Dear Neighbors,
This week, we began hearing omnibus bills on the House floor. So far, we’ve heard the bills on K-12 Education, Jobs and Energy, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture. Today we anticipate hearing the Transportation bill, and next week the bills on the schedule are Higher Education, Public Safety, Environment, and State Government.
There are a lot of harmful provisions in these bills, but I’m particularly disappointed in the woefully inadequate response to the rampant fraud in our public programs in the Health and Human Services bill. I offered multiple amendments to crack down on fraud in the Childcare Assistance Program and other programs, but Democrats rejected most of them.
The Health and Human Services bill also brings back the tax on doctor visits, medical procedures, and much more, which will cost Minnesotans $2.5 billion in higher healthcare costs over the next four years. It also fails to reauthorize the reinsurance program, which could cause health insurance premiums to skyrocket next year.
Below, I've attached links to my comments on limiting abortion once babies are capable of feeling pain, and my closing comments on the bill. I voted no, and I will continue to fight for the most vulnerable among us.
If you ever have comments, questions, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me. I can be reached via phone at 651-296-3201 or by email at rep.mary.franson@house.mn.
It’s an honor to represent the best!
