Dear Neighbors,
I hope all those who celebrate Easter, Passover, Holi or Eide had blessed celebrations last week. Legislative activity has resumed since we’ve returned from our session recess. The House has begun to discuss, vet, and approve components to balance the state budget. As you know common sense solutions are one of the core tenants of my decision making process. It is with this lens that I make decisions that put families first and look to be a responsible steward of the taxpayers' money.
Here’s an update from the Capitol:
House Approves E-12 Education Budget
On Tuesday, the Minnesota House approved a new E-12 education budget that invests in all of our students across the state securing a bright future for our students and providing a true world class education. A few key highlights of the investments within the budget bill would increase the per-pupil funding formula by 3% in the first year and another 2% in the second year of the biennium. It also addresses Minnesota’s special education funding shortfall; protects access to voluntary pre-K programs for 4,000 children and enables schools to hire more support staff, like counselors, psychologists and social workers. Finally, it expands student opportunities to earn college credits and develop skills through career and technical education programs. |
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| I had the opportunity to welcome some of our future leaders from Maple Grove to the Capitol! They are bright and curious and our future is in good hands! |
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House Approves Health Care Budget Bill
The House approved the Health and Human Services budget, which would help ensure that all Minnesotans can access the quality, affordable health care they deserve. It makes prescription drugs more affordable, expands coverage options, and ensures care remains available for all Minnesotans. To address high premiums, Minnesotans who purchase their health insurance through a private plan in the individual market would receive a 20 percent direct premium discount.
This bill is the most comprehensive bills ever to reduce prescription drug prices for families and seniors and puts the patient back in the driver’s seat. Among the bills included in this budget package are several of mine, one of which ensures pharmacists can provide life-saving medications, like insulin, on an emergency basis. It also includes a repeal of the pharmacist “gag rule,” freeing them to tell you when you can get your prescription for less out of pocket. It allows patients, parents, seniors and caregivers to reduce countless trips to the pharmacy through medication synchronization. It puts patients in charge of their care and money back in their pockets by providing consumers the lowest price at the pharmacy. Beyond my portion, there are provisions to keep formularies stable for the contract year, give advanced notice of formulary changes and monitor excessive increases in drug prices to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable when they attempt to raise prices excessively on vital medications families rely on.
I also have provisions for home visits that deliver much-needed support for new mothers and at-risk families in a way that puts children first in this bill.
For specific detail on the components of the bill, you can read this fact sheet.
House Approves Tax & Property Tax Bill
I am so proud to have had a part in two key parts of this bill, the provision that increases the number of people eligible for property tax relief. It raises the cap to allow more individuals to take advantage of and increases the amount of property tax relief for the lower tiers as well. The second is a provision I worked on with Representative Ginny Klevorn that raises the standard tax deduction for filers, levels the playing field for married filers and raises the deduction for seniors. Under the new parts of this bill up to 56% of seniors will pay no tax on social security income. This is a fair, open tax package that really works for families and our seniors.
Survey
As the legislature continues to discuss legislation that is rooted in Minnesota values, I want to hear about what's important to you and your family. Please let me know by visiting the website below and filling out my survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019mn34b
Sincerely,
Kristin Bahner
State Representative |
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