Greetings,
Now that the state budget has been set for the next two years, I wanted to provide you with some of the highlights contained within the agreement.
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
The budget actually contains a number of good provisions that will positively impact central Minnesota’s families. They include:
- A ¼% income tax reduction for middle class Minnesotans
- A 2% increase in funding for all Minnesota schools over each of the next two years
- $6 billion in funding for transportation without raising any taxes
- $13 million in assistance for our deputy registrars who continue to struggle with the failing MNLARS system
- Continuing Minnesota’s nation-leading reinsurance program, which assists Minnesotans who are forced to buy their health insurance on the individual market
OTHER NOTEWORTHY LEGISLATION
We also approved a number of non-spending related bills that we believe will make a difference, including:
- Addressing the opioid epidemic by investing significant dollars and resources from registration fees on pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors into both new and proven strategies to address opioid addiction
- Providing some regulations for assisted living facilities, ensuring residents and families will have peace of mind as they begin exploring skilled nursing care
- Maintaining high education standards by preserving teacher licensure reforms
WHAT WE PREVENTED
There were plenty of bills and provisions passed this session that drew the outrage of many. Most notably, our agreement does NOT include:
- A 20-cent per gallon gas tax increase advocated by Governor Walz and Minnesota House leadership
- A $68 million cut to Minnesota’s nursing homes
With the budget set and session concluded, the Legislature is not expected to return to St. Paul until February 11, 2020. Until then, I will continue to keep you updated on any news happening at the Legislature.
If you know of anyone who would like to receive future email updates, forward this email to them and have them sign up here. Also, if you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-7808 or rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Tim