Dear Neighbors,
We have three weeks left in the 2018 legislative session and are beginning to hear, debate, and vote on omnibus finance legislation. There are other issues to face as well, including a bonding bill. Here are the latest updates from the Capitol:
Health and Human Services Minority Report
Last week, the House DFL filed its minority report, laying out our vision for what the Health and Human Services finance bill should look like this year.
Unlike the majority’s proposals, the DFL invests in our home and community-based health workers. Our neighbors working in this field are overworked and underpaid and it’s shameful that many of the people caring for the most vulnerable members of our society live in poverty.
We also included the penny-a-pill tax on big pharma to raise the funds needed to battle the opioid epidemic and expanded MinnesotaCare to bring options and affordability around the state. Like many pieces of meaningful legislation, the Republican majority stalled these measures and went their own way.
Common Sense Safety
I’m disappointed that the majority blocked multiple reasonable efforts for common sense safety this session. Responsible solutions that would make our communities safer were stalled. A large majority of Minnesotans support universal background checks and extreme risk protection orders, yet there has still been no action.
It was an honor to stand with these students and advocates at the Capitol.
Please feel free to reach out with your ideas and input on legislative matters as session approaches its end.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative