For more information contact:

E-Update

2012 SESSION WRAP UP

Dear Friends,

The 2012 Legislative Session has adjourned. Below is an update on what got done in 2012 and what needs to be addressed in the future. Additionally, there is information on new laws that went into effect on July 1st and an update on the Northeast Minnesota floods.

The 2012 Session

A major accomplishment was passage of a $496 million bonding bill. Contained in the bonding package is funding for local roads and bridges, wastewater systems, flood hazard mitigation, buildings on college campuses, Rural Finance Authority and Greater Minnesota business development grants that will benefit our region.

My efforts to strengthen communities:

• Co-authored legislation to restore the Homestead Credit, whose elimination I strongly opposed and resulted in substantial property tax increases on rural Minnesota homeowners, renters, seniors and small businesses.

• Supported $496 million bonding package to repair the state’s aging infrastructure and provide work for thousands of unemployed construction workers, contractors, engineers, architects and to create long-term private sector jobs.

• Opposed majority party’s Tax Bill that would have made deep cuts to the Renters’ Credit program hurting thousands of seniors and renters with disabilities to give millions in tax breaks to profitable corporations.

• Supported extending for two more years the ethanol minimum content dates that are set to expire in 2013 and directs the NextGen Energy Board to study whether the definition should remain focused on ethanol or be expanded to other biofuels.

My efforts to ensure a world class education:

• Authored legislation to pay back $2.4 billion owed to our K-12 public schools by closing corporate tax loopholes that allow corporations to hide their earnings overseas.

• Voted against the largest cut to higher education budget in Minnesota state history.

• Advocated for increased funding of early childhood education initiatives.

My efforts to get Minnesota back to work:

• Supported FastTRAC jobs initiative to prepare and increase the number of adults with post-secondary credentials in high demand occupations.

• Supported jobs proposals like Bridges to Work or offering a $3,000 tax credit to any business that hires a veteran, recent college graduate, or person who has been long-term unemployed.

• Supported increase in funding to help veterans identify benefits for which they are eligible, especially those related to post-traumatic stress disorder.

• As one of only a handful of farmers serving in the Legislature, succeeded in passing a strong bi-partisan farm bill on time and secured funding for the Rural Finance Authority.

Going forward, we must address the bread and butter issues vital to a successful future in Minnesota. We are always at our best when we work together; focused on strong schools, fair taxes, and a growing middle class.

New Laws that went into effect on July 1, 2012

Accelerating the fight against aquatic invasive species

A new law establishes an advisory inspection process to help businesses pro-actively comply with regulations. Rather than find out the hard way that they’re in violation of state laws or rules and face financial penalties, the idea is that businesses can contact state agencies and request an advisory inspection.

If an inspector identifies violations, the business can avoid any penalties as long as they’re corrected within 60 days. Several agencies are exempted from the provisions, including the Department of Revenue. The law also states that the exemption from penalties does not apply to conduct involving fraud and various other circumstances.

The law also increases civil penalties for transporting certain aquatic invasive species and doubles the fines for repeat offenders. Conservation officers will be granted authority to order watercraft and other equipment to be removed from waters when necessary, and the DNR can require mandatory inspections at water access sites. The state’s ban on placing watercraft with invasive species attached into public waters is now expanded to include all water-related equipment.

Honor guards given equal priority

Honor guards are paid up to $50 each time they provide services, such as playing “Taps,” at the funeral of a military veteran. A new law states the veterans affairs commissioner cannot prioritize these payments based on whether the honor guard units are sponsored by organizations that have charitable gambling operations. Previously, when funding ran low, honor guards sponsored by charitable gambling organizations could see their payments delayed until the end of the year due to permissible language.

Paramedic services reimbursed

In 2011, the Legislature directed the human services commissioner to determine which community paramedic services could be covered under Medical Assistance and determine payment later for those services. A new law authorizes community paramedics to be reimbursed for such services.

For example, Medical Assistance may cover chronic disease monitoring, medication compliance, and immunizations and vaccinations for eligible recipients when the services are provided by a community paramedic. These services are covered for individuals who frequently use emergency rooms, or for whom the provision of community paramedic service would prevent admission to or allow discharge from a nursing facility or prevent readmission.

Notifying an abuse victim’s parents

An extra phone call will need to be made when a child is a crime victim. A new law will add to the custody order in a divorce agreement so that each party must “notify the other party if the minor child is the victim of an alleged crime and shall provide the name of the investigating law enforcement officer.”

It will also require law enforcement to immediately notify a local welfare agency if the child is a victim of neglect, physical abuse or sexual abuse outside the family. Parents who are under a protective order or in the Safe at Home program will have the notification provided through a third party so as to avoid direct contact with their former spouse.

The House Information Office has compiled a complete list of the news laws into a searchable database that can be found here. You can also access stories about the laws enacted in 2012, bills that were vetoed and updates on bills that did not make it into law.

Flooding in Northeastern Minnesota

Our neighbors in the Northeastern Minnesota have experienced a devastating natural disaster with flooding caused by a record rainfall of over 10 inches. The damage is extensive to homes, businesses, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Fortunately, no human lives were lost and few injuries were reported.

Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) are being conducted by FEMA to assess storm damage in 13 counties and the Fond du Lac tribal nation. These PDAs will focus on Public Assistance which is a federal program to aid local governments in repairing damages to public buildings, certain roads, bridges, sidewalks and other infrastructure as well as reimburse local governments for debris removal and emergency response costs.

When a disaster strikes we are one Minnesota. In the weeks ahead, we will learn more about the extent of the storm damages and what needs to be done to repair and rebuild homes, businesses and infrastructure in Duluth and other Northeastern Minnesota communities.

My contact information:

Note: Due to campaign law, this will be my final e-update until after November 6th. State legislators are prohibited from sending e-updates to constituent mailing lists after 60-days from session adjournment. I can, however, respond to individual inquiries, so please continue to contact me with your questions, suggestions, and concerns at:

Rep. Andrew Falk

239 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
888-682-1388
(651) 296-4228
rep.andrew.falk@house.mn
www.house.mn/20A

My priority will continue to be working to build a prosperous Minnesota where all in rural Minnesota have the opportunity to succeed. It is an honor to serve you.

Sincerely,

Andrew Falk
State Representative