Legislative Update- May 25, 2021

Dear Neighbors,

I hope this finds you and your loved ones well. With vaccination rates steadily moving toward our 70% goal (MN 16+), COVID-19 restrictions loosening in our state, and summer just around the corner, a return to normal is something we all are undoubtedly looking forward to this year.

Even with regular session concluded, our work continues at the Legislature.

What got done? 

House committees heard a record number of bills this session. We buckled down to hear bills from last session that may have withered on the vine due to the pandemic and key bills laser focused on issues related to the pandemic from healthcare and mental health to jobs and homelessness. On May 17th, our last day of session, we were able to pass a large number of bills wrapped up in policy omnibus bills by subject. Essentially these policy bills included a bundle of bills that pertain to key functions of government, same or similar and non-controversial bills that passed both the House and Senate. Often the same and similar bills contain language that is almost a match but often has minor technical differences. Those issues were resolved, agreed upon, voted on in both chambers and are headed to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. As a fun example, the Health and Human services bill was 519 pages of policy agreed upon by both parties. A testament to what can be done when we work together.

What’s left to do?

While we met our constitutional deadline to adjourn last week, working groups in the Minnesota House and Senate are vetting and compromising on a balanced state budget now that federal American Rescue Plan dollars have been assigned to Minnesota. Essentially this information allows us to see where we can use one-time federal money and where we must prioritize money from the General Fund dollars. A special session is anticipated for mid-June. In short, now that we have an agreement on the size of our bucket- we can begin negotiating to come to agreement on what is “in” and what is “out,” based on what fits in our bucket or put another way, what we can afford. Being good stewards of the people’s money is always one of my top priorities.

You may be interested to know Minnesota established the 120-day legislative session in 1973. Our state has changed significantly in nearly 50 years. In addition to meeting the immediate needs of our families, students, and small businesses, I am interested in reviewing updated strategies on how the Legislature can change to address the needs of a modern society with 5.7 million people and responsibly manage a budget that tops $50 billion. This means ensuring our kids have an opportunity to access a world class education, our seniors and families can afford prescription medication they need to thrive, and our main street mom and pop shops can emerge more prosperous than before.

PPP and UI Tax Conformity

I get this question frequently out and about in the community. As many of you know, from the very start I was an original co-author of HF501, the House bill that would create tax conformity for our small business and for workers on unemployment due to the pandemic. 

Why did it take so long?

The Senate passed one version of the bill that addressed the PPP conformity for business but left out workers and conformity for employees on UI (Unemployment Insurance). The House version of which passed on April 22nd included both.

What happens then if a comparison of the two versions is conducted?

If the version that passed in both chambers match - the bill goes to the governor to sign. If they do not match - they go to a conference committee to work out the differences. 

What held up the agreement between the House and Senate?

One of the key sticking points was taking care of businesses but leaving out the workers most impacted. The House position was firm on the need to do both, help small businesses and workers. Another was the House version included provisions aimed at larger corporations to bring profits back to the U.S. rather than allowing them to shelter these earnings from taxation in banks outside of the county (like the Bahamas or Cayman Islands). Interestingly, this proposal was largely supported by conservatives on the federal level and the previous administration but not in the Minnesota Senate. My take: small business can’t get away with this move and frankly large corporations shouldn’t either. In the end, the conservative Senate rejected this provision, but agreed to do conformity for both businesses and workers. 

When the special session is called, this is the agreement that will be voted on and it will pass, after which it will be sent to the governor for signing.

As I supported this from the beginning, I personally had hoped to get this done well before May 17th, but sometimes agreement takes a little longer. I am grateful one was reached that allows us to get much needed relief for our small businesses and our workers.

What’s Left – Local Edition

I continue to work on and champion bonding dollars for the Maple Grove Community Center and Osseo Lift Station projects. The North Metro Range and 610 projects I was able to secure funding for last year are continuing forward as well. I am working with local charities and Rep. Stephenson on e-gaming, which is critical to our local charitable gaming organizations and local businesses like Duffy’s and Dick’s in Osseo and Malone’s here in Maple Grove. With a background and over 20 years of experience in software development, you might say I am uniquely suited to sharing insight on this issue. I also am working on researching issues on asbestos litigation that allows some attorneys to take advantage of victims, insurance modifications for roofing to bring down long term costs, and research on homeowners associations among many others to prepare for next session.

National becomes Local: REAL ID Deadline Extended

Good news! In a recent announcement from the federal government, the deadline to obtain a REAL ID has been extended by an additional 18 months to May 3, 2023. This will help relieve some of the pressure on our local Driver and Vehicle Services offices, which have been overwhelmed with requests to renew expired drivers license and vehicle registration tabs and give Minnesotans more time to obtain this updated form of identification. I know I have heard from a few of you in our community with issues on this topic.

Beginning May 3, 2023, Minnesotans will need a REAL ID to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities. An enhanced driver's license or ID card, passport or passport card are acceptable substitutes. Simple vehicle tab renewals can be handled online in just a few minutes at the DVS website, so take advantage of that option if you can’t get an in-person appointment at a local Hennepin County Service Center.

Maple Grove Farmers Market

The Maple Grove Farmers Market kicked off in mid-May and I’m looking forward to indulging in fresh produce and other locally sourced goods. Did you know you can sign up for text or email alerts with information such as produce in season, market reminders, and more? Check it out here. You can also learn more at that link about the popular kids program, the Power of Produce Club.

Keep in Touch

Please continue to reach out via email or phone anytime with input or ideas. I can be reached at 651-296-5502 or rep.kristin.bahner@house.mn. Don’t hesitate to let me know how I can help. 

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Thank You

Thanks to everyone in Osseo who made the Classic Car Show and Craft Fair a phenomenal success. I loved seeing everyone out and about, and who can’t appreciate some amazing classic cars?! See you soon in a neighborhood near you.

Sincerely,

Kristin Bahner

Your State Representative 

Common Sense - Common Ground - Common Good