It’s been called a lot of names, but while the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (now law) pushed by Congressional Republicans and President Trump is certainly big, there’s nothing beautiful about cutting support for our neighbors that need a helping hand. Not only does this bill make the largest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP ever, it simultaneously defunds Planned Parenthood, guts tax credits to produce clean energy, increases the cost of living through higher health care, food, and utilities costs, imperils hospitals and other health providers, and forces states to raise taxes or further reduce benefits Americans rely on to meet their basic needs. Some of the federal cuts and policy changes don’t go into effect for over a year, meaning that it could take some time to feel the full impact of these new laws. With our state budget balanced with federal assistance in mind, it’s possible a special session of the state legislature could be needed later in the year to address these cruel, drastic cuts. I’ll be sure to keep you posted if that becomes the case. Minnesota’s New State Laws While we might be waiting some time for these new federal laws to take effect, much of the new policies and investments we passed this year at the state capitol were implemented on July 1st - and in contrast to Congressional Republicans, the vast majority of these new laws look out for ALL Minnesotans. Here’s a snapshot of some favorites that come to mind: - There’s $777 million in Legacy fund dollars to invest in the things that make Minnesota a great place to live - our parks and trails, clean lakes and rivers, and the arts!
- Ticketed events with at least 100 attendees now have to provide access to free water and allow attendees to bring either factory-sealed or empty water bottles. This feels especially important given the heat we’ve already experienced this summer.
- Unemployment Insurance for hourly school workers is getting a $100 million boost. This was a hard-fought win for a program the DFL refused to cut. This was part of a larger K-12 Education Budget that invests over $25 billion in our students and schools.
- We’ve also put in new protections for minors appearing in online media, better ensuring that children aren’t being taken advantage of.
- Also in effect is one of the first bills I authored, which invests $300,000 for a Meals on Wheel program for Minnesota’s veterans! As the federal government cuts food assistance, I’m so thankful we were able to get this passed.
These are just a handful of the many new laws that have now taken effect. If you’d like to dive deeper into these new policies and investments, you can read a nonpartisan summary of the new laws here. Lastly, I also want to shine a light on a bill that isn’t being implemented, because it did not pass due to Republican obstruction. The cruel federal cuts were a long time coming, which is why my DFL colleagues and I introduced legislation that would have ensured Medicaid remained fully funded in Minnesota despite these national cuts - by taxing the millionaires and billionaires who are profiting from those same cuts. I find myself desperately wishing we could’ve granted Minnesotans that peace of mind today. Minnesota Commerce Department’s Disaster Response Guide We’ve already had some heavy storms this summer, and I’m sure more are to come. Regardless, the Minnesota Commerce Department’s Disaster Response Guide is a good set of information to have on hand. The Minnesota Department of Commerce, which provides consumers with protections and enforces insurance laws for the State of Minnesota, offers Minnesotans guidance on steps to take when filing an insurance claim after storms damage their home, business or other property from recent storms. Key tips for filing insurance claims to your property: - Contact your insurance company immediately.
- Wait for the company’s adjuster before you or anyone starts working to remove or repair or replace property.
- Inventory your damage.
- Take notes of who you talk with and what they say from your insurance company, adjusters or repair services. Note dates, names and contact information.
- Avoid scammers or high-pressure sales tactics if you are contacted by someone you don’t know, such as salespeople going door-to-door in areas hit by storms.
Question or complaint about your insurance company? If you have questions, complaints or problems with your insurance company, contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Services Center: - By phone: 651-539-1600 or 800-657-3602
- By email: consumer.protection@state.mn.us.
You can submit a complaint online or call Commerce’s Consumer Services Center. Save the Date - Virtual Town Hall on July 22 I’ll be sure to remind you as we get close, but I wanted to put an upcoming Virtual Town Hall on your radar now! On Tuesday, July 22, I’ll be joining my District 40 colleagues to go over the recent legislative session and answer your questions. |