Dear Neighbors,
The legislature is working hard to finalize legislation for the session, focused on improving the lives of Minnesotans. Action has shifted mostly to the floor where the days–and nights–will be long as we debate and pass bills. The legislature will adjourn for the year on May 20.
We recently got the news that Minnesota has the lowest rate of uninsurance yet recorded – 3.8%. Still, we know that many people have insurance that is too expensive, too difficult to use, or doesn’t cover needed health care. In the Health committee that I chair, we have heard bills that would improve health insurance coverage under the plans the state can regulate (the state has no authority over self-insured plans or Medicare). These “insurance mandate” bills include coverage for hair prosthetics for cancer patients, orthotic and prosthetic devices for people with limb loss and other physical limitations, abortion care, amino-acid based formula required to nourish people with certain conditions, and gender-affirming care. We also heard a bill to reign in the worst “prior authorization” practices by insurance companies with the goal of helping patients get the health care they need. These are only a few of the issues we are considering as we work to improve health care for Minnesotans.
While Minnesota does better than many states, the health care needs of Minnesotans demand that we do better. More resources are needed for mental health resources, to help safety net clinics and hospitals maintain their critical roles, and to ensure that emergency resources are available when needed. We are always looking for ways to promote and support an efficient and cost-effective health care system. As you may have heard, our budget this year is modest. We are waiting for fiscal estimates on many of the bills we would like to pass, and will have to make some difficult choices based on what we can afford.
House Floor Votes
This week the House began passing policy bill packages in major issue areas, building on the work of our historically productive 2023 session and improving the lives of Minnesotans. The House passed two policy bills supporting our Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs, which passed with unanimous support.
We also passed a higher education policy bill that includes the clean energy sector in our Workforce Development Scholarship Program and expands support in higher education for students who have a disability. We also passed an early education policy bill focused on strengthening our pre-kindergarten and school readiness program. Finally, we passed a transportation policy package that improves road safety, DVS wait times, child passenger safety, and consumer protections.
State of the State
Two weeks ago, Governor Walz delivered his annual State of the State address at a high school in
Owatonna. The governor’s address celebrated our work to make Minnesota the best place in the country for families. Through our investments in expanding access to pre-k and affordable childcare, we are seeing results across the state. Families are also benefiting through our investments in better roads and bridges, housing, clean water, and safer streets.
Although we have made incredible progress, we have more work to do to build a state where everyone can succeed and thrive, no matter where they live.
Transgender Day of Visibility
March 31st was Transgender Day of Visibility. I’m proud that Minnesota is a state that accepts all people for who they are, becoming a refuge for trans individuals from across the country. I will always fight to make Minnesota a safe and welcoming state where everyone can live freely and authentically
House Approves 101 Environmental Projects
Minnesotans take pride in our legacy of environmental stewardship. That’s why DFLers passed legislation to fund 101 projects across our state that protect our wildlife, water, air, and soil. The funding, which comes from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, uses a portion of our state lottery proceeds to ensure our environment and natural resources are protected for generations to come.
The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is now gathering input about the future of Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund spending and taking feedback about what environmental issues are most important to you. Make your voice heard about how to improve Minnesota's environment & natural resources. Take the survey here.
Staying in Touch
Please contact me with your questions, comments, and concerns, or if I can ever be of assistance. The best way to reach me is to email me at rep.tina.liebling@house.mn.gov. Please be sure to include your postal address so I’ll know you are my constituent. If you call my Capitol office at 651-296-0573 and leave a message, please include your email and street address.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you.
Warmly,
Tina