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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL)

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Legislative update - January 25, 2019

Friday, January 25, 2019

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Dear neighbors,

I want to thank you for putting your trust in me to represent you at the Capitol and giving me the opportunity to work with you this legislative session. Since being sworn in on January 8th, I’ve been honored to meet with some of you, attend my first committee hearings, and work on legislation to build a stronger community and a stronger Minnesota.

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Meeting You Where You Are

It was an honor to meet with you at our first listening session with Senator Klein and Representative Hansen and hear abut your concerns regarding this legislative session. We look forward to having our next listening session the afternoon of Sunday, March 10 and will keep you updated on the location and time. 

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I started out with my work in public policy working on behalf of veterans experiencing homelessness, so it was a special honor to welcome an American hero, Sgt. Bruns, and her daughter to our community during my first week in office. Sgt. Bruns was selected to receive a mortgage-free home from the Freedom Alliance in partnership with U.S. Bank. Sgt. Bruns served in Afghanistan and suffers from chronic and debilitating pain. She chose our community for her home and it was honor to be there to thank her for her service and welcome her and her daughter to their new home.

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I had a great time visiting Living Well Disability Services group home in Inver Grove Heights to get to know community members and hear directly from families and staff about issues they are experiencing, and I look forward to working with them going forward.

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Committee Meetings and Hearings

I am excited to be serving on the Commerce, the Transportation Finance and Policy, and the Education Finance committees. I participated in my first committee hearing in the Transportation Committee and was able to hear testimony related to HF50. The hands-free cellphone bill is designed to prevent a dangerous form of distracted driving and save lives. The hearing was very emotional as families shared stories of losing loved ones. The bill has bipartisan support and will be an important one to watch as session progresses.

You can sign up for the committee listserv to get updates on future meetings and agendas: https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/ committees

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Legislation

I joined other DFL members of the House in a press conference to unveil the Minnesota Values Agenda, which comprises the first 10 bills we are introducing this session. I’m proud to have chief-authored one of the bills in the agenda, which is a measure to prevent senseless gun violence in our communities. The bill, H.F. 9, will help keep our communities safe by enabling law enforcement and family members to petition a court to prevent people who present a danger to themselves or others from possessing a gun.

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You can find more information on the Minnesota Values Agenda here: https://www.twincities.com/2019/01/09/house-dflers-detail-session- focus-want-gop-to-be-constructive-partners/.

I have also co-authored legislation which would let Minnesotans take time to care for their loved ones without putting their economic security at risk, by providing paid family leave and earned sick and safe time for all families.

I am looking forward to introducing my first bill in committee next week. On Tuesday, January 29 I will present to the Tax Committee in support of HF279 for the Inver Grove Heights Fire Station sales tax exemption in Room 5 of the State Office Building at 8:00 am.



Staying In Contact

 

Your voice matters. If you would like to discuss any legislative issue, don’t hesitate to email (rep.ruth.richardson@house.mn) or call (651- 296-4192). You can also stop by our office in room 403 of the State Office Building.

Sincerely,

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