Dear Neighbors,

My colleagues and I are back at the State Capitol for the 2020 legislative session. I’m committed to solutions based on the values we all share – like excellent schools, more affordable health care, economic security for families, and safe and inclusive communities – which make our state work better for everyone.

Rising Health Care Costs

As health care costs continue to skyrocket, we too often focus on those purchasing their insurance on the individual market. While high health insurance premiums and deductibles for this group of consumers warrants our attention, we can’t ignore the diminished coverage of those with employer-based coverage. In the last two decades, the average cost of employer-sponsored health insurance has more than tripled. This, in turn, places tremendous downward pressure on wages.

Check out my latest column for the Minnesota Reformer where I discuss this growing problem in-depth.

Gun Violence Prevention

Everyone in our state deserves to feel safe at school, at work, or while watching a movie, while at the mall, or anywhere else in their community. Tragically, our nation’s epidemic of senseless gun violence has put this peace of mind in jeopardy.

I’m committed to ensuring Minnesota has responsible gun laws, and last session, the DFL-led House approved two key initiatives: expanded criminal background checks for gun sales and red flag laws, which enable a petition to temporarily restrict someone’s access to firearms if they’re considered to be a potential danger to themselves or others. Despite broad public support, even among gun owners, the Republican-led Senate refused to even consider these lifesaving measures.

We’re not giving up, and I know how enthusiastically most Minnesotans support these common-sense initiatives. These bills will be considered again soon on the House Floor and I look forward to enthusiastically supporting them to better ensure all Minnesotans can live in a safe community.

In the latest episode of the House DFL’s Minnesota Values Podcast – co-hosted by my Duluth Colleague Rep. Liz Olson – members of Moms Demand Action joined the show to discuss their growing momentum as they work to end gun violence.

Honest and Responsible State Budgeting

When the legislative session is showcased in the news, our state budget “surplus” is often discussed, but this is simplified and usually doesn’t tell the whole story. When state economic officials prepare the state’s budget forecast each November and February, inflation is considered on the revenue side of the ledger, but not on the expenditure side. This provides a rosier view of state finances which can lead to lawmakers ignoring the true cost of future obligations. Inflation was previously accounted for on both sides, but in a politically expeditious move to balance the budget in 2002, the requirement was removed.

I’m the chief author of legislation to return this requirement to ensure future budget forecasts are consistent. Lawmakers should have the most information possible as we make decisions regarding the state budget to ensure we’re budgeting honestly, fairly, and responsibly.

Photo: Peter Callaghan, MinnPost

The House Ways and Means Committee held an informational hearing about my proposal this week, and you can watch the video here. MinnPost has a story that covered both the hearing and the history surrounding the practice of whether or not inflation is included in the budget forecast here.

Free Tax Filing

Here’s another reminder that free tax filing help is available for many Minnesotans. Last year, almost 62 percent of Minnesotans qualified to file for free but over 780,000 of them did not take advantage. You likely qualify if your adjusted gross income is $69,000 or less, if you’re eligible for the federal earned income tax credit, or if you’re an active duty military service member.

Find out more information here from the Department of Revenue. They also have a short video about free e-filing here.

If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here. You’re also invited to like my Facebook page here.

Please feel free to contact me with your input, ideas, or if I can ever be of assistance. It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jen Schultz
State Representative