Dear friends,
Some updates from the Capitol:
Tax Conformity
On Monday, February 11th, the House unanimously approved bipartisan legislation to conform Minnesota's tax code for most of the federal changes enacted since April 2011 for the 2012 tax year.
This bill will provide middle-class tax relief to families across Minnesota, and will ensure that most Minnesota families won't face delays in receiving their tax refund.
Medicaid Expansion
Last week, the House approved legislation to expand the Medical Assistance program in Minnesota. The legislation allows the state to accept $4 billion dollars in federal funding to expand MA access to 35,000 Minnesotans.
In addition, thousands who are now enrolled in the MinnesotaCare program will likely be moved to the federal Medical Assistance expansion. MinnesotaCare has limits on hospitalization, while the federal program does not. However, if the federal government chooses to quit funding the program, Minnesota would be forced to pay those costs in their entirety, which would put a strain on the budget in the future.
Constituent Visits
Last week's constituent visits included:
-A group with the Anoka-Hennepin School Nutrition program.
-Daryl Hathaway, who visited on behalf of the American Heart Association.
-Tina Chamberlain with the Anoka & Washington Headstart program.
Looking Ahead
This week, the legislature is expected to introduce parts of the Governor's budget proposals. The individual bills will begin making their way through the committee process, giving legislators and the public the opportunity to examine the specifics of the budget, and have their questions answered by the Governor and his commissioners.
I look forward to your input on these budget bills, as well as other issues as they arise. You can let me know your thoughts by emailing me at rep.mark.uglem@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5513.
Have a great week,
Mark Uglem
State Representative, District 36A