Beloved Community,
As we approach the end of session I’m working hard with my colleagues to make sure that legislation that must pass continues to make progress. Here is some of what we are fighting for.
Taxing the Ultra-Rich
It’s time for the ultra-rich to pay their fair share. For too long, millionaires and billionaires have been able to horde wealth for themselves while the rest of us struggle to afford basic necessities — and Donald Trump and Republicans in DC are only making it worse. I introduced legislation to fix this broken system. It’s time to tax the ultra-rich. As I said in my introduction of the bill, taxes pay for the things we need, like schools, transit, and first responders.
Saving HCMC
The closure of Hennepin County Medical Center would be catastrophic for Minnesotans. HCMC is a shining example of how our health care system *should* work — they accept patients from across the state regardless of whether they have insurance or the ability to pay massive medical bills.
In the richest country in the history of the world, people should not be forced to go without the care they need to survive. But federal cuts to Medicaid and the broken for-profit dystopia of America’s health care system could lead to HCMC shutting down by JUNE.
This week, the House DFL brought forward legislation that would be an ongoing solution. There will be a lot of ongoing discussion as to the exact way to save HCMC. But rest assured, as long as the House DFL has a say this critical institution will remain open and fully operational.
Funding to Combat Medicaid Fraud
This week the House GOP voted against funding to strengthen the integral Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. The proposal would beef up one of the most effective Medicaid fraud fighting forces in the country. That means more fraudsters in jail and more public funds going where they need to. There is a 3-to-1 match of federal funds for any state funds appropriated for MFCU staff. As a result, the state would only need to pay for 4.5 staff to get a total of 18! It is fiscally irresponsible to throw this opportunity away.
I’ve heard clearly from you that you want me to put my vote where my mouth is. Minnesotans want us to take strong action to combat fraud and I couldn’t agree more. It's time to cut out the political games and pass some real legislation that will have a real positive impact. There are still potential paths for this critical fraud fighting legislation to move forward and I promise to fight for it every step of the way.
DFL Bills to Protect our Kids
Before break, the House DFL brought forward floor votes on legislation to keep ICE out of schools, ban assault weapons, and ban high-capacity magazines. This legislation is supported by the vast majority of Minnesotans. All of our children deserve to go to school without the fear of federal agents terrorizing their classmates, teachers, and staff, and without the fear of yet another deadly school shooting like Annunciation, which brought mourning families into committee after committee to call for action. All we needed was one Republican to vote for these bills to protect kids; unfortunately these bills didn’t receive a single Republican vote.
DFL Legislative Survey
We want to hear from you and what you would like to see the legislature prioritize for next year's legislative session. Make your voice heard and help determine what we fight for, here.
Keep In Touch
As always, feel free to reach out with any feedback or questions you have for me! I always appreciate working in partnership with you. You can also follow me on my Facebook page.
In solidarity,
Aisha Gomez
651-296-7152
rep.aisha.gomez@house.mn.gov