Dear Neighbors,
For those that anticipate these updates on Fridays, I apologize for the delay, it was a busy week!
This Tuesday (tomorrow), I will be participating in a town hall discussion regarding the proposal to reopen the Appleton Prison and the criminal justice system. The event is set to take place at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach Engagement Center beginning at 6 pm.
Rep. Tim Miller, Rep. Raymond Dehn and Justice for All will be joined by myself and a few other legislators for what I hope is a productive and healing discussion as those on both side of this issue are passionate about their beliefs.
It would be great to see you there!
State Government Finance Bill: Response to Nonessential Travel
This week the House will begin debating and voting on supplemental omnibus bills including the State Government Finance Bill
Given recent conversations on the travel of state government employees, several legislators, myself included, worked with the Chair of the Committee on language that would bar state employees from participating in any nonessential travel. This language is included in the State Governmenet Finance Bill.
This is in direct response to Governor Dayton’s statement earlier this month banning “nonessential” travel to North Carolina—leading many to wonder why “nonessential” taxpayer-funded travel was occurring in the first place.
In addition, the bill reduces appropriations to executive agencies, including constitutional offices, by a combined $6.5 million. To the “greatest extent possible,” reductions would come from 5 percent salary reductions for commissioners, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners; a hiring freeze; reduction in nonessential travel, and a 10 percent reduction in advertising expenses.
Veterans Housing in Anoka
Also included in the State Government Finance Omnibus bill is funding to convert three former Anoka State Hospital buildings into veterans’ housing. I was pleased to see this in the omnibus bill. I also authored a bill that made a small policy change that helps allow for the completion of this project, which promises to be a great resource and help to veterans.
Notably, on funding - most committees had a zero target so we are not proposing to spend NEW state money. Instead, we are reprioritizing already existing funds towards our priorities like transportation, tax relief, and helping our veterans, as is the case here.
Education Omnibus Bill
In addition to the State Government Finance bill, I expect our supplemental education bill to come to the House floor sometime in the near future.
Included in the bill is a provision that seeks to end a disparity in revenue between metro and non-metro school districts. There was some concern regarding this provision as it could lead to a small property tax increase on districts in greater Minnesota. However, a compromise was reached that will allow school boards the option to adopt a resolution before accessing the equity revenue bump.
Also in the bill are a number of policy provisions that look to improve our schools.
Key policy provisions include:
- The creation of a 12 member study group of legislators to look into the Legislative Auditor’s report on the Board of Teaching
- Requiring the Department of Education to develop a security plan to ensure the safety of student’s private data
- Repeal of the Minnesota Student Survey (which asks children and teens very private and often age-inappropriate questions)
- Increasing local control of revenue to meet local needs and priorities
Update on Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center (AMRTC)
The issues facing AMRTC are substantial—for more background on this, see here.
I continue to work on this issue through meetings with the Minnesota Health Commissioner Piper-Johnson, staff, colleagues, the chairs of the Health and Human Services and Ways and Means Committees, as well as employees and administrators at the AMRTC.
As we discuss solutions to the issues facing the facility, I remain hopeful will we be able to develop policy changes that will bring about real change.
When our supplemental budget bills make their way into conference committee, I am committed to address the many systemic problems facing this facility and find a solution that will create better working conditions for all.
Staying in Touch
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or concerns on anything related to state government. It would be an honor to discuss your ideas on how we can make Minnesota better for everyone. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn.
Have a great week!
Abigail