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State Representative Carolyn Laine
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4331
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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2008 LEGISLATURE DELIVERS RESULTS AND ADJOURNS ON TIME BALANCED BUDGET, HEALTH CARE REFORM, EDUCATION FUNDING, AND PROPERTY TAY RELIEF
ST. PAUL, MN – Lawmakers concluded a successful 2008 legislative session on-time this Sunday with passage of a budget-balancing bill that closed tax loopholes for foreign-operating companies and provides needed funding for public schools and nursing homes. In addition, the legislature passed a health care reform bill and a property tax relief bill that delivers direct and permanent property tax relief to most Minnesotans. Rep. Carolyn Laine (DFL – Columbia Heights) was please finished the fast-paced Legislature with results on the issues that affect every Minnesotan.
"We moved Minnesota forward on every major issue this legislative session," said Laine. "It is a real accomplishment that we were able to provide a needed funding increase for our schools, pass permanent property tax relief, and a comprehensive transportation package, despite our budget deficit."
Every school district will receive a $51 per-pupil funding increase and have the option to transfer an additional $51 per-pupil from their capital fund to their general fund in the budget-balancing bill. In addition, nursing homes will receive a 2% cost-of-living-adjustment.
Rep. Laine would have liked to see the Legislature go futher on health care, but was pleased with the results in 2007 to cover over 30,000 previously uninsured kids with health insurance and the health care reform bill this year that made reforms designed to emphasize preventative, quality health care.
"I remain committed to covering every Minnesotan with affordable, guaranteed health care," said Laine "We took some steps in the right direction, but there is a lot of work still needed."
Laine said property tax relief is finally on the way after passage of a property tax bill that delivered $60 million in Local Government Aid to starved cities and counties and $25 million in direct property tax relief through the property tax refund program.
Rep. Laine is available to discuss and comment on the end of the 2008 legislative session if you have any questions. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing this legislation with him.
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News Items
- Rep. Laine Introduces Bill to Increase HMO Transparency - (Posted: 2012-02-13 00:00:00)
- New Law Gives Minnesotans a Natural Choice for Care of Deceased - (Posted: 2010-04-22 00:00:00)
- PROGRESS MADE IN 2009 SESSION, BUT MUCH MORE WORK AHEAD - (Posted: 2009-06-03 00:00:00)
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