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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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HOUSE BILL BALANCES BUDGET, PROVIDES FUNDING BOOST FOR SCHOOLS AND NURSING HOMES
St. Paul, MN – Rep. John Ward (DFL-Brainerd) joined his colleagues in the House today to pass HF1812, the Supplemental Budget Bill that not only addresses the state budget deficit, but also improves funding for schools and nursing homes.
"When the budget deficit was announced in February, House members were charged with a daunting task – create a new budget that not only balances the budget, but also protects our most vulnerable citizens," said Ward. "This bill meets that challenge."
The legislation addresses the state budget deficit with a combination of funding cuts, use of the state budget reserve and cash flow accounts, and increasing revenue by closing corporate tax loopholes. It does not raid the Health Care Access Fund, which is the primary source of funding in the Governor's budget recommendation.
"I think this is a responsible and reasonable use for these rainy day funds," said Ward. "The last time the Health Care Access Fund was used to help balance the budget, over 40 thousand Minnesotans lost their health insurance. No one loses their coverage under our plan, in fact, our plan will continue to expand coverage for uninsured Minnesotans."
The bill provides a one-time funding boost for both schools and nursing homes in 2009 – a 1% increase for schools, and a 2% cost of living adjustment for state nursing homes.
"Our schools and nursing homes are in desperate need of more money," said Ward. "While this is not a long-term funding solution, it is a creative short-term fix."
For more information on the House budget bill, contact Rep. John Ward at 651-296-4333, or by e-mail at rep.john.ward@house.mn.
News Items
- 2013 Legislative Session Preview - (Posted: Jan 11 2013 8:39AM)
- Assistant Majority Leader Rep. John Ward Sworn-In as Legislative Session Starts - (Posted: Jan 8 2013 2:39PM)
- Rep. John Ward Elected Assistant Majority Leader and Selected to Serve as Vice Chair of Capital Investment Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-19 00:00:00)
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