With Sen. Johnson and members of the Red River Valley Emerging Leaders who were at the Capitol this week.
At the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Session Priorities Dinner with Sen. Johnson, Rep. Fabian and the Thief River Falls Business Delegation.
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2018 legislative session began on Tuesday, and there are a number of priorities that have already emerged for this year. Here are some key issues we will be working on this session.
Protecting Aging and Vulnerable Adults
As Chair of the Aging and Long-Term Care Subcommittee, our focus this year will be on addressing the abuse of seniors and vulnerable adults. An in-depth investigation by the Star Tribune last year brought to light a number of problems regarding abuse and neglect in many senior living facilities. It also found that the Department of Health, while aware of many of these incidents, failed to properly follow-up.
While strides have been made already to address this issue in the last few months, we will be taking a thorough look on what we can do at the Legislature to address this complex and troubling issue. Our elderly and vulnerable loved ones deserve proper care, respect and dignity. As someone with aging loved ones and who has cared for family members, this is an issue that is near to my heart and something I will champion this session.
Federal Tax Conformity
With major changes to our federal tax code last year, tax conformity will be another key priority for legislators this session. Currently, the Department of Revenue estimates that with Minnesota conformity to federal tax law, our state is set to collect several hundred million dollars more in additional revenue. House Republicans will work to counter that with additional tax relief because those dollars should be going to hardworking taxpayers—not government. My goal is to ensure that folks can take full advantage of federal and state tax relief.
Furthermore, while the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act won’t be felt by filers until 2019, addressing this issue now will make filing simpler and less complicated next year. I will keep you updated as we address the issue this session.
Bonding
Last year, we passed a $987 million, geographically-balanced capital investment bill that focused on key infrastructure and transportation needs in our state, including a few in Northwest Minnesota. This year, we will again consider whether to pass a capital investment bill. I am advocating to fund key local projects including the North Country Food Bank which serves 21 counties, infrastructure improvements at the University of Minnesota-Crookston, and water infrastructure improvements in Climax.
Should another bonding bill be passed this year, my hope is that like last session it will be reasonably sized and focus on critical infrastructure and transportation needs across the state.
MNLARS
The new Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) which launched last summer has been nothing short of a disaster for citizens and taxpayers. Minnesotans have already paid nearly $100 million to build this dysfunctional system, and now the Dayton Administration is asking for an additional $43 million to fix it. I don’t think Minnesotans should be forced to shell out more money to clean up their mess, and I will be advocating for more commonsense, fiscally-responsible solutions that deliver a basic, functioning system. We must hold those responsible for this mess in all levels of government accountable.
Furthermore, if you’ve had problems renewing tabs or transferring titles with MNLARS, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance.
Subcommittee on Workplace Safety and Respect
This week, I was named to a new Subcommittee on Workplace Safety and Respect. The subcommittee will deliver recommendations to lawmakers on policy changes after engaging with the public, employment law professionals, and other experts regarding harassment and discrimination.
The public, lawmakers, and staff rightly expect and deserve a safe and respectful workplace. I look forward to working with folks on this issue, examining commonsense policies we can advance that strengthen our shared commitment to a welcoming and respectful Minnesota House of Representatives.
***
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!
Sincerely,
Deb
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01B