HF 1234 has passed it’s vote on the floor of the House this evening.  This was expected from the beginning and we should not be discouraged.  What is clear from the floor debate on the bill is that our efforts did make a difference in how this bill is perceived.  Rather than sailing through, it is acknowledged that it is an imperfect bill that could use some reshaping.  That is why we must focus on in the Senate.

What Does This Mean Going Forward?

Now that HF 1234 has passed, the Senate side of the bill, SF 1959, takes the spotlight.  In the Minnesota legislature a bill must pass both the House and Senate and be identical before it can go on to the Governor to be signed into law.  The rules governing this process allow for opportunities to amend the legislation so this match up can take place.  As SF 1959 moves through committees in the Senate it is expected to be changed as well.  In short, what we see right now in HF 1234 will probably be changed again at some point to match what eventually comes out of the Senate, and that assumes that SF 1959 makes it through the Senate. 

Our strategy has long been to concentrate our efforts on the Senate, it is time to push hard on that front.  There is every reason to not be dismayed at today’s vote and instead to continue to work toward a victory in the Senate.

Tomorrow is a new day, let’s use it to take the fight 100% to the Senate!  Show up for the press conference, volunteer to talk to Senators, and request to speak at hearings!