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Dear Neighbors,
Earlier this week, a deal was struck between state and federal officials to ensure that the Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center will not lose federal funds. As part of the deal, federal oversight of the hospital will be extended through May 2018. In turn, Minnesota will be required to develop a detailed plan for correcting deficiencies.
This is good news for employees and patients at this facility, as losing federal funding would have put the facilities viability in serious jeopardy. Given this reprieve, I am hopeful that a plan will be put in place that ensures the safety and wellbeing of both employees and patients at this facility. I look forward to working with state and federal officials and facility administrators to ensure the plan is implemented effectively.
Omnibus Bills Begin
The House debated and passed three supplemental omnibus bills this week, ranging from K-12 education to public safety. Before summarizing these bills, it is worth reminding folks that any spending in these bills is from reprioritizing already existing funds. Meaning that we are not proposing any new spending. Here is a brief recap of the bills.
Education
Last year, we made a serious investment in our schools that will work to ensure that every child in Minnesota has the opportunity to receive a world-class education. This year’s bill reprioritizes cost savings into proven programs that result in $56 million in new funding this year.
Some of the highlights of the bill include addressing the teacher shortage, measures aimed at closing Minnesota’s achievement gap, repeal the default “last in, first out” statute in state law, and discontinuing the department of education’s intrusive student survey.
Health and Human Services, State Government Finance, and Public Safety
This year’s supplemental HHS, State Government Finance, and Public Safety bill was passed on Thursday. There are a number of provisions in this bill that focus on increasing health care access, improve the quality of life for Minnesota seniors, putting an end to MNsure, and other measures to rein in the cost of government.
Here are some highlights from the bill:
- Transitioning Minnesota from MNsure to the federal exchange
- Capturing waste, fraud, and abuse from public programs and directing these funds to long-term and community based caregivers
- Repealing the child care unionization law
- Eliminating non-essential travel for state employees, reducing salaries of Governor Dayton’s executives, and implementing a hiring freeze
During floor debate, several pro-life amendments were adopted and added to the bill. These amendments increase oversight of abortion clinics and prohibit facilities that perform abortion services or have affiliations with the services from receiving certain Title X funds and federal family planning grants—instead shifting these funds to other clinics that provide more comprehensive care and serve poor and minority women.
Furthermore, I was the author of a provision that requires abortion facilities to report whether or not an abortion was performed via telemedicine—commonly called a "webcam abortion".
Jobs, Agriculture, and Environment
We also passed a supplemental Jobs, Ag, and Environment bill this week. Highlights from this bill include:
- Investments in rural broadband expansion
- Repeal of the 2014 law allowing for the unionization of child care workers
- Funds for research to improve animal health and livestock disease prevention
Transportation
With the passage of these bills, I now expect transportation to take center stage in St. Paul. Ninety-eight percent of Minnesotans use roads and bridges to get to work every day and I believe this should remain the priority.
Yet some Senate Democrats wrote a letter this week stating that they would be withholding their vote on the bonding bill if they do not get money for the Southwest light rail. I hope that any such transportation deal will not be held up by Democrats’ insistence on spending over $1 billion on light rail expansion.
I will continue to advocate for a roads and bridges package that addresses our needs without raising the gas tax.
Staying in Touch
This year’s Senior Expo is next Saturday, May 7th from 9:00 to noon at the Lord of Life Church in Ramsey. Sponsored by Anoka County and the Alliance for a Violence Free Anoka County, this is a great event to raise awareness regarding senior services and resources. I encourage you to come out and enjoy a free pancake breakfast and learn more about what our community has to offer!
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