Hello from the Capitol!
I hope you had a relaxing holiday weekend and a blessed Easter. The House has resumed the legislative session and is back to work.
On Thursday, the House celebrated the 50th anniversary of the nonpartisan House Research and House Fiscal Departments. Both of these departments play integral roles in the Minnesota Legislature successfully doing the work of the people.
Health and Human Services:
Two Fridays ago, the House passed the final aspect of its budget proposal: the Health and Human Services omnibus bill. This bill is focused on protecting Minnesota's most vulnerable citizens.
Some key provisions include:
- Funds a 25% reduction in the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility (TEFRA) parental fees, to help relieve the financial burden on families with disabled and very sick children (a provision that I chief authored this session)
- Preserves a 7% funding increase for home and community based caregivers
- Increases emergency shelter and transitional housing for sexually exploited youth
- Implements Safe Harbor for All, a statewide strategic plan for all victims of sex trafficking
- Funds children's school-linked mental health grants
- Increases the statewide bed capacity for inpatient psychiatric services for mentally ill children and adolescents
This bill, as well as the other omnibus bills, will be finalized in conference committee over the next few weeks with the Senate.
Conference Committees:
Conference Committees are made up of 5 Representatives and 5 Senators. Each committee’s job is to come to a compromise on the differing aspects of the House and Senate budget bills. After the conference committee finalizes the bill, it is then sent to the House and the Senate for a vote of each body before heading to the Governor’s desk for his consideration. I am hopeful that the Governor and his staff will be active during the conference committee process to avoid a chaotic end of session.
Road Closures:
Given the recent mild weather and the emergence of orange cones, it feels like we have officially transitioned from winter to road construction season.
From April 17th to May 22nd: westbound lanes on County Road 42 across 35W will be closed.
From May 22nd to June 21st: eastbound lanes on County Road 42 across 35W will be closed
CLICK HERE for alternative routes.
Constituent Visits:
This week, I met with Matthew Ndirangu regarding nursing issues, and Dianne Goodman representing Habitat for Humanity.
Thanks for visiting!
Also, Congratulations to the city of Burnsville for securing a grant for the Phase 2 Ladybird Lane Project from the Department of Employment and Economic Development!
Ladybird Lane is located west of 35W and north of Highway 13.
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-5387 or rep.roz.peterson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
