Dear Lakeville Friends and Neighbors,
We had a busy few days last week as we passed three large omnibus bills in the House. With topics ranging from student discipline to aging care, we covered a wide array of issues. Along with the bigger bills last week, we’re still passing individual bills now; including one I authored!
Dakota County Legislation
On Monday, we unanimously passed my bill, HF2956, on a 126-0 vote. The bipartisan legislation assists the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) in better representing area residents. It creates an appointed position on the CDA Board for a resident of a federally funded public housing unit. This legislation would give a greater voice to Dakota County residents living in one of our housing units. It also streamlines the process to meet federal law requirements and clears up unnecessary language in Minnesota statute. The Dakota County CDA supports the need for affordable, workforce and senior housing.
Now that the House and Senate passed the bill, it heads to the governor’s desk where I believe he will sign it into law. It’s amazing to see an idea become viable legislation that helps our area. I’ll keep you updated on this bill when the governor adds his signature.
Jobs Omnibus Bill
Last week, we passed a package of proposals to grow jobs and encourage economic activity in our state. Our bill adds $40 million for broadband initiatives around the state, over $6 million to increase economic opportunities, and creates more workforce housing in areas with good-paying jobs but limited housing options. Creating jobs and helping our economy is a statewide issue, and our bill recognizes that.
Health and Human Services Omnibus
We also voted on and passed our health and human services bill. The big takeaway is a transition from our current healthcare exchange, MNsure, to the federal exchange. Since it started, MNsure has spent over $300 million and we’re still left with glitches, poor customer service, and hundreds of millions of wasted taxpayer dollars. Moving to the federal exchange alleviates the headache of MNsure for many throughout Minnesota, and should provide more consistent service.
The bill also captures waste and fraud savings for public programs and gives that money to long-term and community-based care-providers to benefit our seniors. Saving money and directing it toward those who care for vulnerable Minnesotans seems like a good idea to me.
Furthermore, this legislation invests in programs to treat mental health issues and chemical dependency, reduces child care unionization authority, and extends the Legislative Task Force on Child Protection. Our bill helps the youngest to the oldest Minnesotans, and everyone in between.
High School Page
I’d like to thank Wes Inman, a student at Lakeville North, for taking part in the Minnesota House of Representatives Page Program this week! It’s great to see students from our area get involved in St. Paul. If you’d like to learn more about the page program, please click here.
Please Contact Me
We have just over two weeks left of session, and you will start to hear more about our major priorities, road and bridge funding, and tax relief. Please reach out if you have a comment, concern or suggestion. You can reach me at (651) 296-6926 or Rep.Jon.Koznick@house.mn. Also, please forward this email to neighbors or friends that would be interested in keeping up with legislative business.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Jon Koznick
State Representative, Lakeville, 58A