentation. Pictured here are David Hemze, Bob Ayotte, David Drealan and Lance Becherer. |
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Keep in Touch
Please always feel free to contact me any time with questions or input. I appreciate hearing from you!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely,
Kelly |
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