Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
LeadingAge Minnesota Event
Earlier this week, I attended a LeadingAge Minnesota forum with Speaker Kurt Daudt and Majority Leader Paul Gazelka to discuss policy issues important to aging Minnesotans.
As Chair of the Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, I want to build off of last biennium’s great work for nursing homes across the state, and work this year to find solutions that help improve access to services and give seniors and their families more options in their care choices.
It was a great event!
Alzheimer’s Working Group Bill Hearing
On Wednesday, I presented my bipartisan bill to extend our state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Working Group before the Aging and Long-Term Care Committee. This working group will look at everything from ways to best utilize state resources to funding research for a cure.
This working group is critical to help expand the discussion surrounding Alzheimer’s, as well as explore the best options to allocate financial and state resources to help caregivers and those diagnosed with the disease.
I will keep you updated on the bill as it continues to move forward this session.
RFA Loans Bill Passes House
On Monday, the House passed House File 14 which will allocate funds for the Rural Finance Authority loan program which expired at the end of last year. The RFA partners with agricultural lenders to provide low-cost financing to farmers on terms and conditions not otherwise available from other credit sources. The RFA portion of the loan is carried at a reduced interest rate to improve the cash flow of eligible farmers. RFA offer loans within the beginning farmer loan and seller assisted program, agricultural improvement program, debt restructuring program, and livestock expansion programs.
This is an essential tool to help farmers in Northwest Minnesota access low-interest loans, helping new farmers get into the business, and existing farmers expand their operations or fund needed equipment repair. It’s also critical we get this done soon, as folks are already planning for the upcoming growing season.
MSFA Audit
Earlier this week, the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor released their report about the use of two suites at U.S. Bank Stadium by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA). They concluded that core ethical principles were violated by giving free tickets to family and friends of MSFA commissioners. They also rejected MSFA’s claim that it needs access to two suites rather than one in the stadium. Finally, the report stated that MSFA failed to comply with state law by not maintaining records of who received tickets to the stadium suites.
This year, reform legislation championed by House Republicans is advancing that will increase MSFA’s accountability to the legislature, as well as transparency to the public. We must ensure that government agencies and officials are held accountable to the hardworking taxpayers of our state.
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If I can ever assist you or your family on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. I am here to serve you!
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01B