Dear Neighbors,
Thanks to those of you who made it to Tuesday’s Ag roundtable at the Alexandria Technical College. We had a productive and positive discussion regarding the college’s farm business management program and the ways they have been able to help streamline and expand farmers’ business operations through these courses.
We had a great turnout on Tuesday in Alexandria!
Additionally, I was pleased to facilitate a meeting with House Education Finance Chair, Jen Loon, and local school officials on Tuesday to discuss ways we can continue to improve our outstanding schools.
Thank you to the school administrators and board members who took time out of their busy schedules to attend this important meeting!
Also taking place Tuesday, was the first official meeting of the Select Committee on Childcare Affordability. The committee met in Brainerd where we heard from county officials, providers, and parents. Much of the conversation was focused on a shortage of available infant care and regulatory barriers for providers.
This meeting was the first in a series of hearings around the state as we look for ways to partner with providers and families to address the childcare shortage in Minnesota.
Finally, late last week, the non-partisan Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) released a report indicating that, in just the first five months of 2015, Minnesota taxpayers spent between $115 and $271 million on ineligible public health program enrollees.
According to the report, it is estimated that there are 80,902 to 132,140 people who were improperly enrolled in public programs through MNsure. If eligibility verification were effective, Minnesota could have saved as much as $271 million.
Remember, this is data from the first five months of 2015.
Last session, I joined my colleagues in the House and voted to improve eligibility verification for those on public programs—to ensure that those enrolled in public programs did indeed qualify. Unfortunately the Governor and Senate refused to support the bill.
I remain committed to ensuring that your tax dollars are used in the most efficient way possible and look forward to addressing this issue in the coming legislative session.
As always, please feel free to contact my office by phone at 651-296-4929 or via email at rep.jeff.backer@house.mn to discuss any questions you may have regarding state government. I would love to speak with you about ways we can make Minnesota better. It is an honor and privilege to represent you and your family. I am here to be YOUR voice in St. Paul and it is a responsibility that I take very seriously.
Jeff