@TheRickWilson
Is there any talk that "The voters will slaughter us if we DO pass this bill?" (since it so clearly only benefits big corps/wealthiest, significantly costs middle/working class and escalates the deficit)
@ShelbyKentStewa
@TheRickWilson
Agreed. As a state senator in Minnesota, I don't have a vote. But I do use my platform to call attention to the realities of this bill.
🎯❤️💪
@JoyceWhiteVance
! “Decorum is the new shorthand for telling people to stay in their place and drink from the watercooler marked for people like them.”
This is why I highly recommend her substack:
Why are people so afraid of trans people? Hiding behind "decorum" rules like Tennessee did when it expelled 2 Black legislators. There are 1st Amendment issues here & caselaw from the 1960's when Georgia refused to seat Julian Bond because he objected to the Vietnam war.
Love watching
@LakeSuperior
from this perspective, seeing the way the surface constantly changes. Calm today, but with this river wandering through… 💙
What's the Minnesota Nice version of being really uncomfortable with Mayor Pete dissing our own Walter Mondale? Minnesota Twitter is seriously unhappy about it!
Sadness is precious. Don't reject it as something you didn't need it. Sadness helped you in many ways, such as seeing humanity, relating with others, gaining new perspectives, and, most importantly, empowering you to find your inner joy & strength. From my cabin, I'm sending joy.
By all means. Make sure my Woodbury neighbors know I think statues celebrating Confederate soldiers - who fought the US, incl brave Minnesotans - should come down. Most will agree.
PS. My ancestors fought on the wrong side of history & are on those statues.
#BringThemDown
You & the
@MinnesotaDFL
blocked almost $1 billion in relief for our cities & counties because we aren’t willing to dismantle our police departments.
@MaryStephensMN
will be a true representative of the Woodbury area!
Sen
@paulgazelka
, none of the reforms proposed by
#mnleg
DFLers in either body would “defund or dismantle” police depts, and you know it. We discussed it on the floor that final morning of special session. To continue portraying otherwise is dishonest. Negotiate in good faith.
@esmemurphy
@WCCO
The Senate GOP supports police reforms like banning choke holds and de-escalation training. However, we won’t support any DFL “reforms” that defund or dismantle the police.
A beautiful way to end this day, as I finish packing up my office. No words for how profoundly honored and grateful I am for the privilege of the last 10 years. And the amazing people. ❤️
#mnleg
Thank you
@ASlavitt
&
@somuchweirdness
for the support! The
@SenateDFL
is committed to accessible & affordable health care — including medications — for Minnesotans. This is horrifying.
Help
#FlipMNSenate
& we’ll fight for people, not Pharma!
We are horrified. The MN GOP, who took $750k from insulin companies, sold ppl with diabetes & all Minnesotans down the river.
So through July 4,
@somuchweirdness
and I will match EVERY DONATION to the Senate DFL (link here) if you post a receipt below.
@jkcarnah
Do you ever do research or do you just blindly parrot back every lie your President tells you? Here's the video from every night of the DNC convention where we recited the pledge. Clearly we did not omit the word God from the Pledge of Allegiance.
@DemStateParties
I'll add that yes, the lack of transparency by the Senate GOP is alarming. But after trying to work on safety measures with them for the past 9 months -- to protect staff, members and the communities we come home to -- it is sadly not surprising.
@leighfinke
I'm so sorry, Rep.
@leighfinke
. It's unconscionable that media stoke fear and hate for profit, and put real people in this scary & dangerous place in doing so.
So many of us see your dedication and care and we're grateful and standing with you. 💗
Agreed. And having worked with both of you, that's why
@GovTimWalz
has my 💯 support. I've seen up close how much he cares about the people of Minnesota through historic challenges, and how dedicated he is to a strong, bright future for all.
“They were careless people... they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
BIG NEWS: I’ve just been endorsed by
@JoeBiden
in my bid for re-election to the MN senate in District 53! He & I share many values, including expanding health care access and criminal justice reform. I could not be more thrilled to receive his support!
@DLCC
#DFL
#VoteBlue
For anyone keeping track. So far in the MN Senate...
➡️9 conference committees have been appointed
➡️45 conferees total (5 per cc)
➡️5 of 45 conferees are women (11%)
➡️1 of 45 is a person of color (2%)
This doesn't serve Minnesotans well.
#mnleg
This has been a tough time for our family. Chris' sister Linda died unexpectedly on Saturday. She was the glue in our family, the caregiver who taught me much about being a mom. I'll always remember her laughing and loving. But right now it's pretty sad. Hug your loved ones. 💔
I'm pleased to welcome John Pollard as Chief of Staff for the
@SenateDFL
. John brings extensive experience in the
#mnleg
&
@MMBCommunicates
and will be a tremendous asset in supporting members & staff as we do our work for the people of Minnesota.
Tremendous credit and then some to Speaker
@melissahortman
. Let's pass it in the Senate tomorrow and put Minnesotans to work on these important local projects across our state!
#mnleg
Oh my. The MN House DFL needed six GOP votes to get 60 percent vote on bonding etc. bill. They got 25 (by my count). Bill passes 100-34 and heads to Senate tomorrow.
Sen.
@KarinHousley
, you & the rest of the Senate Republicans decided you wanted to go home Friday night, whether or not the work was done.
@SenateDFL
is ready to get back to work right away to finish the job. When can we expect you?
Stop the divisive fear-mongering! So many parents and adorable kids all over our Woodbury neighborhood -- more than usual -- enjoying the great weather. My only worry? Running out of candy! 🧡🐈⬛👻🎃
It’s a sad day in Minnesota when I hear from countless parents who are too concerned for their children’s safety to let them go trick-or-treating in their own neighborhoods. We are losing the state we know and love. That all changes next Tuesday.
Dear
@StarTribune
—
I live in Woodbury, 8th largest city in MN. We no longer have a local newspaper & have to rely on metro media. We have important local elections too in 3 school districts in our city.
PLEASE remember ALL of us need info, not just residents of Mpls/St Paul!
Early voting continues through Monday, with hours this weekend. Here's everything you need to know about the 2021 election in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
This thread from
@Sifill_LDF
about the US Postal Service was written back in May. Excellent look at the USPS — why it matters to Americans, esp in rural communities, the importance of the people who work there, and context for where we are today.
This is no way to handle serious Senate decisions affecting our state. In the middle of a pandemic and subsequent economic crisis, it is outrageous to dismiss the head of the agency overseeing employees & employers with no notice.
#mnleg
“Outrageous, travesty” DFL Minority Leader Kent says of GOP Majority Leader Gazelka and caucus who are about to vote out Labor & Industry commissioner without warning
#mnleg
@tpt
#tptalmanac
Listening to
@POTUS
Biden honoring heroes from January 6. I will be forever horrified that Capitol & Metro police were attacked by the insurrectionists who violently struck them with **our American flag.**
Unconscionable. Bless them all. 🇺🇸💔🙏
We celebrated a big milestone today: 5 years cancer free! Grateful for love & support from Chris, Andrew, family & friends, incl
@ACSCANMN
. And GET YOUR SCREENINGS — as I learned, early detection means the world. ❤️❤️❤️
Sound familiar? Nancy Leppink was called "hard to work with" cuz she was a tough advocate for workers & safe workplaces. Sexist dog whistles aren't new for Senate Republicans. Stand w Cmr Leppink against sexist attacks. And
#FlipMNSenate
Take a minute and watch. Speaker Pelosi consistently showed such clarity about this election, long before it happened. People over politics. Pundits should focus on issues, not prognosticate. Proud to stand with
#Democrats
💪💙
I love her. I will never forget the video of her while the Capitol was being attacked - she is exactly the leader we thought she was. I pray after every vote is counted she is still Speaker.
It’s my great honor to receive the endorsement from
@53DFL
. I am energized to continue working hard for the people of our community and to advance our values in building a brighter future for all. Thank you!
One of Trump’s many mistakes in this is involving Minnesota at all. We still regularly talk about a blizzard that happened in 1991. We do not let shit go.
I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of former President
@BarackObama
to continue serving the people of SD53 in the Minnesota Senate. We have many challenges ahead but many opportunities to rebuild in a way that works for ALL Minnesotans. Our work continues.
I’m proud to endorse these outstanding Democratic candidates who will work to get the virus under control, rebuild the economy and the middle class, and protect Americans’ health care and preexisting conditions protections. Support these candidates––and vote early if you can.
K. A lot of people are SUPER annoyed that I turned off comments on a post and have blocked people because of my constituents. As it says in my bio, I RETIRED from elected office and don’t have any constituents. I’m a private citizen now. So y’all have a great day! ✌️👋
Delightful way to wrap up a good day... celebrating our 32nd anniversary with Chris at Angelina’s Kitchen in Woodbury. I am blessed beyond words. But apparently older than I realize?!
@soledadobrien
"She admitted that she was trying to make the new family feel unwelcome in the neighborhood, but she didn’t think she had really done anything wrong."
Words fail.
👇👇👇Lots of research cited in this piece, which makes a great case that organized labor has tremendous benefits for the overall economy, workforce and economic equality....
👇 Must-read about the state of child care in the US — one of so many systems that were barely patched together pre-pandemic and are truly breaking in its wake. It’s hurting employees, employers & our children.
Joining the vaccine celebration! My husband just got his first shot. I get mine on Monday. So very grateful to all who are making this possible!
#RollUpYourSleevesMN
💉
📢Mpls-St Paul metro one of the safest in the US, contrary to GOP fear-mongering!
Total data-geek look at where people are at greatest risk. TL;DR it's not big metros, it's more rural areas.
If you think you're risking your life by going to the big city, you really don't want to visit rural America.
@JustinFox
has dug into the death data again (via
@opinion
)
Someone emailed me after seeing this picture, but gave a fake email address, so I'll share my response in this thread. She's mad that salons are closed and appears to think
@GovTimWalz
& I have some secret way to get our hair done and complained it's not fair. 1/
Happy Birthday,
@GovTimWalz
! Glad to help celebrate you and all you give to Minnesotans every day. Hope you & your family are able to take some time for you today!
🎂🎉🎈
❇️ Half of working mothers get any paid leave when they give birth
❇️ 40+% of bankruptcies caused by missed income due to illness
This is why I carried Paid Family & Medical Leave and offered the amendment today. Good for people, business & MN!
#PaidLeaveMN
#mnleg
@DrCorence
@StephenAtHome
I'm an Episcopalian, and that is the response many of us use. While I'm taken aback that someone would mansplain The Peace on Easter Sunday, I wish you a Happy Easter.
We can
#FlipMNSenate
and focus on making sure all Minnesotans have access to quality, affordable healthcare, a great education, good jobs, clean water & air, safe & affordable housing, efficient roads & transit, and safe & just communities. 💙
#WhoCaresForUs
VP Pence actually just said that he & Trump have a plan for health care.
They really must think Americans are suckers and losers because they've been promising that for nearly five years.
Time's up.
#BidenHarris2020
#VOTE
I spoke with Melisa tonight. I was reassured by the sound of her voice and I'm so grateful it sounds like she’ll be ok. I am holding both her and Julie in my prayers. 🙏❤️
DEVELOPING: State Senator Melisa Franzen and Auditor Julie Blaha were in a car crash coming back from Farmfest; hospitalized but non-life-threatening injuries, according to multiple sources
#mnleg
.
@TinaSmithMN
demonstrating her experience and track record working for Minnesota's economy and farmers. She is already working hard for us in the US Senate!
#TinaForMN
#mnsen
@oneunderscore__
Thank you, Ben. ❤️ I was at a community gathering last night, which included a retired journalist, asking whether news media would address a number of shortcomings in recent coverage. I pray you’ve begun a real & serious assessment.
Legislators should not get the vaccine before others who need it.
Since February, I've pushed the Senate GOP majority for processes that allow us to do the people's work accountably AND safely. Too often, they act in ways that don't protect others.
Celebrating our 31st anniversary today! I sure don't feel old enough to have been married that long! 😄 On the other hand, in the best way, it feels like always. So grateful to be on this journey with Chris. Wouldn't change a thing. ❤️
If our democracy is being "tested," it's largely because Republicans are casting the entire process as inherently illegitimate in advance. Media accounts of the "test" we face that don't centralize this end up erasing GOP agency from the equation:
Two weeks ago, my wonderful husband Chris retired from 3M after almost 39 years.
This morning…
Him: I’m going to the hardware store.
Me: Why do I think this is every day of my life for the next 30 years?
🤣❤️🥂
When Senate Republicans keep saying the
#PaidLeaveMN
bill “isn’t ready.”
Me, the bill author for the 6 years prior to Sen.
@DrAliceMann
: They refused to give it a hearing 🤨🤷🏻♀️
What it’s like when you’ve been waiting nearly a decade for
#PaidLeaveMN
to pass both chambers in Congress the same session. Let’s pass this bill!
#mnleg
I've carried the Paid Family & Medical Leave bill for 6⃣ years, but Senate Republicans have blocked it. Today, they offered their plan, which creates new "insurance products." They want to support insurance companies, not people. We can do better!
#mnleg
#PaidLeaveMN
The GOP got pissed because they got punked on the Schumer-Manchin climate bill and took it out on
#Veterans
claiming the bill (they previously voted for) spent an extra $400B—which it does not. And Republicans celebrated killing the bill with fist-bumps.
Voters, your turn.
And it's official!
@GovTimWalz
signed the bonding bill into law today. Proud to have fought hard for this for months, grateful we were able to pass these important local projects and the thousands of jobs we'll create for Minnesotans!
#mnleg
Last night, the eve of a holiday weekend, Senate Republicans held a Rules hearing on an unprecedented move: hiring outside counsel to insert the Senate into a lawsuit, using funds from an extreme national organization. The Senate should not be up for sale.
#mnleg
My statement:
This whole thread about MN Senate Republicans systematically removing agency heads during a pandemic because they’re frustrated they don’t control all branches of govt. Grateful that
@GovTimWalz
is focused on protecting the health & safety of Minnesotans.
Also...
#FlipMNSenate
There is actually a very good chance of flipping the MN Senate. The GOP only has a two-seat majority, and ten GOP senators are running in districts won by our current Dem governor last election.
To those wondering why
#mnleg
doesn’t legalize cannabis. Sen.
@MelisaFranzen
offered the A55 amendment to reschedule marijuana/THC from 1 to 2. GOP doesn’t want to vote, procedural gymnastics to avoid going on the record.
#FlipMNSenate
With a couple of my fave teachers in Stillwater this morning, Josiah Hill & Gov
@Tim_Walz
. Both are dedicated to MN students & families and are working hard for our future.
@josiahhill4mn
will be an outstanding & effective voice for SD39!
#vote
#FlipMNSenate
Watching the
#mnsenate
. Grateful for
@SenateDFL
'ers fighting for people's rights over their bodily autonomy. And then I heard the senator from Glencoe deny evolution. You can't make this up.
It also regards abortion and immigration as separate, siloed issues, as if fear-mongering about both aren't two pillars of the racist Great Replacement Theory
After a recent column in
@StribOpinion
, I had a few things to say...
"Under Walz, Minnesota found a balanced response. Data-based solutions have helped us lessen many of the worst possible outcomes during this pandemic."
@GovTimWalz
#mnleg
#StaySafeMN
Today, I had the privilege of presiding over the Senate floor session. It reminds me of what a blessing it has been to serve my community in this place. ❤️
#mnleg
This is a law passed by the
#mnleg
, that I worked on for years. Still, too many school districts had policies that violated that law and would treat kids badly. Thank you, AG
@keithellison
, for making it clear those policies must change!
Lunch shaming is wrong, illegal, and we’re putting an end to it.
Students whose families are struggling to afford their lives cannot be denied a regular school lunch or offered a substandard alternate meal in place of a regular lunch.
Me & Dad when I was in college, winter 83-84. Today is two years since he took his last breath. Dad was always in my corner. Absolutely unconditional love. He was brilliant, generous & loving, and I’m the lucky one who who got to be his daughter. Miss you, Dad. ❤️
Today I offered an amendment to adopt language that passed the House w bipartisan support, that conduct need not be “severe or pervasive” to be seen as sexual harassment. Rather than debate & vote, GOP ruled it non-germane, saying we need more time.
No.
#TimesUp
#metoo
#mnleg
My take on recent actions by the Senate majority in the Star Tribune. The Minnesota Senate should not be for sale to anyone with special interests looking to curtail the checks and balances established in the creation of our state and nation.