Greetings,
Lawmakers returned to St. Paul on Monday to take part in a one-day special session, which was called in order to approve outstanding budget proposals that were not passed during the regular session. In all, lawmakers approved 14 separate bills prior to adjournment.
REPUBLICANS HELP RESTORE BALANCE
While having 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats in the Minnesota House created some unique challenges this session, having a GOP seat at the negotiating table was critical. The budget agreement provides the largest cut to government spending - $5 billion - in state history, and we stopped more than $8 billion in tax increase proposals from becoming law.
ENDING FREE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ADULT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
Lawmakers also approved language that ends the tremendously expensive free health insurance for illegal immigrants’ program for adults. The number of illegal immigrants taking advantage of the government freebie has skyrocketed, costing Minnesota’s taxpayers at least $550 million. The change takes place January 1.
COMMERCE PLAN INCLUDES REINSURANCE EXTENSION
As co-chair of the Minnesota House Commerce Policy and Finance Committee, I helped craft the commerce finance proposal approved on Monday. In addition to preventing new mandates from becoming law, it includes needed work in the Medicare supplement policy area and extends the successful reinsurance program - which helps individuals who need to purchase health insurance on the state’s individual marketplace – for another two years. This bill will ensure a stable and orderly health insurance market in Minnesota.
PERMITTING REFORM FOR MINNESOTA’S BUSINESSES APPROVED
The highlight of approved environment legislation is long-overdue permitting reform, as the bill streamlines Minnesota’s environmental permitting processes without sacrificing environmental standards. These changes will help reduce costly delays, cut through unnecessary red tape, and provide a real boost to our economy while continuing to protect the state’s natural resources.
PENSIONS LEGISLATION MOVES FORWARD
Many of you know that I am a member of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement. This session I was pleased we were able to prioritize the pensions of police, firefighters, and teachers by providing them with cost-of-living adjustments.
KEEP IN TOUCH
As always, I'm continuing to support constituent needs. Feel free to contact me anytime at rep.tim.odriscoll@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-7808.
Talk to you soon,
Tim