Legislative UpdateThis week at the Capitol had many important conversations and insightful meetings including a large rally of veterans, may we never forget their service. I also had the pleasure of connecting with school principals, local students, and county commissioners who shared valuable perspectives on the real-world impact of legislation on our communities. I also participated in discussions with members of the Council of State Governments, a group committed to the sharing and promoting of innovative solutions and best practices in state policy. These discussions are helpful in understanding different perspectives, and ensuring that the work we do at the Capitol remains grounded in the needs and priorities of everyday Minnesotans. Education Negotiations: Mandates Over Students?As we reach the third and final committee deadline today, education finance negotiations remain stalled. This is deeply frustrating, especially since this work could have and should have been completed weeks ago. Unfortunately, the decision by some legislators to delay the start of session by several weeks has left us racing to complete the people’s work. What we’ve seen so far is a troubling trend: Republicans are working to cut burdensome mandates to save education, while Democrats are cutting education to save their mandates. That’s entirely backward. Over the past two years, more than 65 unfunded mandates have been forced onto schools, wreaking havoc on budgets and forcing teacher layoffs and larger class sizes across the state. Instead of continuing to burden schools with costly top-down requirements, we should be focused on equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their dreams and succeed in life. At a time when Minnesota is spending more than it takes in, thus facing a $6 billion deficit—created during one-party control—it's time to prioritize students, not bureaucracy. Pension Reform and a Smarter Budget PlanIn addition to education funding, we’re also tackling the urgent need to fix Minnesota’s underfunded teacher pension system. It’s disappointing that this wasn’t addressed during the last biennium when the state had a record $18 billion surplus. Instead, that money was spent, and now we’re operating in a deficit. House Republicans have offered a responsible proposal: HF 2318, which uses a 62/30 formula at a cost of $77 million annually, supported by a modest 1% increase in employer contributions. To fund this, we’ve introduced HF 2201, which makes common sense adjustments to the universal school lunch program. The bill continues to provide free breakfast for all students while asking families earning over $156,000 annually (more than 500% of the poverty line) to pay for their child’s lunch. This would free up $113 million annually, enough to responsibly fund teacher pensions and deliver flexible dollars directly into classrooms where they’re needed most. State Government CommitteeWhile education remains a top issue, we’ve also made progress on government reform. I’m proud to report that two of my bills were included in the State Government Finance omnibus bill. One of the biggest wins this session was the revival of the State Agency Value Initiative (SAVI) program. Originally passed in 2011, SAVI rewarded agencies that identified and implemented cost-saving innovations. Unfortunately, the program was allowed to expire, and with it, accountability and smart budgeting. This year’s SAVI bill allows agencies to keep 50% of unspent operational funds, but only if those savings come from efficiency, innovation, or responsible stewardship. These funds can’t be used for new programs; they must be reinvested into making government work better. A peer review panel and Legislative Advisory Commission will provide oversight, and all proposals must be publicly posted before funds are spent. I’m also pleased that my government transparency bill (HF 1240) was included in the package. This legislation strengthens the powers of the Office of the Legislative Auditor by requiring agencies to provide requested documents promptly and in full. We've seen too many cases of "missing" records and slow-walked audits. With this bill, we’re ensuring that state government answers to the people, not the other way around. In Other Committees I had Two Bills HeardIn the Capital investment Committee I presented HF 2272, a bill to fund the final design and initial work to add overpasses and interchanges on highway 14, near Byron, at CR 5 and CR 3. This would make it a freeway and remove the only stoplights between Rochester and Mankato. In the Tax Committee I presented HF 912, a bill to establish a private letter rulings program. This allows confidential rulings before you file a complex tax return, and avoid expensive mistakes and legal fees. Currently MN and Alaska are the only states without this. Even the IRS has it. Spring Break and Looking AheadThe Legislature will be on Spring Break beginning this Friday, April 12, and we’ll reconvene on Monday, April 21. Although the House floor will be quiet, I’ll be using this time to meet with constituents, visit communities across the district, and continue reviewing legislation ahead of final negotiations. There’s still much work to be done, and I remain committed to advocating for common-sense reforms, efficient government, and a stronger future for Minnesota families. |