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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tony Albright (R)

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Legislative Update (April 7, 2017)

Friday, April 7, 2017

Dear Neighbors,

This week, we’re putting the finishes touches on our budget proposals before the legislature starts Easter/Passover break. Our goal is to craft a responsible budget to fund priorities like transportation and education, while respecting taxpayers.

These bills look to reduce wasteful spending and reform areas of our state that are overdue for change. Here are a couple highlights.

Higher Education

Our institutes of higher learning are a source of pride throughout Minnesota. The House higher education proposal invests nearly $150 million MORE over the current biennium. Along with increased funding, we want to tackle the issue of college affordability. Students at Minnesota State Colleges will see some degree of a tuition freeze under our plan. It’s important to make our two and four-year colleges more affordable for every-day Minnesotans.

State Government Finance

I was happy to vote for and help pass our state government finance bill. This legislation helps Minnesota veterans by expanding the GI Bill, promoting home ownership, and protecting funding for veterans programs. My son is currently in the US Marine Corp, and I have the utmost respect and gratitude for all men and women who faithfully serve our country.

Along with the veterans initiatives, this bill looks for ways to protect taxpayers. Our bill reforms the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority following their suite scandal, requires reporting for bonuses awarded through gainsharing, and consolidates some of the state’s IT infrastructure to save taxpayers money.

Health and Human Services

Just hours ago, we passed our health and human services bill off the House floor. This bill had a number of provisions I authored including language related to psychiatric residential treatment facilities, mental health profession clinical training expansion grant program, and biologic drug substitution. Along with the inclusion of my bills, I was happy to see a move away from the state’s Obamacare exchange, MNsure. This has cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars all for questionable, spotty service.

Please Contact Me

We’re on Easter and Passover break, but I hope you’ll continue to reach out if you need anything.

Have a great weekend,

Tony