Dear Neighbors,
Legislators are returning to work after the Easter/Passover break last week. Before we recessed the House passed the first versions of all of the major finance bills (known as “omnibus” bills). As I shared in my last update, these major budget bills are assembled by the majority and called “omnibus” bills because they include many provisions heard in committee from a variety of legislators.
Conference Committees Begin
The Speaker has announced members of conference committees that will resolve the differences of the House and Senate bills in each area of the state budget (usually five House members and five Senate members). Omnibus bills contain many provisions from many individual bills that were heard in committees throughout the session, and committee chairs in the House and Senate may have different priorities. The nonpartisan House Public Information Office has assembled a rundown of the various budget bills and their path forward, which you can read about here.
I know that Minnesota does best when we take a measured, balanced approach to passing a state budget. Fairness in all areas that the budget impacts has to be our goal. Unfortunately, I didn’t see the objectives of balance and fairness being used in the major budget bills that the House passed over the last two weeks.
Our state has a projected $1.65 billion surplus, and much of the imbalance in the House majority’s budget bills comes from their desire to prioritize tax cuts for the wealthiest Minnesotans while we jeopardize funding for our students, local governments, transit, transportation, and our world-class healthcare system. I know there is a more measured approach, and I hope the bills that return from conference committee treat hard-working Minnesota families more equitably by providing stronger support for education, transportation (roads, bridges and transit), job creation programs, improved healthcare access, and tax policy that helps all Minnesotans, not just some.
Insurance Premium Subsidy Program Now a Reality
A reminder to those who buy individual health insurance – you will now pay 25 percent less in monthly premiums throughout 2017. The reduction is thanks to the Premium Subsidy Program passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton earlier this year. The reduction starts in the April or May billing period, depending on your insurance provider. People who buy health insurance on their own do not have to do anything to get the discount; the health insurer automatically includes it for people who are eligible. You can read more about this new program here at the Minnesota Council of Health Plans website.
Thank You!
I want to thank the many residents of Crystal, New Hope and Plymouth that attended the town hall meetings that were hosted by me, Senator Ann Rest and Representative Mike Freiberg over the last few months. Your participation and input is essential to the work we do at the Capitol, and helps guide our decision-making.
2017 Legislative Survey
I encourage residents of our district to take a few minutes to share their thoughts by taking my legislative survey. You can find the survey online here. I appreciate hearing directly from you and reading your thoughts on issues at the legislature. Thank you for your participation!
If you have questions, comments or concerns on any legislative topic you can reach me by phone at 651-296-4255 or by email at rep.lyndon.carlson@house.mn .
Sincerely,
Lyndon Carlson
State Representative