6th graders from Goodridge Public School stopped by the Capitol this week
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update with the latest news from Saint Paul.
Bonding Bill Includes Local Projects
On Wednesday, the House unveiled our $825 million capital investment package that focuses on infrastructure projects around the state. More than two-thirds of the funding in the bill is dedicated toward brick-and-mortar projects including asset preservation of state-owned buildings, roads and bridges, and water and conservation projects.
Additionally, the bill includes projects that I am championing in the House including $3 million for the North Country Food Bank. They serve 21 counties in Northwest and West Central Minnesota, reaching more than 230 charitable organizations annually that include senior community centers, daycares, soup kitchens and food shelves. Last year, North Country operated programs that distributed over 7.4 million pounds of food to people in need, helping combat hunger in our communities. This is an important need for Northwest Minnesota, and I am glad this funding was included.
There is also money for Greater MN Academic Renewal, which will help the University of Minnesota-Crookston make upgrades on their campus, as well as PFA funds that will fund clean water projects for communities like Climax who are updating their clean water systems.
I think our reasonably-sized, infrastructure heavy bonding bill respects Minnesota taxpayers and invests in our state’s shared priorities. I will keep you updated on the bill’s progress as we near the end of session.
Supplemental Budget Adjustment Bills
The House passed our Tax Conformity bill on Monday, as well as a number of other supplemental budget bills that focus on Minnesotans’ shared priorities. From helping our farmers to investing in road and bridge repair, there are a number of important policies in the bills we passed this week.
Highlights include:
- Addressing vulnerable adult abuse and neglect, strengthening the tools the state can use against perpetrators of abuse and holding state agencies accountable for their shortcomings on maltreatment investigations—an issue I have been working diligently on this session
- Providing $385 million for transportation needs this year, using surplus funds leveraged with trunk highway bonds to repair and improve our roads and bridges
- Reinstating the impending 7 percent cut to the Disability Waiver Rate System
- Strengthening penalties for those who assault a peace officer, protestors who illegally obstruct roadways and transit, and for sex offenders, including those who possess or disseminate child pornography
- Funding three new veterans homes in Minnesota with excess Stadium Reserve Funds
- Cutting the MNsure tax on health plans to help lower health care costs for Minnesotans
- Combating the opioid epidemic
- Implementing reforms to reduce potential fraud and waste in our public health care system
- Requiring state agencies to spend 3.5 percent of their IT budget to support state cybersecurity
- Investing in mental health counseling for farmers and rural professionals
- Expanding broadband development grants
- Addressing Chronic Wasting Disease
- Closing loopholes regarding the operation of a snowmobile or ATV for those who have been convicted of a DWI
We will be working to find agreement with the governor and Senate in the next few weeks and finalize these proposals. I will keep you updated.
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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