ST. PAUL – On July 1, a new state budget cycle began in the State of Minnesota, which means a number of new budget bills that were passed weeks ago have officially been implemented into law. State Representative Dave Hancock (R-Bemidji) said this is positive news for northwestern Minnesota communities.
"Throughout every budget bill we worked hard to prioritize the needs of Greater Minnesota this session, and this is particularly evident in the laws that address local school and nursing home funding," Hancock said.
Rural nursing homes and their employees were among the big winners in the 2015 session, as they will benefit from increased revenue in a new health law. Specifically, the Havenwood Care Center in Bemidji will receive $1.05 million, the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids gains $733,000, Baudette's Lakewood Care Center will see $648,000, the Good Samaritan Society in Clearbook receives $518,000, the Good Samaritan Center in Blackduck gains $278,000, and the Cornerstone Nursing and Rehab Center in Bagley will see $233,000 in new revenue.
Hancock noted that local schools will also benefit under the new K-12 Education law, as it increases per-pupil spending in the classroom by an average of $396 for non-metro area school districts. It also provides funding for facilities maintenance, which will help reduce funding disparities for Greater Minnesota school districts and help finance the preservation of their school buildings. The new law also reformed teacher licensure to address teacher shortages in Greater Minnesota.
Hancock also added that legislation allowing the Blackduck School District to maintain its four day per week schedule was approved this session.
In addition, Hancock said towns with populations less than 5,000 residents would also directly benefit, as $12.5 million in small city transportation project funds would be allocated to them to help repair potholes or improve local streets.
"But the best good news is that there is no new tax implemented on gasoline," Hancock said. "In 2016 we will continue our mission to find common ground on a long-range road and bridge funding solution that does not raise anyone's taxes."