Friends,
It's been a busy week at the Capitol with the House Democrats proposing $12 billion in tax increases across their entire budget. On top of this out of control spending, next week the two gun control provisions that were heard in committee earlier this year will be a part of the Public Safety Omnibus bill heard on Monday. Below is a quick recap of the week. Have a great weekend!
HHS Omnibus Bill
On Thursday, the House approved the Health and Human Services omnibus bill. The bill is believed to be the largest in state history at over 1100 pages and weighing in at 12 pounds. I voted against the bill because it increases health care costs by reinstating the sick tax, makes harmful cuts to nursing homes that provide care to aging Minnesotans, and fails to prevent rampant fraud in Minnesota's childcare and other public programs.
My colleague Rep. Peggy Scott offered an amendment to the HHS Omnibus bill to outlaw abortions once the unborn baby can feel pain. I shared a very personal experience from my life with members because I believe in Rep. Scott’s amendment to protect the unborn. I am unabashedly pro-life, and this painful time in our lives made me even more so after I held our little boy who we named Peter. Life is precious and I believe it starts at conception and ends at natural death. You can watch my story here.
Jobs/Energy Omnibus Bill
With the Jobs and Energy omnibus bill, House DFLers are bringing the Green New Deal to Minnesota and attempting to add an expensive paid leave program to every employer in our state. Passed on Wednesday afternoon, the Jobs/Energy bill would raise billions of dollars in taxes by taking money out of every Minnesotans’ paycheck and includes extreme energy mandates that will drive up electric bills for Minnesota families while reducing the reliability of our energy grid. Minnesota cannot afford to have an energy grid wholly reliable on wind or solar energy.
Not only are these energy mandates not affordable, but the paid leave scheme will force businesses to close or leave our state. I spoke on this on the House Floor.
Drug Take Back
Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, hosted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This event happens twice per year to help people safely dispose of unused medications and help prevent misuse of them. Click here to find a disposal location near you.
Please Contact Me
While we are in session, we’ll be discussing countless ways to improve our state. I hope you’ll call, email, or visit to share your thoughts, ideas, or questions. As you know, I’m here to serve you and want to help in any way I can. My office is located on the third floor of the State Office Building, Office 349, and my phone number is 651-296-4282. If you are coming by the Capitol, please stop by my office!
Have a great weekend,
Jim
Like and follow my Facebook Page for updates throughout the week: Facebook.com/@RepJimNash