This article was originally posted on 07-02-2019

Legislative Update - July 2, 2019


 Town Hall Meeting - July 8, 2019
Please join Sen. Jim Carlson and me on Monday, July 8 for a town hall meeting! Sen. Carlson and I will talk about what happened during the 2019 legislative session, answer questions, and discuss what's next with fellow community members. We hope to see you there.

When: Monday, July 8 from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Where: Large Meeting Room – Lower Level, Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan, MN 55123

4th of July Funfest
The annual 4th of July Funfest will take place in Eagan on July 3 and 4. There will be activities for people of all ages, including a carnival, live music, and fireworks. My favorite tradition, the 4th of July parade, will begin at 10am on Thursday morning. A map of the parade route and parking suggestions are available here. Learn more at www.eaganfunfest.org.

New Laws Taking Effect July 1
The two-year state budget that we approved this session went into effect yesterday, along with several new laws. Here are a few of the laws that are now in effect:

• The E-12 education budget invests in Minnesota schools and children of all ages. Over the next two years, the total increase in funding will be $7,533,842 for ISD 191, $15,599,306 for ISD 196, and $3,186,472 for ISD 197.



• Funding for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities will help create new opportunities for past, present, and future students. The higher education budget also increases benefits for students who are currently enrolled in the state grant program and expands eligibility for the program.



• The opioid crisis response bill holds pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in creating and profiting from the opioid epidemic. Drug manufacturers and distributors will pay higher fees, and the revenue will go towards prevention, treatment, and helping communities keep up with soaring public safety costs.



• The strongest wage theft prevention and enforcement law in the country will ensure that all Minnesotans receive an hour's pay for an hour's work.



• Eliminating the marital rape exception, a law that shielded people from being prosecuted for criminal sexual assault if they were married to their victim, will help support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.



• The Legacy Amendment plan makes strong investments in the outdoors and the arts across Minnesota. It maintains and improves parks, trails, and public lands; restores water quality; preserves our state's history and cultural heritage; and expands arts access and education.



• Improvements to Minnesota's cybersecurity and election security are included in the state government budget.

Child Abuse and Neglect at the Southern Border
The atrocious treatment of children that' taking place in our country should concern us all. Last Friday, my House DFL colleagues held a public informational hearing on the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. Community members, immigration attorneys, and legal experts provided information about how the Trump Administration's policies are impacting people at the border, here in Minnesota, and across the nation. An audio recording of the meeting is available here.

The Pioneer Press published an article about the public meeting. You can read it here.

Financial Assistance for Teachers
If you're a teacher or know someone who is, I encourage you to check out the Minnesota Teacher Shortage Student Loan Repayment Program. This program provides student loan repayment assistance to teachers who work in Minnesota communities with teacher shortages. They're accepting applications now through July 15. More information is available here.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.

Sincerely,

Sandra Masin
State Representative
 

You can help!

Put a SIGN in your yard!