(KNSI) — A public town hall is coming up Monday with St. Cloud area Senator Aric Putnam.
It’s billed as an opportunity for constituents to share ideas, ask questions and discuss the 2024 legislative session.
Putnam represents Senate District 14, which covers all or parts of St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Augusta, St. Joseph and Minden Township. Those who live in that district are invited to attend.
The 2024 Legislative session erupted in chaos as the clock ticked down for lawmakers to pass bills on May 19th. Shouting could be heard in both chambers as the deadline approached.
One major bill that did not get passed was the Capital Improvement Plan, better known as the Bonding Bill. A bonding bill is typically passed during the even years of a biennium and requires a three-fifths majority, which means Democrats and Republicans need to work together to decide what goes in and what gets left out. Democrats control the House, Senate and the governor’s office. Republicans said they were left out of negotiations all session long.
A cash-only capital improvement plan passed the House but did not make it through the Senate on time. There will be no bonding bill this year unless a special session is called. Governor Tim Walz gave a terse response to reporters who asked in a post-session press conference if he would call a special session. His answer was “No. Next question.”
What did pass were gun control measures banning binary triggers, increasing penalties for straw buyers, and changes to the paid leave law, resulting in a higher payroll tax. The Health and Human Services policy package addressing funding surrounding ambulance service personnel, emergency medical responders, health insurance, medical assistance, mental health, and pharmacies was also passed. Statewide pay and job protections for rideshare drivers and a plan to speed up the issuing of licenses for retail cannabis cultivation passed both chambers and signed into law.
What did not pass was the Equal Rights Amendment, which would enshrine unfettered access to an abortion for any reason and at any time during pregnancy into the state Constitution and also protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination. Despite proponents saying they were closer than ever to an agreement, the sports betting bill also didn’t make it through.
The town hall will be held at the St. Cloud Great River Regional Library in the Mississippi Community Room (Room 106) on Monday, June 3rd, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
___
Copyright 2024 Leighton Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be broadcast, published, redistributed, or rewritten, in any way without consent.
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!
FOLLOW US FOR INSTANT UPDATES!