Legislative UpdateDear Northlanders, As session continues to move quickly, I want to take a moment to update you on several key issues we’ve been working on at the Capitol. Federal Conformity One of the most important conversations in this session is federal conformity and ensuring Minnesota aligns with HR 1. Many of these are what I would call “80/20 issues”, policies that the vast majority of Minnesotans support and expect us to get right. Below are some examples of policies we as a state need to conform to help ensure Minnesota does not lose millions in funding, stop fraud and help make Minnesota affordable. First, we must implement reasonable Medicaid work requirements. If Minnesota does not elect to adopt the new federal work requirements for able bodied adults ages 18-64 years of age who are NOT disabled, NOT a parent with young children, then they will lose medical assistance benefits. The new federal rules require those able bodied to either work 80 hours a month (which is about 2.5 (8) hour shifts a week)/volunteer or attend college in order to continue to receive medical assistance. With many Northlanders working 2-3 jobs, it seems reasonable to expect able bodied adults to have minimum requirements for medical assistance programs. A work requirement restores fairness, strengthens our workforce, and helps ensure these programs are available for those who truly need them. Remember, this is not a new concept. In fact, past President Bill Clinton did the very same thing in the 1990’s for a successful welfare to work program. Second, Minnesota has refused to send the data for those Minnesotans receiving SNAP (food stamp) assistance to the federal government. Other states have begun submitting their data to the federal government and are discovering duplicate enrollments across multiple states. Unfortunately, Minnesota has not yet released this data, leaving serious questions about whether individuals who do not live here are receiving benefits funded by our taxpayers. Transparency and accountability are critical, and we need answers. Third, I strongly support Minnesota opting into new scholarship granting organizations (SGO’s). This new program allows Minnesotans to get a $1700 tax credit from the federal government that begins in the 2027 tax year. How does this work? An individual donates $1700 to the SGO of their choice. These SGO’s are non-profits formed to offer public, private, and charter schools. The non-profit that collects the donations can then distribute for K-12 scholarships for tutoring, technology, transportation, books/supplies or tuition. Local non-profits could apply to become a SGO to help students in all settings from community foundations, education non-profits, religious school foundations, & charter school foundations. Other Democrat states like Colorado opted in, however Governor Walz states he will not opt in. WHY? This is not a voucher program. This is a program that can have meaningful impact for all students, and 90% of students are in public schools and these settings could use some help with districts facing millions in cuts. If Minnesota chooses not to participate, Minnesotans can use their $1700 tax break by donating the money to a SGO in a state who chose to opt in to the program. Why would the Governor want Minnesota money to be sent to other states vs helping Minnesota students? Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Paid Family and Medical Leave continues to be a major topic this session. I have authored legislation to exempt 14- and 15-year-olds from paying into PFML. These young individuals are often working part-time or summer jobs to gain experience, save money, and learn responsibility. It is not reasonable to require them to contribute to a system they are unlikely to use. This is a simple, common-sense fix that protects young workers who don’t want a tax which reduces their paycheck each payday. SNAP Benefits & Tax Relief In the Children and Families Committee, we heard a bill that would prohibit those on medical assistance SNAP benefits from purchasing pop, chips, and candy. This is about making sure taxpayer-funded assistance is used for healthy food choices. This bill was voted down by Democrats, and therefore prohibits Minnesota from being eligible for millions in grants. OIG Bill This week in state government we were able to finally pass the OIG bill. After weeks of Democrats blocking this bill we were finally able to move it out of state government to Ways & Means. The goal of this bill is to create a centralized Office of Inspector General with broad authority over fraud and misuse across state programs. My hope is this will receive bipartisan support to allow this to reach the house floor. Tab Fees In 2023, we heard a lot about “delivering for you,” but what I’ve seen from the other side of the aisle tells a different story. Despite an $18.5 billion surplus, they spent it while adding nearly $10 billion in new taxes, and Minnesotans are feeling that impact every day. It shows up in higher car tab fees, increased delivery costs, and added expenses on everyday purchases. I’ve heard from many of you who are frustrated, especially as car tab fees have risen by about 20%, while some neighboring states charge a flat fee of around $85 per year. That’s why I’m supporting a commonsense proposal to use a portion of the surplus to lower car tab fees and provide real relief. Unfortunately, this effort has been blocked, but I remain committed to fighting for practical solutions that put money back in your pocket. Click here to watch the link below.  Time Back Home What else are you going to do when you have a snow storm?   Attended fundraiser for Star of the North maternity home in Duluth.  Honored to speak at Duluth and St. County Days. Time in St. Paul Dined for lunch with Rep. Jay Xiong at Sweeney's in St. Paul.  I presented a capital bonding bill to protect Lake Superior by replacing old sewer pipes from knife river to Duluth for 26 plus miles.  I met with Stephanie Lewis who helps coordinate new and early learning grants for MN. I authored and passed this to help childcare centers recruit & retain employee who qualify for $5000 per year scholarships for their kids to attend childcare.  I attended league of MN cities reception.  I met with disability advocate Nathaniel Olson. |