Hello from St. Paul,
On Wednesday, I presented my e-moto bill before the House transportation committee. I was joined by Hastings resident Janet Stotko, who nearly died after being hit by teenager on a sidewalk.
My bill would ensure that electric motorcycles must follow the same rules as any other motorcycle. Janet’s tragedy showed that legislative action needs to be taken before more people – who aren’t even driving them – are accidentally injured, or worse.
The bill was referred to the House commerce committee for further debate.
TAX CREDITS FOR SCHOOL DONATIONS
Would you believe there is a no-cost way to give public schools more funding AND give tax credits to Minnesotans, and yet not one Democrat is willing to support it?
This week, a press conference was held calling for aligning Minnesota law with recent federal changes regarding tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. Donations could be used for things like tutoring and academic enrichment, extracurricular and other educational activities, and special services for students with special needs.
All Minnesota taxpayers can take advantage of this tax credit, and individuals can receive a federal tax credit up to $1,700 for contributions made to a qualifying scholarship granting organization. While it would also benefit private schools, people should understand the school donation tax credit can be used for public schools as well. With 90% of students attending public schools, this money would be a tremendous boost for them as they deal with budget shortfalls.
Sadly, Democrats are currently blocking this essential funding source, even though opting in comes at no cost to the taxpayers. Governor Walz could also just opt Minnesota into this program – as other Democrat-run states have done – but he too refuses to do so.
SECURITY FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Speaking of areas where Democrat support is needed: safety in every Minnesota school. We have seen Democrats willing to allocate some funds to public schools only, but no security for private schools. Considering 12% of Minnesota students receive their education from a non-public facility, this is a problem. The Annunciation school in Minneapolis is one such facility.
If we can learn anything from the Annunciation tragedy, it should be to pass common sense legislation that allows every Minnesota school to access state funds to improve security in their facilities. Yet, Democrats are blocking funding for public and non-public school safety as well, as we have not been able to find one of them to vote for this critical need.
Keeping every student and teacher safe, regardless of a public or non-public setting, should not be controversial.
NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION FRAUD
As you are aware, Minnesota has plenty of fraud cases – potentially up to $9 billion. The latest examination in the House fraud committee centered on the non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) program that helps vulnerable residents get to medical appointments.
So, get this: as far back as 2011, the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA) raised a red flag, noting that forcing transportation providers to install GPS devices in their vehicles could ensure accuracy in delivering this needed service. 15 years later, the Department of Human Services has done nothing.
Investigations have since found fake rider logs, inflated trip billing, and providers taking longer routes to increase charges, and this needed program has now been labeled as “high risk” for fraud.
And you wonder why people are frustrated with government.
There’s a very simple fix for this specific fraud problem: require GPS tracking in NEMT vehicles to ensure accurate service that protects both patients and taxpayers. Yet another solution that should be neither controversial nor partisan. So, of course, it will be.
Have a good weekend,
Tom