Dear Neighbors,
We ended the 2022 Legislative Session and adjourned Monday as required by the Minnesota Constitution. Lawmakers worked around the clock to resolve our differences and craft bills that can pass in both the House and Senate and be signed into law by Governor Walz. In the end, no one will get everything they want, but that’s how compromise works.
Earlier this month, Speaker Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Miller, and Governor Walz signed an agreement on a budget framework for the end of session: $4 billion in tax cuts; $4 billion in investments; and $4 billion on the bottom line, in case of a future economic downturn.
After a tax deal was negotiated and finalized, ready for passage, the Senate went back on their word to live up to the overall budget framework. Regardless of your politics, when you give someone your word and sign an agreement, you honor that agreement. Integrity matters to Minnesotans.
That's why it’s so disappointing to see the Senate majority walk away from delivering what our state needs now more than ever; strong and stable schools, lower health care costs, better public safety, additional strategies to combat climate change, and more.
There are several things that need to be done and can still be done with a special session. The agreement on a tax bill would result in the largest tax cut in state history – almost $4 billion over three years. It includes significant refunds and credits for homeowners and renters and also includes a complete exemption of all Social Security income from state income taxation.
In addition, we need to fund student mental health, special education, and literacy programs. Both the House and Senate agreed to spend $1 billion on health care. Senate Republicans need to come back to the table so we can settle on how much of that to devote to pay raises for workers in long-term care, group home employees, personal care assistants, and more.
Minnesotans expect a functioning state government. We need Senate Republicans to come back to work to help ensure Minnesota seniors and families are able to get more money back in their pockets at a time when it's needed most. House DFLers are ready to get this done.
Coffee Hour on Saturday
I hope you can join me and our neighbors this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at Dunn Bros in Apple Valley (15265 Galaxie Ave) for an in-person community hour.
As always, our format is casual and everyone is welcome to attend and share their perspectives and questions.
Tragedy in Buffalo and Uvalde
The devastating news out of Buffalo is another example of the unrelenting trauma communities of color have experienced. There are no words to express the profound grief and pain with ten people brutally killed, three people injured, and a surrounding community forever changed, all motivated by senseless hate. As reports continue to come out, it is alleged that the suspect published a 180-page document that repeats a series of white supremacist ideologies and racist conspiracy theories referred to as the “Great Replacement” as justification for a premeditated plan to search out Black people and murder them.
In 2020, the Minnesota House became the first legislative body in the nation to declare racism a public health crisis with the passage of House Resolution One creating the House Committee of Racial Justice. My fellow member of the House, Representative Cedrick Frazier spoke on this issue, which you can watch below.
We all need to be stepping forward together to condemn white supremacy everywhere. Please take some time to listen to him.
Tuesday in Uvalde, Texas there was a horrific school shooting of 19 children and two teachers. This is the second deadliest school shooting in U.S. history. My heart goes out to the families affected by this tragedy. We must work swiftly together now to save more lives. How many more do we have to lose before taking action?
In 2020, the Minnesota House passed common-sense background checks and red flag laws. The Senate did nothing. We need common-sense gun violence prevention measures now.
Keep in Touch
Even if you can’t attend the coffee hour to share your input, I’m always available via email or phone. You can reach me at rep.robert.bierman@house.mn or 651-296-5506.
I appreciate hearing from you! You’re welcome to follow me on my Facebook page for additional updates.
Have a great weekend,
Robert Bierman
State Representative