Re-Elect Michael Paymar for State Representative District 64B

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

This year is the fortieth anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who I admired for his courage, vision and commitment to social change. When Dr. King was killed, I was in high school and I was moved by his life and tragic death. I participated in the memorial march in 1968--this was my first step toward a life of political activism. I have worked for civil and human rights, protection of our fragile environment, peace, and justice. When I'm not in Legislature, I am Resource Specialist for the Battered Women's Justice Project and speak nationally and internationally on ways to reduce family violence.

Since 1997, I have had the honor of representing District 64B in the Minnesota House of Representatives and I am asking for your support for re-election.

Last session, the Speaker of the House appointed me chair of the House Public Safety Finance Committee. Our committee added BCA scientists, judges, probation officers, grants to law enforcement agencies, and increased funding for sexual assault programs and battered women's shelters. We also created innovative prisoner reentry programs to reduce offender recidivism. We demonstrated that we could be tough and smart in fighting crime. As chair, I received extensive praise for working in a bipartisan manner and for passing the most comprehensive public safety bill in the history of the state.

This legislative session began on February 12 and adjourned May 19, meeting the required constitutional deadline for completing our work. In comparison to previous years, which were marked by gridlock, we had a remarkably successful session given that we had to make nearly $1 billion in cuts to retire the deficit caused by a faltering economy. On balance, it was a civil session marked by both successes and some missed opportunities.

Overall, there was compromise and bipartisan cooperation, resulting in achievements that all Minnesotans can be proud: a balanced budget, additional Local Government Aid (LGA) to cities, more resources for our schools and nursing homes, a major transportation funding package, steps toward health care reform, a bonding bill that focuses on higher education, environmental investments and at the eleventh hour, approval for the Central Corridor LRT and a down payment for a new State park at Lake Vermillion.

As we look to the future, it is my hope that in upcoming sessions we can build upon the positive legislation we enacted this year, and strive to improve areas in need of reform. While our state is facing some difficult challenges ahead, I'm convinced we can do better when we all work together. Please view the Issues page for an overview of bills passed and my thoughts on the legislative session.

Through my tenure in the Minnesota House, I have been a strong advocate for Minnesota families and values--investing in early childhood, E-12, and higher education, universal health care, transportation, resources for the elderly, public safety, economic development, progressive taxation and human rights. I have repeatedly received 100% ratings from the MN League of Conservation Voters, the Children's Defense Fund and the AFL-CIO.

I am proud of my accessibility to constituents in our District by holding bi-weekly meetings at the Hillcrest Community Center during the legislative session, constituent meetings at the Capitol, and Town Hall meetings in our neighborhoods.

I hope I can count on your continued support this November!

Sincerely,