The Deal Gets CutLate last night, an “end-of-session” deal was cut between legislative leaders and the Governor. Today, those of us involved are working to finalize language and details to get things wrapped up by our Sunday deadline. Several of the provisions I was working on throughout the session are part of the final agreement. There is a one-year car tab fee cut of $250 million. Republicans will continue to advocate for this one-year cut to be permanently extended. We also achieved a $125 million, one-time property tax cut, as well as many provisions for our businesses that will put us into conformity with federal tax policy. Again, that property tax cut is only for one year, and we are advocating for it to become permanent next year. As you may know, our Office of the Inspector General bill passed and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. My other major anti-fraud bill, the Take It Back Act, will also pass as part of the final agreement. Click HERE to watch the video of our original press conference where Senator Drazkowski and I introduced the act. Finally, the state government is going to make major technology upgrades in the public benefits area and provide $200 million to Hennepin County Medical Center, while forcing significant accountability and new governance language to make sure that HCMC is operating efficiently. HCMC is an important part of our health care system, but it must be run better. During the last days of the session, the situation is dynamic. This legislation still has to be put to a vote on the House Floor, but we expect that the deal will hold. I look forward to keeping you updated as events progress. |