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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Connie Bernardy (DFL)

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Legislative Update- April 19, 2017

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

The Legislative Easter/Passover Recess has come to an end and we are back to work in Saint Paul.  Budget omnibus bills have passed off the House Floor and conference committees will set out to resolve differences between the Senate and House versions.  In fact, the Real ID and Taxes conference committees met yesterday to begin negotiations.  With a little over four weeks to go until adjournment on May 22, several other big ticket items remain on the ‘to-do’ list.  You can read brief summaries on these items from the nonpartisan House Public Information Office here.

Although a majority of these budget bills fall far short on what is needed to make crucial investments in our children, students, workers and families, one of the most disappointing is the House’s Health and Human Services bill.  The bill cuts vital health services for Minnesotans by $600 million.  While the bill contains some minor short-term investments, the policies are funded by imaginary savings, shifted payments and a direct cut to the Department of Health’s budget for the state’s public health program eligibility system.  Additionally, there are no investments for a modest raise for direct home care workers; the people who are taking care of and promoting independence for our neighbors, friends, parents and grandparents who are elderly or have a disability.  The bill also contains a provision that would eliminate MNSure completely.

The Senate’s version of the bill cuts half of what the House’s version cuts and would keep MNSure.  There are several other differences in each bill; especially in how it is funded.  Although I am not serving on the Health and Human Services conference committee, I’ll be advocating for our children, seniors, families and workers who will be impacted by this harmful legislation.

As budget bills move toward final compromise, I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas to share with my colleagues serving on the conference committees.  I can be reached at 651-296-5510 or by email atrep.connie.bernardy@house.mn.

Thank you for the opportunity to represent you at the Capitol!

Sincerely,

Connie Bernardy

State Representative