Greetings,
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. Lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Tuesday. At the Capitol, we are entering the home stretch with the first and second committee deadlines now behind us.
3RD BUDGET DEADLINE ONE WEEK AWAY
April 17 marks the legislative deadline for finance bills. With Minnesota experiencing a projected budget shortfall, I do not expect any new, ongoing appropriations unless there are corresponding program cuts or reductions in order to make the numbers work. There is a possibility of some one-time spending, such as updating county human services software so it can detect fraud and multiple applications being submitted. Doing this would not only preserve your tax dollars but would also ensure our state is helping those who need it while weeding out the fraudsters.
PRESERVING GIRLS SPORTS ACT FAILS BY ONE VOTE
Legislation that would ensure that only girls participate in girls’ sports failed by one vote on the House floor, with all Republicans voting in favor and all Democrats voting in opposition.
The federal government classified Title IX for girls and women for a reason, recognizing the biology of males and females and giving all an equal opportunity to compete against athletes of the same sex. So much work has been done to administer equality in high school, college and professional sports. Even the International Olympic Committee understands the importance of athlete safety and has taken similar action. With 80% of Minnesotans believing sports should be played based on your biological characteristics, this bill is a no brainer needed to preserve the integrity of athletic competitions.
SEARCHING FOR VEHICLE TAB FEE RELIEF
If you received your vehicle tab fee renewal in the mail recently, you likely noticed the expensive costs. In 2023-24 when Democrats controlled the governor’s office and the legislature, they mismanaged an $18 billion surplus and raised taxes by another $10 billion. These vehicle tab fee increases were part of that.
Republicans continue to look for solutions to lower people’s tabs, and we fully recognize your sticker shock.
REINSURANCE PROPOSAL STALLS IN COMMERCE COMMITTEE
My bill that would extend Minnesota’s successful reinsurance program stalled twice in the commerce committee as no Democrat would support it. Reinsurance helps lower premium costs for those purchasing health insurance on the individual market – such as small business owners, early retirees, the unemployed, and those who do not have insurance through their employer.
My bill would direct Minnesota to ask the federal government for a waiver under the Affordable Care Act to continue offering the program, and it is believed it will grant the waiver if we apply. If not approved this session, annual premium rates on the individual market are expected to jump anywhere between 20% - 36%.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Have a good weekend,
Tim