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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tim O'Driscoll (R)

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Legislative Update (Feb. 20, 2015)

Friday, February 20, 2015

Greetings!

Here is an update from St. Paul.

Veterans De-Escalation Bill Passes out of Committee (HF406)

On Monday, February 16 the House Veterans Affairs Division heard my de-escalation training bill for public safety officials. The goal of this legislation is to provide Minnesota public safety officials specialized training to help de-escalate potentially difficult situations that might involve veterans faced with reintegration challenges. The committee learned that about 10% of Minnesota's law enforcement community has received this training. The additional funding will help move that number toward the statewide goal of 25% of Minnesota's law enforcement community having received this training.

The bill now moves to the House Public Safety Committee, where funding the plan will considered.

St. Cloud Chamber Evening at the Capitol

Don't forget to join St. Cloud Area leaders and Chamber members in St. Paul on Tuesday evening, February 24 for an evening at the Capitol and a chance to visit with my colleagues and me. The event begins at 5:00PM at the Best Western Kelly Inn. You can find more details
here.

Long Term Care Insurance Tax Credits Expanded (HF407)

The Minnesota House of Representatives is placing special attention this session on improving the conditions for long term care and nursing homes. I have introduced a bill (
HF407), referred for a hearing in the Aging and Long-Term Care Policy committee, which will expand tax credits for Minnesotans who purchase long-term care insurance for their future needs. Currently, Minnesota law allows for an individual to receive a tax credit of $100 per year (married couples $200) on their state income tax for purchasing a qualifying long-term care insurance policy. My bill would double the annual tax credit for the purchase of qualified policies.

Central Minnesota Warrior to Citizen/Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community Members Visit St. Paul

This week I was able to host some of the members of the central Minnesota Warrior to Citizen/Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Community members at the Capitol. They visited the Veterans Affairs Division on Monday and provided testimony for my de-escalation training bill. It was great to have them join us in St. Paul.

Rep. Theis and myself with members of the visiting Committee.

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Sincerely,

Tim

This Week in History: On February 18, 1868, the Legislature reorganized the University of Minnesota into its current format. Though the U of M had been incorporated years earlier, no classes were held until shortly after the reorganization.