Hello from the Capitol,
Conference Committees are wrapping up and the discrepancies between the House and Senate budget proposals have been reconciled. Unfortunately, the Governor still does not want to get serious in negotiating a final budget deal. I want all of you to know that the House has been ahead of schedule in getting our work done and met every deadline the Governor has asked for. We now have two weeks left in session and I sincerely hope we see a full faith effort to negotiate from the Governor’s office.
Make it OK Campaign: May is Mental Health Awareness Month:
Each year, nearly 1 in every 5 people, (43.8 million Americans), have a diagnosable mental health condition. The House committees on health and human services and education heard many proposals to help address mental health issues, including provider shortages, suicide prevention hotlines, in-school supports, and mental health bed shortages. I’ll provide an update at the end of session on the specific provisions that get signed into law addressing this important issue.
In the meantime, I want to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month and a campaign called "Make It OK," which is designed to:
- encourage people to talk more openly about mental illnesses
- ask for help
- reduce the stigma of mental illnesses
Join Goodhue County's Make It OK campaign on May 23rd for a FREE family-friendly movie night at the Sheldon Theater! Doors open and dinner is served at 5:30 PM. A brief introduction to Make It OK will begin at 6:15 PM and the movie will start at 6:30 PM. The movie will be followed by resource tables with information surrounding mental health and mental illnesses. This event is free and open to the public.
Community Recognition:
Senator Goggin and I attended a military ceremony on Tuesday at the Cannon Fall Veterans Memorial honoring Cannon Falls native and Army Captain, Jesse Johnson. Johnson was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. I was honored to attend this ceremony and meet Lieutenant Colonel Johnson and his family.
Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel Johnson for your service to our community and nation!
National Day of Prayer:
Thursday, May 4th, was the National Day of Prayer; the State of Minnesota recognizes this day as well. You may not know that each time the House of Representatives gavels in for session, we begin with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Staying InTouch:
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding anything related to state government, please do not hesitate to contact me at rep.barb.haley@house.mn or 651-296-8635.
I appreciate your comments and concerns as it helps me be a better representative.
Sincerely,
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