Greetings,
House lawmakers have returned to St. Paul following the Easter/Passover break and have begun to approve budget spending proposals. The Minnesota Senate is passing its plans as well, and soon both legislative bodies will meet in conference committees to work out any differences between the bills and craft compromise proposals that can be approved in both the House and Senate.
Once those are approved, they will be sent to the governor for his approval. Session ends on May 19, so we are aiming to have our work done by then.
FREE HEALTH CARE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS VERY COSTLY TO TAXPAYERS
Recently the Minnesota Department of Health shared some statistics with us regarding costs associated with providing undocumented aliens with free health care in our state – and the numbers are jaw dropping.
Two years ago, and all-Democrat led legislature and Governor Walz approved a law allowing illegal immigrants to receive free MinnesotaCare coverage. They estimated 7,700 applicants would apply for the program over four years at a cost of $196 million. Less than two years in, more than 17,000 have already signed up, costing taxpayers more than $550 million - and those numbers are growing. Republicans are now trying to right this mistake, as we face a $6 billion deficit in the next budget cycle.
AGRICULTURE FINANCE BILL APPROVED
Typically, the agriculture finance proposal is one of the most bipartisan budget bills we see every two years, and this year’s was no exception. In addition to funding rural development initiatives and programs utilized by farmers, the House plan also rejected a costly mandate on food manufacturers and grocers and refused all fee increases the governor’s administration had proposed.
PUBLIC SAFETY/JUDICIARY FINANCE PLAN DEBATE
The House is also expected to approve legislation today that funds programs relating to Minnesota’s public safety and court needs. Some of the highlights include increased penalties for first degree sex trafficking and arson, assaulting a jail deputy, and dealing fentanyl, and prioritized funding for police and first responders.
GOVERNOR WALZ GIVES STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS
The governor gave his annual State of the State address in the House chamber this week. We don’t see much of him these days as he has been making speeches around the country to partisan audiences that are unhappy with President Trump and his agenda, so it was good that he was able to find some time to join us.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim