Friends and Neighbors,
The last two weeks at the legislature have been quite busy, and we’ve passed a number of bills that will have an impact on the state. Here is a quick rundown of the things happening in St. Paul.
At the Capitol
Omnibus Omnibus Bill Bails Out Obamacare
Last week, the legislature passed an “omnibus omnibus bill” that spends $323 million on new projects and contains hundreds of provisions—both good and bad. The most concerning highlight in the bill, however, is a bailout of Obamacare in Minnesota through shifts and gimmicks.
The mandates and costs that came with implementing Obamacare in Minnesota, along with the expansion of MinnesotaCare and Medicaid, have depleted our Health Care Access Fund (HCAF). As a result, the state plans to shift $406 million from the General Fund in 2016-17 and move the HCAF permanently to the General Fund thereafter.
Shifting this money risks putting Minnesota back into a deficit and leaves little incentive to control costs or enrollment going forward.
Safe and Supportive Schools Bill (aka The Bullying Bill)
On Tuesday, the House concurred with the Senate, sending HF 826 to Governor Dayton for signature. Parents and administrators in District 833 came to me opposing the bill, pointing out that all school districts already have bullying policies and the burden of new unfunded mandates will take time and money out of the classroom.
Provisions in the bill include:
-
$1 million cost in fiscal years 2014-15 to set up School Technical and Safety Assistance Centers (School Climate Centers)
-
Unfunded mandates of up to $25 million per year on school districts to comply with law
-
No requirement to notify parents if child is being bullied or accused of bullying
-
Anonymous reporting of bullying leaves no one to advocate on behalf of accused students
-
Takes away local control and forces a one size fits all plan on school districts
Women’s Economic Security Act
On Wednesday, the House passed a package of bills called the Women’s Economic Security Act. While there are several positive provisions in the bill, I don’t believe that the legislation will expand economic opportunities for women as it intends.
Many provisions in the bill benefit trial lawyers more than working women. I voted against the bill because of the unnecessary compliance demands that are placed on small businesses and the power it gives to one commissioner to approve state projects.
The Senate has not yet voted on this legislation, and we will wait to see what the final version of the bill may look like.
Minimum Wage
This week, the legislature came to an agreement to raise the minimum wage in Minnesota. For most businesses, the wage will increase to $9.50 an hour, with small businesses and teenage employees seeing a lower rate increase to $7.75 an hour. Additionally, there is an automatic inflationary trigger that will put future wage increases on autopilot.
Living in a border city, I am extremely concerned about this bill and what it will mean for our restaurants, small businesses and youth employment.
Senate Office Building
In trade for a minimum wage bill, the House and Senate also finalized plans for a new $89.5 million Senate Office Building. With 67 senators, Minnesota has the largest state senate in the country.
Building a new, lavish office is a gift from legislators to themselves, and comes at taxpayer expense.
Of Local Interest
Open your Heart Children’s Hospital Association Woodbury Guild Spring Fundraiser
On April 24th, the Woodbury Guild of the Children’s Hospital Association is having their 10th anniversary spring fundraiser.
Date: April 24, 2014
Time: Social Hour 6:00 PM, Dinner 7:00 PM
Location: The Prom Center, 484 Inwood Ave, Oakdale
Cost: $45 per person
You can register online at www.cha-stpaul.org, by email at chawoodbury@gmail.com, or by phone at 651.730.2458
Survey
Please take my 2014 survey here.
Your opinions are important to me and your input is very valuable. Thank you to those who have already responded! I will post the results in my next email update.
As always, I am honored to serve you in St. Paul. If I can ever assist you on a matter of state government, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Rep. Andrea Kieffer, Woodbury
651-296-1147
Rep.Andrea.Kieffer@house.mn