Dear Friends:
This is the last week of the legislative session before next week’s break. The second deadline for legislative committees to pass bills is today (Thursday). In addition to the updates and chances to connect below, I am posting regularly at my Facebook page; please subscribe to it.
Chat with Dave - Saturday, April 7
A reminder about the Chat with Dave coming up on Saturday, April 7, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm in the Highland Park Library (1974 Ford Parkway). This is an informal conversation about the legislative session and policy priorities for you and your family.
Constituent Luncheon (& More) - April 16
My annual constituent luncheon with Senator Cohen and Representative Murphy is coming up on Monday, April 16, from 12:30pm to 2:00pm (note the later time) in the State Capitol L’Etoile du Nord Vault (in the basement of the Capitol).
Box lunches (pastrami, corned beef, turkey, or veggie) and a beverage may be ordered before April 9 at the cost of $11.00 (by cash or check to Cohen Volunteer Committee), or you may bring your own. Space is limited, so RSVP as soon as possible. To do so (and to order your lunch), contact Senator Cohen’s office at 651-296-5931 or nicole.kaplan@senate.mn. Hope to see you then!
Please note that that morning (April 16) will also be the next Prenatal to Three Policy Forum, at the University of St. Thomas. These quarterly events feature 200+ advocates, policymakers, and community members working to build an agenda for early-childhood policy in Minnesota. Click here for more information.
Building Momentum at the March for Our Lives
The momentum to do something about gun violence this year was on full display Saturday, as 20,000 students and others marched from Harriet Island to the Capitol to protest and demand policy change. I was one of the featured speakers - click here or below to watch my rally speech. More and more voices, including Senate Minority Leader Tom Bakk and the Mankato Free Press are urging the Republican majority to take action.
State Contracts Passed, Pension Updates Remain
I’m glad to report that, after a very long delay, contracts were finally ratified for 30,000 state workers on Monday and sent to the Governor for signature. These contracts were negotiated and approved last year but held up by partisan politics. No family should ever have their livelihood threatened in such a way. Now we’re finally doing right by the people who plow our roads, keep our water clean, monitor health emergencies, and respond when our state is in crisis.
In related news, on Monday the Senate passed legislation to strengthen the long-term viability of state pension plans. Now it’s time for the House to follow suit. Those who have worked hard for a secure retirement deserve to have that retirement protected.
Members from Smoke Free Generation joined me in my office last week to discuss their goal of raising the age to buy tobacco products to 21 years and other issues.
Thank you for the honor of serving our community,
Dave Pinto
State Representative, District 64B
321 State Office Building
(651) 296-4199
www.house.leg.state.mn.us/64b
facebook.com/repdavepinto
Sign up for legislative updates: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/join.asp?id=15444