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Neighbors,
This week, the House is going over the major components of the state budget, discussing and debating each line to make sure the legislation we pass improves the lives of Minnesota's residents.
Before I give an update - quick reminder to fill out my legislative survey!
Health Care
We approved the Health and Human Services budget last Thursday night. Health care cost and accessibility is something that seems to be on the mind of almost everyone in our community, and working to improve it is a passion of mine. This budget strengthens health care for all Minnesotans by lowering the cost of care, making drug prices more affordable by holding Big Pharma accountable, addressing health disparities, and improving health care for women.
 
This job has many perks...reasonable work hours is not one of them! But at the end of the day (end of the night), if we pass a health bill that reduces drug prices and increases access to care, it's totally worth it.
The House DFL’s HHS budget increases funding for Minnesota’s only program that serves low-income families with children and pregnant women (the Minnesota Family Investment Program) for the first time in 33 years.
Women’s health is strengthened through increases in family planning access, greater access to birth control, coverage for breast cancer screenings, sexual assault prevention grants, and doula services for Minnesotans with low incomes.
Thank you to everyone who came to our town hall on Saturday! If you missed it and want to watch, click here.
Education
Last week, The Minnesota House of Representatives passed the E-12 education budget that was inspired by parents, students, teachers, staff, and administrators who have told legislators how budget cuts and growing class sizes have impacted the quality of instruction, support, and education in schools. ISD 191 announced a $7 million budget shortfall in February. The House E-12 Education Budget would increase funding by approximately $710 per student in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District, and by $536 in Lakeville-area schools.
Families in our community should know that when their child goes into the classroom, they are going to get the best education our teachers and our state can provide. All Minnesota students deserve a great education, no matter where they live
Taxes
Minnesotans deserve a tax system that's fair and provides the resources our state needs to succeed. The House DFL tax bill gets us there by leveling the playing field for working families, farmers, senior citizens, and small businesses. It holds corporations accountable for using tax loopholes and offshore tax havens to get out of paying their share while they bring home record profits. WCCO has coverage of House Democrats’ tax bill here.
Public Safety
Finally, we passed a public safety and judiciary budget last night. The budget includes two significant measures to prevent gun violence in Minnesota. One would require criminal background checks to be performed prior to all gun sales and another would provide for Extreme Risk Protection Orders, allowing law enforcement to restrict access to firearms if a court determines a person may be a threat to themselves or others.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any questions on these budgets (or anything else). I'm always happy to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Rep. Alice Mann
District 56B
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