By Rep. Tom Hackbarth
The word “Unsession” has been used to describe plans for the 2014 session. Actions as we convene paint a different picture.
I wish this year would be an “Unsession,” devoted to eliminating excessive government, cutting cumbersome red tape and repealing unnecessary laws. About the only place we have seen majority members express interest in following through with this is their growing interest in undoing some of the tax increases they themselves passed in 2013.
Otherwise, it looks like another year where Democrats push in their usual direction of excessive government and more spending. Here are some examples:
BULLYING BILL
The Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act, creates a 24-member unelected board of state bureaucrats that would be responsible for crafting bullying policies that would apply to all Minnesota schools. We all agree our schools should be free from bullying. But the bottom line is this: School districts already are required by law to have anti-bullying policies in place. Local officials and parents know what is best for our area and decisions should rest in their hands, not with St. Paul bureaucracy.
10-CENT RECYCLING DEPOSIT
Legislation has not been formally submitted in the House, but members of the majority have expressed interest in charging a 10-cent deposit on beverage containers. Proponents say this would help increase Minnesota’s recycling rate. I would rather focus on developing single-sort technology to boost recycling participation instead of placing higher costs and burdens on citizens.
MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
Another bill would increase the state minimum wage from $6.15 per hour to $9.50 per hour for large employers and $8.50 per hour for small employers. The increase comes in three stages, and reaches the new minimums by August 2015. Every year after that, the minimum wage would be adjusted based on the annual increase in inflation.
MNSURE
Minnesota’s new government-run health insurance program already is in place, but serious concerns may be addressed this session. Democrats have spent more than $150 million in taxpayer money setting up this program, yet it has been faltering miserably since it started Oct. 1. An independent report says MNsure’s structure is “non-existent” and that executives have been making decisions in a “crisis mode.” A well-respected Capitol reporter said on the air that MNsure officials lied to cover up problems.
The state’s legislative auditor is conducting a full-scale investigation of MNsure to learn more about the programs failings and to determine why problems were not identified and/or made public sooner. We in the minority offered amendments to provide greater transparency and more oversight as Democrats built MNsure. Maybe they will agree this time.
BONDING BILL
A bill that borrows money to pay for construction projects throughout the state will be up for discussion this session. A super majority is necessary to pass a bonding bill, meaning at least several Republicans would have to provide support. Gov. Mark Dayton recommended a bill of $1 billion. That is too expensive and would not pass, in my opinion, especially since a $176 million bill passed in 2012.
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