Freiberg: Look at All These Rights Long-Term Gay Couples Don’t Have

During debate on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, the Golden Valley legislator described many of the rights that are off limits.

Many legislators speaking in defense of the bill to legalize same-sex marriage Thursday spoke in sweeping terms about what it would mean for those who can’t marry now. But Golden Valley Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-District 45B) made sure to emphasize concrete examples of the more than 500 rights that gay couples don’t share with heterosexual married couples. He pointed out that they don’t have a right to: “Legislators past and present have decided that being in a committed relationship entitles married partners to an assortment of legal rights,” Freiberg said Thursday on the House floor. “How can we, as representatives of all Minnesotans, deny these rights to a group of citizens whose relationships are as valid and worthy as mine is with my …

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TODAY: Rep. Mike Freiberg and Sen. Ann Rest Town Hall Meeting

State Representative Mike Freiberg and Senator Ann Rest will be hosting a town hall meeting Sunday, March 17, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Golden Valley Library, 830 Winnetka Ave N.

Freiberg Introduces Bill That Would Provide Millions for Wildlife Projects

The funding would come from the Outdoor Heritage Fund created when Minnesotans approved the Legacy Amendment in 2008.

***Information provided by Minnesota State Legislature. State Representatives Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley) and Anna Wills (R-Apple Valley) today introduced a bill that would provide $6.4 million for 15 wildlife and habitat projects in the Metropolitan area. The funding would come from the Outdoor Heritage Fund created when Minnesotans approved the Legacy Amendment in 2008. Reps. Freiberg and Wills have secured 33 bipartisan co-authors from all seven counties in the metro area. The 15 conservation, habitat and wildlife projects are based in all seven counties and include $1.5 million to restore and enhance 302 acres in Scott County for interior forest birds, waterfowl and amphibians, $560,000 in Dakota County to convert existing land …

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School Segregation, Foreclosure and an Epic Scene: Feedback Friday

The most thoughtful, moving, controversial or just plain funny comments from around the west metro between Jan. 11 and Jan. 17.

Each week, Patch users contribute numerous insights, opinions and observations. The following is a collection of the most thoughtful, moving, controversial or just plain funny comments that appeared on Patch sites in Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Richfield, Shakopee, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and St. Michael. Click on the headline to read the full story and join in the conversation. (The comments below are not meant to reflect the opinions of Patch or its staff.) *** Freiberg 'Not Willing To Wait' On Feds To Help Homeowners As one of his first tasks as a lawmaker, Representative Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley) introduced a bill that, if it passes, will help those facing foreclosure proceedings. His work to …

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New Legislation Works to Address Foreclosure Crisis

Golden Valley resident Rose McGee attended and spoke at the press conference where the legislation was unveiled.

On Wednesday, Jan. 16, Golden Valley resident Rose McGee was again at the State Capitol. But this time, she wasn’t protesting Citimortgage or Fannie Mae. She wasn't holding a sign urging mortgage giants to put an end to foreclosures and evictions. Instead, McGee was at the Capitol to witness the introduction of a piece of legislation that may change her life, and the lives of others like her, forever. Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL-Golden Valley), along with Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Minneapolis) and State Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL-Minneapolis) unveiled the legislation at an 11 a.m. press conference Wednesday. McGee’s attorneys from Drewes Law Firm, and members of the Northside Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), Jewish Community Action (JCA), …

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New Golden Valley City Councilmember Sworn In

A former Planning Commissioner officially began his term as a new city councilmember on Jan. 2.

At a Jan. 2 Golden Valley City Council meeting, new Councilmember Steve Schmidgall was officially sworn into office. Councilmembers appointed Schmidgall when former Councilmember Mike Freiberg resigned to serve as State Representative for District 45B. According to a statement on the City of Golden Valley's website, Schmidgall was first appointed to the City’s Planning Commission in 2005. He's also been involved with Robbinsdale Area Schools in various capacities, including heading up the Financial Advisory Council. “I have found service on the Planning Commission to be very gratifying,” wrote Schmidgall in his application. “I want to ensure thoughtful, practical progress in the City of Golden Valley, both in planning and in other areas of…

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PHOTO: Getting Ready for the 2013-2014 Minnesota House Legislative Session

Legislative Clerk David Surdez places the names of the 2013-2014 House members on the voting board in the House Chamber. The legislative session is scheduled to begin Jan. 8.

Legislative Clerk David Surdez places the names of the 2013-2014 House members on the voting board in the House Chamber. The 134 name plates have to be adjusted by hand at least every two years. The legislative session is scheduled to begin Jan. 8. After redistricting, and the 2012 General Election, Golden Valley will be represented by Ann Rest and Ron Latz in the Senate and Mike Freiberg and Ryan Winkler in the Minnesota House of Representatives.  RELATED: Local Race Results: Golden Valley Election 2012 Freiberg Vows to Focus on Jobs, Education

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Freiberg to Serve as Vice-Chair of House Government Operations Committee

Freiberg will also serve on the Legacy, State Government Finance and Veterans Affairs and the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Finance Committees.

House Speaker-designate Paul Thissen announced the Minnesota House of Representatives committee assignments for the 2013-2014 biennium appointing State Representative-elect Mike Freiberg (DFL – Golden Valley) to serve as Vice-Chair of the Government Operations Committee. In addition to serving as Vice-Chair of Government Operations, Rep.-elect Freiberg will serve on the Legacy, State Government Finance and Veterans Affairs and the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Finance Committees. “I am honored to serve as Vice-Chair of House Government Operations Committee,” said Rep.-elect Freiberg. “As well as my work on Government Operations, I am also excited about the opportunity to serve on these additional committees that will have…

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Golden Valley City Council Will Appoint New Member

When Mike Freiberg was elected to serve as State Representative after the general election, the City Council had some thinking to do. At a meeting this week, the group agreed to appoint a new member. They are seeking applicants.

Information provided by the City of Golden Valley. A vacant seat on the Golden Valley City Council left by Councilmember Mike Freiberg’s election as State Representative for District 45B will be filled by an appointment made by the four remaining council members. Freiberg will continue to serve on the Golden Valley City Council until he takes the oath of office for his new position on the first day of the House session on Jan. 8. Although Freiberg’s term ends Dec. 31, 2015, the newly appointed council member will only serve until December 31, 2013. According to Minn. Stat. 412.02, while the City Council must appoint a replacement until an election is held, a special election must be held to replace or affirm the appointed person if more …

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Golden Valley Looks to Fill Soon-To-Be Vacant Council Seat

Golden Valley city staff will review options, including a possible special election, to fill Councilmember Freiberg's seat.

Now that Golden Valley City Councilmember Mike Freiberg will serve as State Representative in District 45B, the council it left to figure out how to fill the vacant seat. In their meeting on Nov. 13, staff will discuss the pros and cons of hosting a special election for City Council. According to meeting documents, a special election would be costly to the city. "The City would have to bare the entire cost if programming election cards for the acceptance of ballots and printing ballots for the election," City Finance Director Sue Vernig said in documents. "If the Council were to hold a special election, costs would be higher than the normal city election." The city could also appoint someone to the vacant seat, which hasn't been done since…

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