Legislative Update
Wednesday morning was the memorial service for the three first responders who were killed in the line of duty in Burnsville. Thousands of Minnesotans showed up to attend the service with even more across the state waving flags and joining other community vigils. Officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge, and paramedic Adam Finseth were dedicated public servants and will be greatly missed by their community. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and Minnesotans who are mourning their devastating loss. We must remember and support the brave men and women who every day risk their lives to keep us safe.
This week the February Forecast was released by MMB projecting the economic outlook for state government. While the short term shows a surplus caused by the 10 billion dollars in runaway tax increases last year, the next biennium's budget is going to start with more than $1.5 billion in deficit. This report is a clear indication that we need to restore fiscal responsibility to Saint Paul, reduce wasteful spending, and more responsibly manage Minnesotan?s tax dollars.
 Last year?s change in the Human Rights Act in Minnesota to the definition of sexual orientation has left religious communities vulnerable to claims of gender identity discrimination and breaks decades of precedent in an attack on Minnesota's religious communities. A House Republican amendment was proposed to restore the exemption and protect religious organizations and faith-based schools against such claims. The exemption allows these groups to hire staff based on their mission and values. Several religious groups, including the Minnesota Catholic Conference, the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, Agudath Israel of Minnesota, and the Islamic Center of Minnesota., have expressed concerns about the removal of the exemption and are working together to protect their freedom to practice their beliefs without fear of discrimination.
Next week the SRO fix and the bill I?ve Co-Authored to name the Highway 169 bridge in honor of Michael Gau will both be on the house floor on Monday. It?s great that we may finally see this fix to get our School Resource Officers back to serving the students and teachers of Minnesota. Until then, have a great weekend.
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