Dear Friends and Neighbors,
This will be my final legislative update due to the results of the last election. It has been an honor to serve you at the Capitol for the last four years and, before that, for eight years on the Lakeville Area Board of Education. Thank you for placing your trust in me and giving me the opportunity to advocate on behalf of our communities.
On Monday, I was at the Capitol for an informational committee hearing on the fraud of Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP) funds. Earlier this year a troubling report came out revealing upwards of $100 million of these funds being allocated to fraudulent childcare facilities – and possibly ending up overseas in the hands of terrorist groups. This fraud comes at the expense of Minnesota taxpayers and is an unacceptable breach of public trust. At the end of January, the nonpartisan Office of the Legislative Auditor will issue its report on this fraud, which will give us a better idea of the size of it as well as where the funds are ending up. I am hopeful that with this information the legislature and the Department of Human Services can work together to quickly put an end to this fraud and make sure childcare assistance dollars are going to those who truly need it.
As the 2019 session gets underway, please keep engaged in the legislative process. It is important that your voice is heard. Click here to sign up for House Public Information Services written by non-partisan staff that will give you a quick glimpse of what is happening at the Capitol. The new legislature – comprised of 39 new House members (out of 134) – will need to hear your perspective. Important issues facing the legislature this year include federal tax conformity; healthcare affordability; education funding; family sick & medical leave; transportation; gas taxes; recreational marijuana legalization; and many others.
I am proud of what House Republicans were able to accomplish for our state, including lower taxes for families and businesses, increased funding for our schools, significant investments in our roads & bridges (along with bus rapid transit), and lower healthcare insurance premiums. I personally authored the following legislation that became law:
On the other hand, Governor Dayton unfortunately vetoed the following: pharmacy clawback; expansion of pharmacy services to increase healthcare access for tobacco cessation & immunizations; 3D mammograms coverage for high risk patients; childcare reimbursement reform; and many others.
For now I will go back to working full time at my commercial real estate job at Cerron Properties, spend time with family, travel and snowmobile! With the holidays almost here, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! I hope you have the opportunity to spend time visiting and celebrating with loved ones.
Again, thank you for the honor to serve as your voice in St. Paul.
Sincerely,