Greetings –
As we wrap up our debate on the House budget bills, I wanted to update you on some of the important provisions that impact you and our district.
Increasing Funding for Long-Term Care
Our area is blessed to have a number of quality long term skilled care facilities. Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids and County Manor Campus in Sartell are among them. I went into this session with a commitment to improve senior care for our aging adults. Our Health and Human Services budget, passed this week, helps the nursing homes in our district and across Greater Minnesota by establishing a uniform rate of reimbursement. For Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids, this means a 17.30% increase in funding. For County Manor Campus in Sartell, this means a 24.68% increase in funding. Additionally, our Health and Human Services budget increases investments in long-term care and provides incentives for students that plan to form careers in long-term care.
House Tax Bill Provides for a 50% Increase in Tax Credit for Long Term Care Insurance Purchases
The House Tax Bill, which passed on Wednesday this week, provides for a number of tax relief provisions for hardworking middle class Minnesotans. Included in the tax bill is my provision that increases the tax credits for individuals who purchase qualified long term care insurance contracts. The provision increases the tax credit on premiums paid from $100 to $150 for singles and from $200 to $300 for married couples annually.
Public Safety Bill Includes De-Escalation Training
Our Public Safety budget, which passed 115-19 this week on the House floor, included my proposal to establish funding for a de-escalation training program. Through my proposal, our Minnesota law enforcement officials can learn how to better address complex situations involving veterans returning from their service who suffer from PTSD. I’m thankful to have this bill passed after all of the work I have done last session and this session to make veteran issues a priority.
Higher Education Budget Helps District Students
Students at St. Cloud Technical and Community College will benefit from a tuition freeze and decrease, passed as a part of the Higher Education budget. It is important that we ensure financial freedom for our students post-graduation. I am proud to support this measure, which will help to decrease loan amounts and college costs for our students.
Appointment to Conference Committee
I have been appointed to the State Government Finance conference committee, where I will be working with the Senate to deliberate on a final bill that fulfills our budget obligations while ensuring wise use of your tax dollars.
As we near the end of the legislative session, please continue to stay in touch to share your thoughts and concerns. You can reach me via phone at (651) 296-3780, or via email at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Tim
This Day in Minnesota History: Baseball legend Harmon Killebrew hit his first home run for the Minnesota Twins on April 30th, 1961. The ball soared 467 feet.