Dear Neighbors,
There are less than two weeks remaining in the 2016 session, yet many of the big issues of the session remain unresolved. It’s my hope that the legislature and Governor can work together to make this a productive session for Minnesotans. My priorities continue to be:
- Solving our statewide transportation problem
- Passing a bonding bill that will create jobs and strengthen communities
- Tackling our student debt crisis
- Investing in education from pre-K through college
- Supporting quality care for people with disabilities
- Creating true border-to-border broadband
- Providing clear disclosure in campaign finance
I also believe that the work of the legislature needs to take place in the light of day and not rely on secret, backroom deals. Much of the budget talks last year occurred behind closed doors without the proper public participation. While the Governor and the Senate have publicly released all the proposals on the large state issues--taxes, bonding and transportation, we are still waiting for many of the details on the House Republican proposals. With less than two weeks remaining in the session, time is of the essence. I will continue to push for greater transparency about the end of session negotiations because Minnesotans deserve a voice in their government.
Minnesota Investment Fund Delivers for Eagan
Minnesota has two very successful programs to support private businesses in creating jobs, the Job Creation Fund (JCF) and the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF). The two funds have brought thousands of jobs to Minnesota and leveraged billions in private business investment. Recently, MIF provided a $360,000 loan to Iowa medical company Corvida to invest $3.1 million in Eagan and create 17 jobs paying an average of $41.23 an hour. This is a great success story for Eagan and for the state.
While that’s great news, those business support funds are at risk. The current House Jobs and Economic Development bill shifts $20 million out of these funds for other purposes. I oppose that move, and I will be calling on the Senate and Governor to continue to investment in Minnesota’s future.
Constituent Spotlight
Recently the Minnesota Consortium for Minnesotans with Disabilities held a lobby day at the Capitol. The group was there to talk to legislators about a number of issues facing the disability community including increasing pay for critical workers, adjusting the asset limits for disability services and increasing access to dental care. I had the good fortune of meeting with Zach Madoff, and local high school student. While Zach is living with a disability, he shares the same hopes and dreams as other high school students--attend college, and find a career. However, too many people with disabilities do not have the support available to explore the education and career options of their choice. One of my priorities is to support people with disabilities to self-direct their life plans, including supporting efforts for individuals to earn and learn. Zach came to talk to me about a bill that I am carrying this session, HF 3616, that will provide employment and education exploration, and support services for people with a disability, and this is currently moving forward in the HHS omnibus bill as a pilot program in Dakota County. I want to thank Zach for visiting and for his advocacy to make sure people with disabilities have the ability to direct their lives with regard to their care, education, housing and career.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any issues or concerns you may have. I’ll continue fighting to make sure your voice is heard in the final days of the session.
Sincerely,
Laurie