Dear Neighbors,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and were able to enjoy some quality time with family and friends. As we head now into the holiday season, I hope that you will be able to have much more of it. Here is an update from the State Capitol.
Budget Forecast
Last week, the new state economic forecast was released, showing a budget deficit of $188 million as we head into the legislative session this February. Going into the 2017 session, Minnesota had a $1.6 billion budget surplus. In less than a year, that surplus has turned into a deficit due in great part to tax cuts for corporations like big tobacco and the wealthy. This is unacceptable.
This irresponsible budgeting, in addition to a highly controversial federal tax bill, which is shrouded with uncertainty, threatens Minnesota’s economic stability and the livelihoods of Minnesota families. As we head toward the next legislative session, convening on February 20, we should be cautious in order to ensure economic stability now and in the future.
Broadband Funding
Recently the Minnesota Dept. of Employment and Economic Development announced the recipients of the 2017 Border-to-Border Broadband Grants. Several grants were given for Northland projects including one for Paul Bunyan Communications to improve access in communities such as Bigfork, Side Lake and others in St. Louis, Itasca, and Hubbard Counties. Paul Bunyan has demonstrated an ability to collaborate with communities to deliver strong results in other expansions, so I’m happy this project was included.
These grants make public/private partnerships possible in which up to half the cost of the expansion project is covered. While I could not be more pleased to see these advancements in broadband moving forward, we still have a long way to go to serve the students, families, and businesses of rural Minnesota. State investments lag well behind the demonstrated need. Broadband is the rural electrification initiative of today, and we can’t have so many communities fighting over such a small piece of the pie if we truly want to make progress. Expanded broadband is absolutely critical toward improving the quality of life and our efforts to diversify the economy on the Iron Range and elsewhere in Greater Minnesota.
Hill Annex Mine State Park
In Calumet, I recently participated in a meeting of the work group planning the Hill Annex Mine State Park’s future. The 2017 Minnesota State Legislature directed Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRRB), Western Mesabi Mine Planning Board (WMMPB), City of Calumet, and Itasca County to jointly develop an operating model for the park. There are many issues currently causing the park to be unsustainable as is and barring any changes, the park is set to close in 2019. People in area communities have recognized though that the park has educational, historic, cultural and scientific values and resources that are all worth protecting. The work group has developed an economic development strategy known as the “Hill Annex Mine Heritage Project.” I look forward to continued work with community partners to make this vision a reality.
Open Enrollment
The period in which to enroll in health insurance coverage for 2018 has been open for just over a month. So far more than 100,000 Minnesotans have utilized MNsure, the state’s health insurance exchange, to apply for coverage. Whether you get coverage from a public plan like MinnesotaCare of Medical Assistance, or a qualified commercial plan, MNsure is your “one-stop shop” to compare plans and sign up. Applying through MNsure is also the only way to take advantage of potential tax credits toward premiums.
The open enrollment period ends January 14. If you want coverage effective January 1, the deadline to apply is December 20. Trained navigators are available to assist with the process of applying for coverage. My office is also available to assist if you need help, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Energy Assistance/Cold Weather Rule
Another thing the holiday season brings is colder weather. For many families, energy bills can pose an undue burden, and no family should be left out in the cold. Help is available to make sure this doesn’t happen.
For those Minnesotans under certain income levels, help may be available toward payment of energy bills, utility disconnections or fuel deliveries, and advocacy with power companies and human service providers. For more information, including eligibility and how to apply, please visit the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website here.
Additionally, on October 15, the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule went into effect, protecting residential utility customers from having their heat shut off during the winter months. Certain low-income consumers aren’t required to pay more than 10 percent of their household income toward current and past heating bills, while others are eligible to arrange a Cold Weather Rule payment plan. More information is available from the Public Utilities Commission here.
I, along with the Iron Range legislative delegation, continue to work on the Wild Rice Sulfide Standard to find common ground on this very important issue.
Please continue to stay in touch with your opinions, ideas, and comments. It’s an honor to represent you.
Sincerely,
Julie Sandstede
State Representative