Thanks to the Tech students who visited the Capitol during a field trip this week. It was great to see you!
Dear Neighbor,
With the Legislature’s May 20 adjournment creeping ever closer, Monday will bring us to the final six full weeks of action at the Capitol for the 2024 session. There are some important issues yet to resolve (such as ensuring religious freedom and aiding Greater Minnesota ambulance services) and some other items we’d just as soon not come to the floor for passage (especially bills that infringe on our constitutional rights).
In any case, April 19 is the third and final committee deadline for action on major appropriation and finance bills. Here is a look at a proposal to raise state spending even further and more from the House this week:
More spending
Less than one year ago, the party in full control of the Capitol spent the $18 billion surplus and raised taxes by $10 billion to increase state spending by 40 percent. As if that weren’t enough, the House and Senate majorities and the governor recently announced they have reached an agreement to spend at least $512.5 million more in 2024-25 – even though we face a shortfall in the next biennium.
This additional spending is irresponsible and unaffordable. We should be doing the complete opposite by addressing our potential deficit and heeding warnings from state officials to be cautious when budgeting.
When is enough going to be enough? Instead of getting spending under control they want to increase spending at an even more unsustainable pace. Minnesotans deserve better from legislators than to be taxed into oblivion while our state shortchanges core public services such as ambulances (see below).
Greater MN ambulance funding
Despite half a billion dollars in new state spending, the new proposal fails to fully fund the critical needs of our emergency medical services across the state, providing $16 million for rural Emergency Medical Services – far short of the actual need. Ambulance providers are struggling under the current “fee-for-service” model, which has left rural areas of the state with decreasing access to ambulances and other EMS options.
I will continue working with fellow legislators to advocate for passage of House File 3992 this session to provide more aid to licensed ambulance service providers in Greater Minnesota. The bill establishes an aid program for licensed ambulance service providers, administered by the commissioner of revenue and makes a one-time appropriation of $122.5 million for the program.
Meeting with people
Enjoyed attending the recent Minnesota university and a college presidents breakfast (above). Back home (below), it was great meeting with people from the St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report. Thanks to all for the good conversations.
Helpful links:
Here are some links to help you follow developments in St. Paul this session:
- Rep. Bernie Perryman page – My official House website with assorted information.
- Session Daily – Daily news and information about House committee and floor action.
- Live Webcasts and Mobile Stream – View floor sessions, committee hearings, press conferences and more from home or on a mobile device.
- House Public Information Services Publications – Information about the Legislature and legislative process.
- House Public Information Services Press Releases
- New Laws – Summaries of all vetoes and new laws enacted from the 2021 legislative session.
- House Research – Issues and information.
- House Fiscal Analysis – Issue briefs.
Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. You can call me at 651-296-6316, or email me at rep.bernie.perryman@house.mn.gov. I am here to serve you!
Bernie
