Jeff Hayden and Minnesota Senate: The Time for Marriage Equality is Now!
On Monday, May 13, Senator Jeff Hayden had the honor to cast a YES vote to open the institution of marriage to the thousands on Minnesotans in committed same-sex relationships. In his testimony to the Senate, he added, "For a long time, my marriage to my wonderful wife Terri would not have been legal, until the case of Loving v. Virginia opened the door to loving couples of different races.
To those that oppose marriage equality, he adds "It's going to be OK." Check out your Deputy Majority Leader as he beams with pride while his good friend and colleague, Sen. Scott Dibble of neighboring District 61, and House counterpart Karen Clark, announce the victory to the buoyant crowd here (we'll find video of Jeff's speech as soon as we can!) Working Hard For You: Watch Jeff's Whirlwind of Legislative Activity on KARE-11
Health Insurance Exchange? Non-violent Sentencing Reform? Properly funding our social services? Nurse staffing ratios? These are merely a sampling of the legislative activity of your new Deputy Majority Leader, as his multiple bills and flurry of committee work has drawn the attention of KARE-11's John Croman (click here for article and video):
"Hayden went from hearing to hearing, reading bills, while ever mindful of the clock to make sure he didn't miss a chance to present his own piece of legislation. Because some of the hearings were happening simultaneously Hayden relied on legislative aides to remind him which critical bills were getting close to a vote. "It is tough," Hayden admitted. "But that's why you people elect us, to come here and get a lot of work done." Senator Hayden announces endorsement of Alondra Cano in Minneapolis City Council Ward 9!
Greetings!
I am excited to offer my support to Alondra Cano in the race for the 9th Ward seat on the Minneapolis City Council. As the daughter of undocumented immigrants that came to the United States seeking a better life for their family – a typical yet uniquely American story - Alondra has spent much of her life as a leader on issues of fairness and justice. Her extensive successful community organizing and activism experience belies her mere 31 years of age. During her time at the University of Minnesota, she was a principal figure in the fight to save General College, an entry point for non-traditional and working-class students who sought access to an education at our state’s land grant university. Later, as Associate Director of the Minnesota Immigrant Freedom Network, she led the statewide effort to pass the DREAM Act – empowering and engaging 1,000 youth and their allies at the Capitol. She served as an aide to City Council Member Robert Lilligren in the 6th Ward and is now a Senior Communications and Public Affairs Specialist with the Minneapolis Public Schools, where she spearheads the district’s communications strategies through the lens of language and culture. I endorse Ms. Cano because she combines the experience of working for social justice, equity, and inclusion with a fresh perspective that will bring new and much needed voices into the political process. Her background in coalition-building will serve Minneapolis well, and she will lead on issues such as sustainable community development, enhancing economic opportunities, strengthening our public transportation system, increasing our investment in the arts, and elevating the voices of immigrants and young people in the City’s decision making process. On Tuesday, April 16, Minneapolis will be holding their Caucuses. Please join me in supporting Alondra Cano by signing up to be her delegate at the caucus, and by casting your vote for Alondra at the convention on May 11! Sincerely, Senator Jeff Hayden, Deputy Majority Leader Deputy Majority Leader Hayden's Legislative Agenda: Fund Spinal Cord Injury Research; Ensure Access to Quality School Lunches for All Children
One month into the 2013-14 Legislative Biennium, Sen. Hayden is seeking to address two immediate concerns shared by constituents within and outside of Senate District 62.
The Jablonski/Rodreick Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Grant Program First, Senate File 111, also known as the Jablonski/Rodreick Bill, seeks to bring $4,000,000 per year of state funds to create a grant program for spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury research, all while establishing an advisory committee for such injuries. Despite the economic crunch accompanying our still-nascent recovery, "There's money out there", says Senator Hayden. Riding the crest of publicity for this push to enhance the funding of research (Andy Mannix of local alt-weekly CityPages featured Rodreick in a recent cover story, "Stalking the Blue Demon"; and last Thursday, the Senator and other supporters of the legislation attended a showing of "Without Help, a documentary about spinal cord injuries featuring one of our favorite supporters of the successful VOTE NO campaigns, Minnesota Viking punter Chris Kluwe, which can be viewed at this link), Hayden can count Senators Kari Dziedzic and Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis); John Hoffman (DFL - Champlin); and David Tomassoni (DFL - Chisholm) as co-authors to the bill. Companion legislation (HF-262) has been authored in the State House by Representatives Laurie Halverson; Roger Erickson; Dan Schoen; Paul Marquart; John Ward; Joe Radinovich; Yvonne Selcer and JoAnn Ward. Expansion of the School Lunch Program for Children from Low-Income Households Senator Hayden has authored SF 146, a bill to enhance access to a quality school lunch for Minnesota's children. "With all of the talk about education and education reform, and making sure that our children are prepared to go into society, there's no better way than to make that sure kids get a good, quality lunch so they can learn," he told Julie Siple of Minnesota Public Radio (listen here). Co-authors include Sen. Dick Cohen (DFL - St. Paul); David Tomassoni (DFL - Chisholm), Branden Petersen (R - Andover); and Karin Housley (R - Forest Lake). Representative Ryan Winkler (DFL - St. Louis Park) has authored companion legislation (HF-336) in the House. Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder: Sen. Hayden Describes "Full-Time Responsibilities of Part-Time Role" le
Interested in learning about the day-to-day life of a State Senator? Check out this profile of Senator Hayden by Charles Hallman in the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (via Twin Cities Daily Planet).
"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Check out Senator Hayden's appearance with Assistant Minority Leader Sen. Dave Thompson (R) on KSTP-TV
Deputy Majority Leader Hayden joined his counterpart across the aisle, Senator Thompson (R-Lakeville), to discuss the State Senate in 2013, and each party's priorities. Click here to watch.
Senators Hayden and Champion Take Oath of Office for 2013-14 State Legislature
Recently-elected State Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL-59) and newly-selected Deputy Majority Leader of the State Senate Jeff Hayden (DFL-62) took the oath of office this week, aiming to continue their productive collaboration from past service in the State House of Representatives.
Jim Ragsdale, State Capitol reporter for the Star Tribune, writes about the swearing-in day that inaugurated the 2013 legislature: "Two other state senators surrounded by family and friends were Jeff Hayden and Bobby Joe Champion, both African-American senators from Minneapolis. Hayden will serve as a deputy majority leader, which he believes is a first for a state that has had few Black legislators in its history." Sen. Hayden selected as Deputy Majority Leader of the Minnesota State Senate!
After a wildly-successful Election Day, Jeff was offered the honor of serving as the Senate's Deputy Majority Leader. Joe Kimball of MinnPost has the story:
"I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and do the hard work of building consensus and finding the common ground that will move our state forward. We can't fall back into the political stalemates of recent years," Hayden said. THANK YOU, SD 62, Minnesota & the United States!
THANK YOU VOTERS! Last night, you gave our President another 4 years, elected a great man in Rick Nolan (in addition to Representatives Keith Ellison, Betty McCollum, Tim Walz and Collin Peterson), gave State Rep. Karen Clark, State Rep. Susan Allen and I a DFL legislature to make Gov. Mark Dayton's agenda a reality, and defeated two freedom-crushing amendments (and look at those percentages)! You added my former colleague Linda Higgins to our County Board of Commissioners, chose Lois Conroy and Liz Cutter to serve in our judiciary, and honored me by asking me to serve a full term as your State Senator. I humbly thank you, SD 62, Hennepin County, and Minnesota!
Click here if you do not know where to voteOn Monday, November 5, Join Senators Amy Klobuchar & Al Franken, Rep. Keith Ellison and Sen Hayden to support the DFL at Monday Night Madness!
Only two days remain till we cast our ballots for DFL candidates and against these odious amendments! To ensure that we get every DFL vote possible from our gloriously-progressive Twin Cities and immediate suburbs, we are getting the whole band back together!
On Monday night at 8:45 PM, our two esteemed US Senators, our Rep. Keith Ellison, and several local elected officials (from State Legislators and Mayors to City Councillors and County Commissioners) will join Senator Hayden as we distribute thousands of DFL sample ballots, Vote NO campaign information, and lists of President Obama's accomplishments, all to as many voters as we possibly can. Monday Night Madness Place: United Labor Center (312 Central Ave SE, Minneapolis MN) Time: 8:45 pm Rally & Send-off Facebook invite: http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/545461758813707/ Obama event page: https://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gsk935 Call Todd (612-481-2045) if you need more info. I hope to see you there! Senator Jeff Hayden Want to help re-elect President Obama, Senator Klobuchar and aid the DFL in their quest to re-take the Minnesota Legislature, all while defeating two divisive amendments?
We'd love to have your help! Contact campaign manager Todd Stump if you can join us as we hit the doors for a better America!
If you speak a language other than English, let us know! Contact info: Phone: 612-481-2045 email: todd@jeffreyhayden.org Schedule Saturday, November 3 through Tuesday, November 6: Drop by either of the following offices after 10 am and before 5 pm - SpringHouse Ministries Corner of 28th St W and Garfield Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55408 Campaign Staging Station 3636 11th Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55407 We'll provide you a list to call, to canvass or to drop off campaign materials. Thank you for your support! Join Rep. Keith Ellison, Sen. Hayden and future Senator Bobby Joe Champion on October 28th at First Avenue for #GetOutTheVoteMN!
We need to defeat both of these horrifically-divisive amendments! To do so, we will need a #GetOutTheVote effort like Minnesota's never seen. Come join Jeff, Rep Ellison and State Rep Bobby Joe Champion, and many luminaries from our amazing local hip-hop scene, as they collectively rock historic First Avenue this Sunday at 6 pm.
Performers include Brother Ali, Slug Of Atmosphere, Dessa, I Self Devine, Sims, Los Nativos, MaLLy, Face The Vote, Green Team, Plain Ole Bill and Kevin Beacham. Whoa - what a night of music! Tickets will be available at Fifth Element (2411 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55405), The Depot Tavern, Electric Fetus and etix.com. Come down to register to vote, pledge to vote and pick up your tickets! Tickets for the event are only $5, limit 2 tickets per person. This is an 18+ event. Click for more info. One concert. Eleven performances. One goal. #GetOutToVoteMN Paid for and Authorized by Keith Ellison for Congress Senator Hayden endorses Linda Higgins for County Commissioner District 2; Elizabeth Cutter for Judge 22 and Lois Conroy for Judge 44 for 4th District Court
While the efforts to re-elect President Obama, Senator Klobuchar and Congressional Representative Ellison – not to mention the defeat of the two divisive constitutional amendments - has occupied the lion's share of coverage in this election, there are several other races that deserve your attention.
First, the seat for District 2 of our County Board of Commissioners, which includes the northern half of Minneapolis, and several suburbs out to Plymouth. State Senator Linda Higgins has a record of advocacy for the middle class that Senator Hayden cites as "inspirational", and has the opportunity to bring a voice from North Minneapolis to this crucial Hennepin County entity. He asks that you cast your vote for Senator Higgins, so she can carry her vision of economic development and community-building to the County Commission. Next, two significant seats are up for election within the 4th District Court, which serves Hennepin County. The races for Judge 22 and Judge 44 feature strong, intelligent women that Senator Hayden believes would serve as ethical, honorable additions to our county's judicial system. Elizabeth Cutter, president of Minnesota Women Lawyers from 2010-2011, was selected as a 2011 Attorney of the Year by Minnesota Lawyer. Lois Conroy, a prosecutor of chronic offender crimes, co-created a holistic crime-reduction program that has been nationally recognized. Elizabeth Cutter and Lois Conroy both offer the integrity, reasoning, and knowledge of the law to provide Hennepin County residents with the judges they so richly deserve. I offer three enthusiastic endorsements to Linda Higgins, Elizabeth Cutter and Lois Conroy, and ask for you to cast your vote for these three amazing women on November 6! Sincerely, Senator Jeff Hayden Senator Hayden recognized as "Legislator of the Year" by Minnesota Nurses Association!
Citing his "...exemplary leadership on issues affecting nurses, patients and working families", Senator Jeff Hayden was honored this evening
as one of four legislators to tie for the award of Minnesota Nurses
Association "Legislator of the Year." While being recognized for his
work as a member of the State House of Representatives, he continued
fighting for Minnesota Nurses after his election to the State Senate in
October 2011.
Jeff has dedicated his time in the Capitol to lead on legislation that aids the causes of working people throughout Minnesota, and has a voting record that shares the values exhibited by Minnesota's Nurses. "This is a great honor, and I plan to continue to advocate for the safety and quality of patient care delivered in Minnesota." – Senator Jeff Hayden Governor Dayton appoints Judge Wilhemina Wright to Supreme Court!
On Tuesday, Governor Mark Dayton appointed Wilhemina Wright to fulfill a vacancy of the Minnesota Supreme Court. Justice Wright, who began as a judge within Ramsey County's District Court, and spent time as Assistant US Attorney for the State of Minnesota, was originally appointed to the state's Court of Appeals by then-Governor Jesse Ventura in 2002. Justice Wright is the first African-American woman to serve within our Supreme Court, where she will join Justices Alan Page (the first African-American), Paul Anderson, G. Barry Anderson, Christopher Dietzen, David R. Stras and Chief Justice Lorie Skjerven Gildea.
Citing her lengthy resume of community involvement, and her record of advocacy for enhancing opportunities for public school students, Senator Hayden wants to offer his congratulations (and a welcome) to our newest member of the State Supreme Court, Justice Wlihemina Wright! Team Hayden Canvassing Schedule and our Senate District 62 Joint Lit Piece
Join team members from Representative Keith Ellison along with Sen. Hayden's campaign manager Todd Stump as we hit the doors in preparation for the election on November 6. We'll meet at Rep. Ellison's office (2525 E. Franklin St, Minneapolis) on Tuesday, August 21, at 5:30 pm. (Note - the Sunday door-knock has been cancelled, as that day features an event to fight the Photo ID amendment - see here for details).
Also, feel free to download and print your own version of the SD 62 Join Lit Piece that Sen. Hayden is sharing with Representatives Susan Allen and Karen Clark. Let's beat both freedom-crushing amendments and advance the cause of liberty and equality in Minnesota! #BigIdeaSearch was a smashing success! Thanks to those of you that provided your solutions to Minnesota's challenges
Our request for your ideas resulted in a glorious deluge of emails and tweets. Within the next week, we will share some of them with you, right here! Stay tuned...
Sen. Hayden proudly announces endorsement of OutFront Minnesota!
OutFront Minnesota, which has been moving our state towards LGBT Equality for over two decades, recently offered Sen. Hayden their endorsement. OutFront Minnesota provides leadership by delivering programs and services to Minnesota's LGBT and allied communities in the area of public policy, anti-violence, education and training, and the law. Jeff is proud to have earned their support, and joins them in asking everyone to vote NO on both anti-freedom amendments.
One of the Many Reasons Why I Love Senate District 62
We live in amazing Senate District. One can find incredible examples of creativity occurring in SD 62 on virtually night. For example, the weekend of June 9th and 10th featured four exciting, family-friendly events that showcased the artistic energy and volunteer spirit of the citizens of south Minneapolis.
June 9 After a successful concert fundraiser last October, The Friends of the Cemetery invited Duluth legends Low and local faves Zoo Animal to serenade a lucky crowd with ethereal, glacially-paced pieces of music. Thanks to Dandelion Kitchen and Hola Arepa, the event was a treat for ears and taste-buds alike. Proceeds will aid the Fence Restoration Project, and other efforts to save this historical landmark. Later that evening, the Midtown Greenway Coalition presented "Greenway Glow", an illuminated night-time ride and walk along the popular bicycle trail. A south-Minneapolis subsidiary of the awesome Northern Spark (#nspk), Greenway Glow featured live music, movies, activities and some dazzlingly-lit art-bikes. Funds raised from the event will support the projects and programs of the Midtown Greenway Coalition, such as Trail Watch safety patrol; managing the cleanliness of the trail; outreach to communities surrounding the Greenway; and working with developers to encourage Greenway-friendly buildings. Here's a creation called Tunnel Vision, by local artist Eben Kowler: 
Illuminated bikes at Northern Spark's festival at Intermedia Arts:
June 10
As the clock struck noon on Sunday, a sizable group of dedicated volunteers from Senate District 61 and 62 (Kelly O'Brien and Jay Damberg, among others) threw together a slammin' fundraiser/barbecue/concert festival at Painter Park in the Lyndale neighborhood. With assistance from the campaign teams of Senator Amy Klobuchar; Representative Keith Ellison; School Board candidate Tracine Asberry and member Carla Bates; City Councilmembers Robert Lilligren, Elizabeth Glidden, John Quincy and Gary Schiff; State Representatives Susan Allen, Karen Clark, Frank Hornstein, Marion Greene, Scott Dibble, Paul Thissen and Jim Davnie; and State Senators Scott Dibble and yours truly; it was a feat to maintain that level of energy among such an arid 95-degree day. The 515 Players offered an intriguing take on how we can talk about the importance of voting NO on the anti-marriage amendment, and Sen. Scott Dibble implored us to also remember to oppose the Photo ID amendment, which will eliminate the Minnesota tradition of same-day registration and thrust antiquated voting limitations into a progressive state.  The day after performing for Friends of the Cemetery, several members of Low trekked over to Painter Park to rouse the attendees as their rock 'n roll alter-ego, Retribution Gospel Choir. Also entertaining the crowd was Actual Wolf and Me and My Arrow.
While we were raising money for our DFL goal of defending freedom and advancing social justice, a 22-block section of Lyndale Avenue was opened to bicycles, skateboards and pedestrians for the second-annual Open Streets Minneapolis. As an avid biker, Senator Hayden was sad to miss the event, but is excited for 2013, especially since the 2012 redistricting placed the eastern side of Lyndale Avenue, from where it meets I-94, all the way south to 50th Street, into SD 62. 
From 44th Street to Franklin St, the spirit of southern Minneapolis was on display, and like Blue BBQ, the torrid temperatures did not faze our community from enjoying the bounty of riches found along this amazing avenue.
Just another weekend in Senate District 62! Hello to Jason Isaacs! |
|