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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jim Knoblach (R)

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Legislative report from Rep. Jim Knoblach

Friday, April 7, 2017

Dear Neighbor,

The House has approved six more omnibus finance bills this week following the four that received passing votes on the floor last week. That just leaves the Health and Human Services bill, which we are discussing on the floor today, as the last remaining omnibus finance package to come up a vote on initial passage (though I still expect we will at some point do a bonding bill). Below is an overview of the bills which passed this week.

Jobs and Energy

The Jobs and Energy bill (SF1937) features provisions aimed at making energy in Minnesota cleaner and cheaper for consumers, while also creating new and better paying jobs throughout the state.

Two provisions I had in the bill include a reallocation of federal bonding dollars, which will result in the construction of several thousand more affordable housing units in the state, and funding for Central Minnesota opportunity grants which will help economic development in the Saint Cloud area. You may have also seen recent media coverage that I was successful in amending this bill so that the Saint Cloud area will still be eligible for Job Creation funds.

Higher education

The higher education bill (SF2214) provides $3.2 billion in General Fund appropriations – a $149.5 million increase over the current biennial total. This includes $1.4 billion to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, an increase of $93.6 million in 2018-19.

The package features a freeze for two year state colleges during the 2017-18 school year and a 1-percent reduction in 2018-19. Tuition at state universities would be frozen in 2019. While Minnesota State colleges and universities receive the majority of the funding in this bill the state grant program also gets a significant boost.

One provision that I authored would prohibit the Minnesota State College and University system from renewing the lease on their current Central Office space and require them to explore relocating on one or more college campuses.

There are also some student loan forgiveness provisions.

Public safety

The public safety bill (SF803) provides nearly $2.3 billion to fund judiciary and public safety priorities. It allocates new money to local law enforcement agencies to help them pay for officers’ training costs, to help officers in handling citizens’ mental-health crisis situations, and creates crisis intervention team training. The plan also improves our judicial system, and allows the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to replace an outdated predatory offender registry.

The legislation also increases penalties against those who choose to participate in illegal protests that put people’s lives at risk. It is important to note it does not change the law in terms of what actions are legal or illegal, it simply increases the penalty for dangerous activities such as walking on a freeway.

The proposal also targets sex offenders by issuing stronger penalties and longer supervision for convicted sexual predators, dedicates funds for additional sex trafficking prevention grants, and increases penalties against those who possess and disseminate child pornography. New revenue also is provided to address domestic violence prevention and terrorism recruitment.

State Government Finance

This bill (SF605) prioritizes veterans, increases accountability and transparency, and reforms state government. There are key reforms to increase state agency transparency and accountability to the public through greater reporting and supports helping those who have fought to protect our country. It also reforms the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority so that we don't have a repeat of the suite usage scandals at the new Vikings stadium.

Agriculture

The Agriculture bill, (SF780) emphasizes plant agriculture, mitigating emerging noxious weed threats (specifically palmer amaranth), and investing in the future of agricultural practices and technologies. It also continues the successful tractor rollover safety program, and creates a Pollinator Habitat ad Research account.

Legacy Amendment

Legacy funding comes from proceeds of a constitutionally dedicated sales tax passed by Minnesota voters in 2008 for clean water, arts, and cultural heritage projects. In total, the bill (HF707) includes $527 million in clean water, the arts, and maintaining cultural heritage throughout the state. Over $100 million of the bill goes directly to restore and protect Minnesota’s water. More than $30 million will go toward protecting drinking water, while another $22 million will provide buffer aid to counties.

Look for more budget news soon, including information on the HHS package we are discussing today. From there, conference committees will form to reconcile differences between the various House and Senate budget bills so we may consider them for final passage and send them to the governor for his action.

Until next time, have a nice weekend and I hope you are able to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

Sincerely,

Jim