Dear Neighbors,
Here is the latest news from the Capitol!
This week, we’ve been hearing DFL omnibus bills. So far, we have voted on Education, Jobs and Energy, Health and Human Services, and Agriculture. We plan to hear the Transportation bill today, and next week the Higher Education, Public Safety, State Government, and Environment bills are scheduled. There are a lot of bad provisions in these bills, and I will continue to fight for the residents of District 1A.
Tax Increases
Across all the DFL omnibus bills, there are over $12 billion in tax increases, even though the state has a surplus right now. Just a few of the increases are the gas tax, the tax on doctor visits and medical procedures, and taxes on employers and employees. The Tax omnibus bill, which passed last night, increased taxes over $4 billion. This week, an analysis of the Governor’s total tax increases, which are very similar to the ones proposed by the DFL, showed that the tax hikes proposed will raise taxes across all income levels and make our tax code more regressive. I voted no.
Nursing home cuts
The over 1100 page Health and Human Services omnibus bill contains a $68 million cut to the state’s nursing homes, which will hurt our aging Minnesotans and their families, as well as all of our hardworking nursing home staff. All eight nursing homes in District 1A will see significant cuts, and I strongly oppose this provision.
Line 3 Comments
The most common theme from the town halls I held last week was support for the Line 3 replacement project. If you want to send a message of support for Line 3 to the DNR, please visit this link: https://minnesotansforline3.com/dnrcommentsdigital/
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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan