Skip to main content Skip to office menu Skip to footer
Capital IconMinnesota Legislature

Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Heinrich (R)

Back to profile

Legislative Update March 16

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Friends and Neighbors,

I know that on your mind, as well as mine, are the people of Ukraine. I cannot imagine watching home turn into a war zone. Please join me in praying for Ukraine and praying for our world leaders to start doing the right thing.

In legislative news, the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund bill has not yet been voted on. The House Democrats are refusing to bring this much-needed bill to the floor. Without this bill, businesses will face a tax hike for the next six years. We have an almost $10 billion surplus. It seems the Democrats are holding this bill hostage for other partisan measures. We needed to have this bill signed by March 15. Sadly, that deadline has passed. This is a bill that Governor Walz supports, and the Senate passed with a vote of 55-11.

This week, I co-sponsored the “No Patient Left Alone” Act. This act would mean that any patient of a health care facility, nursing home, assisted living facility, or residential care home, would be allowed, at minimum, one support person to provide the necessary and compassionate care to the patient or resident. I do not want anyone to feel alone during their most vulnerable moments.

Another priority of mine is making sure the voice of the people is heard. I am authoring two bills that would require the governor to receive legislative approval before extending peacetime state of emergencies. I have also signed my name to the “Never Again Bill.” This legislation would require House and Senate approval before the governor could extend a state of emergency beyond five days. I believe you have a right to know how we as a legislature feel on some of these issues and you have the right to know how we vote.