Hello Friends and Neighbors,
Thursday was the legislature’s first committee deadline. For bills to continue moving towards the floor for a vote, either the House or Senate needed to hear the bill by Thursday. This made for a busy week with committee meetings scheduled late into the evenings.
In the last two weeks, I have had the opportunity to testify on a number of my bills. The Commerce and HHS Reform Committees heard my bill to establish an audit to better understand and fix the disproportionate health insurance costs experienced in our area and other rural parts of the state.
Thursday, I was pleased to have Red Wing Police Chief Roger Pohlman join me for testimony for the Safe Schools Levy bill which was heard in Education Finance Committee.
MNLARS Update
As many of you have read about or experienced firsthand, our new state licensing system, MNLARS, has been plagued with dysfunction since it launched in July. Minnesota taxpayers have already spent nearly $100 million for a system that doesn’t work. They are rightly outraged.
The House and Senate both passed compromised legislation yesterday to provide $10 million in emergency funding to address the problems that have plagued the system. This bill includes strict legislative oversight on the project to ensure the money is being spent properly and progress is being made.
Governor Dayton approved the legislation by signing it into law last night.
Visitors
It was heartwarming to have so many friends and neighbors visit the legislature this week. With Wednesday being National Ag Day, it was a busy “Day at the Capitol” week. Among others, I appreciated visiting with:
Goodhue Farm Bureau
Greg Moyer with MN Truckers
Red Wing and Goodhue Superintendents and School Board members
Brad Hovel and other Soybean Growers
Chris Giesen, Goodhue County Economic Development
AFSCME and IBEW including local electrician Steve Cardell
Jeff Sulla from Wabasha City Council
Jim Bryant with Insurance Day
Debby Eddy with Alzheimer’s Association
Staying In Touch:
Thank you to everyone who has contacted me so far this session. If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding anything related to state government, please do not hesitate to reach out at rep.barb.haley@house.mn or 651-296-8635.
Sincerely,
