Dear Neighbors,
House Republicans announced their budget targets last week; the final piece needed for committees to craft the budget for the next two years. Any budget decisions should put Minnesotans first and prepare for uncertainty at the federal level. Unfortunately, the Republican budget makes deep cuts to health and human services, underfunds education, and already includes a tax break for the owners of corporations.
We’re still waiting for details in some budget areas, and I’ll keep advocating for common sense and responsible proposals that invest in the areas that have made Minnesota’s economy strong, like education and good paying, living wage jobs.
The House Republicans’ next step is to create their final budget bills in each issue area (ie; public safety, education, transportation, etc).
For-Profit Prison Bill
The House Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee has included a harmful bill in their final Public Safety Omnibus bill. HF 1510 would allow Minnesota to conduct business with for-profit prison corporations like Corrections Corporation of America (recently rebranded to “CoreCivic”). The main component of the bill would require Minnesota to buy or lease the for-profit prison facility owned by Corrections Corporation of America in Appleton, MN.
There are a host of issues with for-profit prisons, including weakened safety and security, and adverse effects on low-income Minnesotans and people of color. We should be looking at ways to help Minnesotans reform their lives, instead of incentivizing corporations to lock people up to make money.
Congrats to North High Boys Basketball Team!
A big congratulations to North High’s boys basketball team for clenching the Class-A Championship title win on Saturday. North High defeated the North Woods team in a final score of 96-49. I’m proud to represent such an ambitious, dedicated group of athletes and students. Congrats, Polars!
The GOP’s final bills containing severe cuts are moving quickly; your input is valuable as I fight for our community’s priorities.
Please keep in touch.
Sincerely,
Raymond Dehn
State Representative