Dear Neighbor,
The House is heading into the heart of budget-bill season as we debate and vote on finance packages that eventually will make up our state’s next two-year spending/taxing plan.
In other words, it’s time to see how much progress we can make in restoring order in Minnesota after Democrats in full control of the Capitol raised Minnesota’s spending by 40 percent two years ago, blowing the $18 billion surplus and still raising taxes by $10 billion. With a 67-67 party split in the House, bipartisanship is a must for any bill to pass, which sets an interesting stage for getting a budget done on time before our May 19 deadline to adjourn.
Look for more of my thoughts on budget bills as we make our way through this process. For now, here’s more on a different subject that directly impacts taxpayers and our state’s bottom line:
Your cost to provide free health care for illegals is soaring
With full control of the Capitol, Democrats in 2023 passed legislation providing free (aka, taxpayer funded) healthcare for illegal immigrants. This program launched just four months ago, but the Minnesota Department of Health says over 17,000 undocumented individuals already have signed up. That’s more than twice the original estimate of 7,700.
The cost of the program is now skyrocketing as a result. Democrats said it would cost Minnesota taxpayers $196 million over four years. Now it’s looking more like $550 million, and that number’s still climbing as more and more illegals sign up to receive taxpayer-funded healthcare.
Here’s another key issue: Normally, the federal government covers 90 percent of the costs for MinnesotaCare, and the state kicks in 10 percent. But illegal immigrants aren’t eligible for that federal match, so Minnesota taxpayers are soaked with every penny of the bill.
Meanwhile, we’re still facing a $6 billion budget deficit after the former trifecta went on a spending spree. Essential ambulance services, rural hospitals, and emergency care are under real strain, but Democrats are spending more than half a billion dollars to provide illegal immigrants with “free” health care paid by you.
That’s not just bad budgeting, it’s completely out of touch with priorities most Minnesotans share. From rising costs, higher bills, and healthcare systems stretched thin, Minnesota families are already dealing with enough. It’s time to refocus and start putting Minnesotans first.
That’s why Republicans have introduced a bill to repeal free healthcare for illegals. It would save taxpayers hundreds of millions and help protect the critical services people across the state rely on. This would bring back some common sense at the Capitol and make sure healthcare dollars paid by Minnesotans are used to help Minnesotans.
A lot of big decisions are in store for the next few weeks, and I will continue doing my best to represent the people of District 28A. Until next time, please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Jimmy