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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Dettmer (R)

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Legislative News from. Rep. Bob Dettmer

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Hello from the State Capitol,

 

The Legislature’s budget work has been completed. Here’s a recap of our final proposals.

 

STATE GOVERNMENT FINANCE

This is the legislation that contained the provision ending Governor Walz’s emergency powers as they relate to the COVID-19 pandemic. With hospitalizations and case rates having reached record lows, the ‘emergency’ phase of the pandemic ended a long time ago. The legislature's role as a co-equal branch of government has returned and one-man rule in the State of Minnesota has ended. This bill also fully fund military and veterans affairs programs.

 

ENVIRONMENT

An environment finance proposal has also been approved. This funds programs within the DNR, MPCA, Minnesota Zoo, and others. The biggest point of concern in this bill was its failure to address Governor Walz’s Clean Cars Emissions standards from taking effect, as this plan would put unelected California bureaucrats in charge of Minnesota emissions policies, tells auto dealers what types of cars they need to have on their lot regardless of demand, and will ultimately raise the price of a new car in Minnesota by $1,000 or more.

 

PUBLIC SAFETY

This agreement eliminated numerous measures brought forward by Democrats that were anti-police or would have made it harder for police to do their jobs. This bill will protect victims of crime and ensure justice is served.

 

K-12 EDUCATION

Local schools will be pleased with this legislation, as significant funding increases are included. A number of objectionable policy provisions were also dropped. Now its time to get our kids back in the schools full-time this fall.

 

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

The HHS bill spends nearly $19 billion over the next biennium, but fails to extend or provide funding for Minnesota’s reinsurance program that has successfully lowered health insurance rates for thousands of Minnesotans. In addition to raising health care costs by ending reinsurance, this bill fails to rein in HHS spending which continues to grow at unsustainable levels.

 

TAXES

Thanks to Republican leadership, all DFL tax increase proposals have been defeated, and PPP loan and unemployment insurance tax relief is finally being approved for those workers and employers who have been financially devastated during the pandemic.

 

With the completion of the budget, our work for 2021 is finished. But I am still available to answer any questions or concerns. You can always reach me at rep.bob.dettmer@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-4124.

 

Talk to you soon,

 

Bob