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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Poston (R)

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Capitol Newsletter from Rep. John Poston

Friday, April 1, 2022

Dear Neighbors,

It’s been a busy week in St. Paul as the 2nd committee deadline is today, Friday. This means that bills that haven’t received hearings by the end of today will likely be “dead” for this year’s legislative session and have little chance of becoming law. While most of my time this week has been spent in committee hearings, I nevertheless wanted to highlight a few items of interest from the week that was.

Impacts of Inflation and Energy Prices

A new study released this week found that the surge in gas prices under the failed policies of Biden, Walz, and Democrats will cost the average American household an astonishing $2,000/year. You can read more about this here.

What’s more, analysis from Bloomberg news this week found that the average family in America will likely spend $5,200 more than usual because of record levels of inflation.

All of us are struggling under the weight of inflation and high energy prices. That’s why I was so disappointed to see House Democrats hear a bill in committee this week that would directly raise the cost of gas.

The bill, House File 2083, would force California fuel regulations on Minnesotans—raising the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel by 20 cents per gallon in the near term and up to 54 cents per gallon by 2035. This proposal would result in the average Minnesota household having to spend an additional $210 to $570 per year, every single year at the pump. 

This is tone-deaf at a time when gas prices are already high and all of us are struggling to make ends meet.

Avian Influenza Update

Cases of Avian Influenza have been identified in flocks in several counties here in Minnesota. 

Here in St. Paul, our leads on this issue have been holding weekly calls with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and are working proactively with stakeholders to make sure we minimize the impacts of this outbreak. The Board of Animal Health has set up a website with resources on this matter and I encourage you to visit to learn more about ways to prevent outbreaks: https://www.bah.state.mn.us/hpai/

Remember, poultry products remain safe and nutritious to eat. Make sure to support our farmers and producers by purchasing Minnesota-grown poultry products during this uncertain time.

Unemployment Insurance Fraud             

Earlier this month, a legislative auditor's report was released that found Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has done little to refer unemployment insurance (UI) fraud cases to law enforcement.

It is troubling that in one month alone, DEED suspended payments on 2,500 unemployment insurance accounts. Yet over the past few years, DEED only referred two dozen cases to law enforcement.

Fraud is a crime and DEED should treat it as such in every instance when someone is trying to scam the system. As lawmakers, we need to review how DEED is handling fraud within the UI program to make sure criminals are being punished and taxpayer dollars are being protected.

Staying in Touch

I encourage you to reach out to me to share your priorities, thoughts, questions, and concerns. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4293 or via email at rep.john.poston@house.mn.

Have a great weekend,

John