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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tama Theis (R)

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Capitol Update from Rep. Tama Theis

Friday, May 3, 2019

Dear Neighbors,

Here’s the latest news from the Capitol:

This week we finished voting on the first round of omnibus budget bills in the House. These bills included a lot of really harmful policy, including funding a pay raise for legislators, cutting $68 million from nursing homes across the state, increasing health care costs, increasing the gas tax by 70%, and a total of $12 billion in tax increases across all the budget bills over the next four years. They also cut the Positive Alternative Grant funding that helps women that are pregnant and searching for options. These grants have helped our local pregnancy crisis centers, and I will continue to fight to secure funding for these important grants.

The Governor this week indicated that he would scrap the failed MNLARS program in favor of a product from a private vendor. For years, Republicans have pointed out the problems with MNLARS and demanded a better solution than just throwing money at it, and I’m glad to hear Governor Walz agrees.

Yesterday was the International Day of Prayer. We had an incredibly moving event on the front steps of the Capitol, and even during a time of so much division, I’m glad we were able to join together in prayer without regard to partisanship or other divisions.

The Three Rivers Park Board brought some animals with to visit the Capitol on Wednesday!

Rep. Lisa Demuth and I with a lamb during Three Rivers Park Board's day at the Capitol

I also had some visitors from St. Cloud Christian School. I always enjoy meeting with school groups from our area!

I had a great time talking to a group of students from St. Cloud Christian!

It’s an honor to be your voice at the Capitol. Have a wonderful weekend!

Sincerely,

Tama