Legislative Update from Rep. John Huot

Legislative Update from Rep. John Huot

Dear neighbors,

I hope this email finds you well. Spring is here, even if it’s a little cooler than normal, and it feels nice to have some more sunshine and light these days.

Here’s an update from the Capitol:

We’re winding down the legislative session with much work left on our plates. I’m especially focused on finding a solution for saving Hennepin County Medical Center. As a former EMT, and someone deeply involved in improving response times within Emergency Medical Services, I’m committed to getting this right. 

It’s clear that we'll need a long term fix for Hennepin County Medical Center in spite of the HR 1 Medicaid cuts. However, in the immediate future, we need a temporary fix to get us there. I’m proposing we utilize our rainy day fund, which has been preserved for unexpected moments like these. Other proposals include imposing a ballpark tax in Hennepin County, or raiding the General Fund, which is how we pay for public education, road and bridge repair and essential public services like Metro Mobility. 

Our progress is slow, but steady. With the House being tied, just by being officially scheduled for a floor vote, most of the bills that reach this point have already proven to have the bipartisan support necessary to pass.

Photo credit: House Photography

Recently, we passed broadly bipartisan legislation that toughens penalties for impersonating a police officer, bans nudification technology, and strengthens the ability of agencies to stop payments to program participants when fraud is suspected. 

Progress continued last week with the passage of a bill regulating HOAs, banning predictive market wagering, and our Housing Committee’s tenant-landlord relations bill, which passed unanimously. 

While we expected changes with a new federal administration, none of us could expect to the extent of the strain it’s had on our state. Operation Metro Surge has cost our economy $600 million. Gas is more than $4 a gallon. Health care premiums are at the highest they’ve been in 6 years and people are struggling to put food on the table and pay their bills. Tariffs are hurting everyday Minnesotans at the cash register and we’re all paying an exorbitant amount with everything as a result. 

We also know that gun violence continues to be pervasive. I was saddened to hear of the recent police/civilian shooting in Richfield. This is a problem, I believe, we can solve with common sense. It’s why I’ve worked to form the DFL Responsible Gun Ownership Caucus, in partnership with my other DFL colleagues. With our backgrounds in various public safety sectors, and for whatever reasons we hold permits, whether for hunting, recreation, or personal reasons, we are all aligned in ensuring that Minnesotans are safely storing their weapons, strengthening background checks against domestic abusers, banning assault-style weapons, and investing in mental health resources for those who need them. 

Lifespark Update

I’ve heard from many in our community about the unreasonable rent raises at Lifespark Senior Living in Rosemount. 

I recently met with the residents where almost half face rent increases of up to 60%. Communications from the management company, Lifespark, to residents have described the change as both a “rent increase” and the result of a previously unknown “rent adjustment” being phased out. 

People choose assisted living to age in place and this is wrong. I’m strongly opposed to Lifespark management's actions and continue to work toward a solution.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any concerns at rep.john.huot@house.mn.gov

Keep in Touch

Please continue to contact me anytime with input or questions. I appreciate hearing from you!

Have a great week,

John