Legislative Update - Rep. Tom Murphy

Legislative Update

Friends and Neighbors,

To start the week off on Monday Father Roger served as the chaplain for the day and led the opening prayer for the House chamber. He is a long-time friend of the Murphy Family who I have known for as long as I’ve been alive. You can watch the video of his insightful prayer here:

(https://www.facebook.com/RepTomMurphy/posts/pfbid06N56gpV78LKsExpn6Ag5fQBWpcvF5rLM7D2RCiUqE9BZeFJePK95f8bAFdQopeULl?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU_n0aRWAWFcoLfeDV2AYyH9lG7jELuxjpaabPu2Jv8-sK7qjZ3e0CAJ7qwxC6S_1pbhdLMsuOAg8gxuWX5gROlH_chZXxqA1q1D5vUwVRtn_fx_LVvJXyfFGZeDSma1gAfXlNUhsopMU08b5aSkruDqcHHM23zP9qvrOe6-uGqfEiNz17bpqAUkyzWCyGAhTw&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R)

Not so “Free” College

One new provision included in the Higher Education Omnibus during the conference committee offers free tuition for students with families earning less than $80K per year. While a means to higher education is important I am disappointed in the way this is being implemented. This proposal imposes a substantial burden on Minnesota taxpayers, and more alarmingly, it eliminates the grants program for high-need industries. A more targeted and nuanced approach could have been far more effective than just throwing more money at the problem of ballooning higher education costs.

Omnibus Bills

The Housing Omnibus Bill has been one of the first to complete its path through the legislative process and is a sign of the things to come. This bill is heavily metro focused and fails to invest in long-term solutions. Simply subsidizing rent in perpetuity does nothing to help Minnesotans build a life and family when it has been shown time and time again how homeownership is a positive force for the vast majority to build wealth. Greater Minnesota being left out is especially concerning as we see a dwindling workforce and no assistance to help people put down roots in our communities.

Nursing homes have continued to get ignored as the end of this year’s legislative session approaches. Our care providers are dealing with burdensome working conditions and funding that is over a year behind schedule when costs for everyone have been rising. I am disappointed that this bipartisan issue has been completely shut out of this session.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, hopefully you will be making time with family to show your appreciation for all that our moms do. Whether with breakfast in bed or a nice dinner out, this is a day to celebrate and honor all the love, care, and sacrifices our moms have made for us. They are the backbone of our family, and we cannot thank them enough for everything you do. May your day be filled with joy, love, and relaxation.

Stay Up-to-Date

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