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State Representative Tara Mack
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-5506
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Email update
Making better use of our tax dollars
Greetings from the Capitol!
Here’s an update on some things I’ve been working on in St. Paul.
REFORM PROPOSALS
I took part in a press conference this week where we detailed a number of reform-minded initiatives to help improve the way our state functions and maximize the effectiveness of our tax dollars. Our reforms are designed to pay for performance, not good intentions; put people before programs; and fund priorities, not bureaucracy.
We’re acting to change the way government does business and bring our state into the 21st century. If we don’t reform now, the cycle of deficits will only continue and Minnesota government will again fall short of our citizens’ expectations.
Here’s a quick overview of our reform proprosals:
Medicaid Fraud Detection (HF 1116, HF 233/SF 180)
A bill I’ve authored implements software that pulls and integrates information from various claims, benefit, eligibility and other systems to flag and prevent fraudulent Medicaid payments.
Tax Analytics (HF 173)
Tax analytics is the combination of hardware, software and data methodologies to identify and prioritize potential audit candidates and collection efforts.
Sunset Commission (HF 174 & HF 2/SF 146)
The Sunset Commission provides a mechanism to review and retire unnecessary or duplicative government operations.
HHS Integrated Eligibility (HF 746)
Another bill I’ve authored establishes a single online eligibility and application portal for health and human services. This site will enable individuals and community providers to find out in one easy to use location what services they are eligible for and guide them through the application process.
“15 by 15” State Workforce Restructuring (HF 4/SF 8)
Reduce the government workforce and associated costs 15 percent by 2015. This bill offers several tools, including furloughs, cuts, wage freezes, benefit restructuring and an early retirement option.
IT Consolidation (HF 191/SF 130)
Consolidate agency IT systems and services in the Office of Enterprise Technology.
Agency consolidation (HF 419)
Streamline state departments into eight agencies.
SHARING RESOURCES
A bill I authored to help fire departments share equipment passed the House Civil Law Committee this week. My legislation eliminated some cumbersome regulations that were in place, allowing fire departments some flexibility in their budgets. This is an issue that both Apple Valley and Burnsville fire departments have asked me to help them resolve.
AUTISM TASK FORCE
For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to serve on the Autism Spectrum Disorder Task Force and work toward better coordination of services across the state for families and individuals. I have authored a bill to reinstate that task force and allow our work to continue. I was pleased to have my bill pass the House Health Reform Committee this week.
I will send along more information as we make progress in these areas. As always, feel free to contact me any time by e-mailing rep.tara.mack@house.mn. Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Tara
News Items
- April 6 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-04-06 00:00:00)
- March 30 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-03-30 00:00:00)
- March 23 Legislative Update - (Posted: 2012-03-23 00:00:00)
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