Dear Neighbors,
The 2018 legislative session began on Tuesday. It was good to be back in St. Paul, working on the issues that matter most to you and your family. It is truly an honor to represent our community at the Capitol.
I hope that we are able to build on the successes of last year’s session that saw major tax reform, a historic investment in our roads and bridges, and important steps to begin lowering health care costs.
With the state budget enacted last year, lawmakers will be able to focus much more of their time and energy this session on policy-focused legislation. To that end, there are a number of items that will be debated and addressed this session.
Here I am pictured with Governor Dayton at his annual legislative reception.
Federal Tax Conformity
One of the largest conversations taking place around the capitol this session will be centered on the state’s response to the federal tax reform bill that was enacted at the end of 2017. Millions of Americans are already seeing more dollars in their paychecks thanks to this reform. However, the state will need to decide whether to conform to the federal changes or leave things the way they are.
Taxpayers likely won't feel the impacts of the proposal until 2019, but action is needed before Minnesotans file their taxes next year. Conforming to the federal tax code as-is would increase state taxes for taxpayers. Lawmakers need to act to prevent such an occurrence. Ultimately I want to make sure that Minnesotans are able to receive the full benefits of the federal tax reform bill.
Bonding
A bonding bill will be discussed this year. Governor Dayton has already proposed a $1.5 billion package. As you recall, last session we passed a $987 million bonding bill that focused heavily on repairing aging infrastructure and roads and bridges across the state. If any such bill is agreed to this year, it will likely be less than what the governor is proposing.
Opioid Prevention
In 2016, the number of Minnesotans that died from opioid abuse rivaled the number of traffic fatalities with more than 400 Minnesotans losing their lives. During the 2017 session, the legislature funded an opioid abuse prevention pilot program to determine the root cause of opioid abuse and a pilot project to enable hospital systems to look at alternative ways to treat pain without using opioids. I am committed to pursuing additional legislation this year to combat this epidemic that is spreading across Minnesota.
Elder Abuse
The Star Tribune produced a report recently detailing abuse and neglect at Minnesota senior living facilities. Apparently the Department of Health was made aware of the abuse and failed to properly follow-up. This session, the legislature will consider reforms to ensure our aging loved ones are taken care of with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Staying Connected
Stay tuned for more information about these topics and more as the session progresses.
Thank you for allowing me to represent you at the capitol. For any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-0141 or rep.randy.jessup@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Randy