Neighbors, Long nights on the Floor continue as we debate policy and budget packages to improve the lives of Minnesotans. This week, we passed the conference committee report on the Elections package. The bill includes provisions increasing local government funding to support election administration and infrastructure and improving clarity on local election spending and builds upon last year’s historic progress in election security and safety. Minnesotans deserve to know their elections are safe and secure. By increasing both physical and cyber security of our local elections, Minnesotans can have confidence in their polling places. This package will also provide some needed clarity on who is spending to influence local elections. Local elections have some of the biggest direct impacts on our communities, and those offices should not be excluded from financial responsibility and accountability when it comes to campaign spending. Unfortunately, some of the discussion on the Elections package was sidelined and overrun by classist and racially charged comments from the other side of the aisle. I refuse to tolerate comments that excuse the disenfranchisement of Minnesotans, including our veterans. Watch my response to these comments on the House Floor below. WATCH MY FLOOR COMMENTS We must adjourn no later than Monday, May 20th, and we’ve got a lot of work to do between now and then. I’m excited to get to share all of our work with you once we wrap up! |