Friends and neighbors, Spring is here, and with it, we have entered the phase of the legislative session where we will know which bills will continue to advance through the legislative process. House leaders announced an agreement last week on committee finance targets for crafting a state budget for the next two years. From here, it’s up to us to put together a bipartisan budget framework balancing the Senate budget targets and the Governor’s budget recommendations, which all have significant differences from the House. Negotiations in the Veterans, Housing, and Education Finance committees are underway, and I’m hopeful we will be able to put together packages that continue to make life a bit easier for Minnesotans. Among these negotiations, we’re still passing bills that have bipartisan support. This week, I had my very first bill pass off the House Floor. HF1662 will allow employees of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs access to a computer system, MAXIS, in real time so that providers can see what programs their Veteran patient may be eligible for. The bill passed unanimously. I’m so thankful that my very first bill to pass off the House Floor is one that supports Minnesota veterans. By enabling access to MAXIS for MDVA employees, we will streamline veteran treatment and care so that vets who need services can have their eligibility affirmed more efficiently and access them sooner.  As we continue to move forward with legislation, we must keep in mind the impacts of federal tariffs, an uncertain stock market, and other federal cuts impacting services in Minnesota. We have already seen impacts in Minnesota with the loss of 170 jobs in the Minnesota Health Department because of capricious federal cuts. A balanced budget approach is essential to safeguard critical services for Minnesotans, particularly those relying on Medicaid. That’s why I signed onto a bill to make up the difference by ensuring Minnesota’s wealthiest pay their fair share to keep Minnesotans depending on Medicaid covered should Trump and Musk slash the program. Medicaid isn't just another government program - it's the largest source of health insurance in our state, serving seniors, kids, families, and people with disabilities who need support. The numbers from Congress's Joint Economic Committee report are alarming: if Republican budget cuts go through, Minnesota could see 89,000 rural residents lose coverage, 130,000 children without insurance, one in six seniors losing nursing home care, and nearly 400,000 Minnesotans total cut off from their healthcare. These aren't just statistics - they're our family and neighbors who would suddenly find themselves without care they depend on. Democrats are ready to do everything possible to protect Minnesotans from these harmful policies, because in Minnesota, we believe everyone deserves access to healthcare, not just those who can afford to write big campaign checks. Thanks for a Great Town Hall!Thanks to everyone who joined for a packed joint Town Hall with Representative Matt Norris! I was glad to have the opportunity to get together in our community to discuss what’s on folks’ minds. Questions from attendees centered around concerns over what’s happening in Washington, the current high cost of housing, and recent events in public education.  Addressing PFAS in AndoverThis week, I attended the Community Meeting on safe water at Andover City Hall. There were city councilmembers and officials from MDH and MPCA in attendance as well. Currently, the city of Andover has 41 residences whose well water is not safe to consume. Rep. Peggy Scott is chief author of a bonding bill to address this issue by connecting residents to safe city water. I have signed on as co-author to this bill and continue to provide my full support for it. Stay ConnectedUnfortunately, due to technological constraints, replies to this newsletter won’t reach my email account.??To share your input or ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out email at rep.kari.rehrauer@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-1729. You can contact my Legislative Assistant, Chloe, at 651-296-5486 or via email at chloe.keller@house.mn.gov. You can also follow my legislative Facebook page. It is an honor and a privilege to represent you at the Capitol.?? All my best,?? Rep. Kari Rehrauer |