Dear Neighbor,
We are now in the final month of the 2021 legislative session and, on Monday, the last of the House’s several omnibus finance bills to shape the state’s next two-year budget came to the floor for a vote on preliminary approval by the full body. Here is more on that and other recent news from the House:
Local mental health provision in omnibus bill
The final omnibus finance bill to move through the House for an initial vote was H.F. 2128, a health, human services and early childhood package. It passed and the good news is legislation I authored to support mental health crisis stabilization units in Otter Tail County and throughout the state is included. Click here for a news release I issued on that subject.
On the other hand, while there are some very worthwhile provisions among the bill's 970 pages, I voted against the package because it expands government control of our health care system and imposes new mandates that raise health care costs for Minnesotans.
This bill now will be the subject of a conference committee, which will work to find agreement between House and Senate proposals. I am optimistic the more problematic components will be corrected before it comes back to the floor for a vote on final passage.
Glendalough event
I was pleased to attend the annual Walk for Glendalough on Sunday. It was a beautiful day to get outside to support this local gem. The mosquitoes are not quite in full flight, so now is a great time to get out and enjoy all that Glendalough has to offer. Click here for more information about upcoming events at Glendalough and more about the park in general.
Congratulations, spring graduates
Lengthy floor sessions provide not only time to participate in robust debates, but also lend themselves to signing letters while listening to other members speak. One day last week, I signed 406 letters congratulating area graduates and wishing them well on life’s next journey.
Battle Lake receives grant
We recently received good news for our area as Battle Lake has gained a state grant to help redevelop Hatchery Row. Here is a link to a news release I issued with more: https://bit.ly/3dDBvFV
Local amendment on transportation
During a recent floor debate of the House’s omnibus transportation package, I offered an amendment to re-open the Fergus Falls driver’s center. While the author of the omnibus bill, Rep. Hornstein, did not support my amendment on the floor, he did issue a public commitment to continue working with me on this issue as the bill heads to a conference committee in preparation for a vote on final passage. Click the above image for a quick clip of me speaking about this issue in the House.
Watch for more from the Capitol as we make our way through the home stretch of the 2021 session. I also post items that may be of interest on my official legislative Facebook page and you are welcome to visit www.facebook.com/RepJordanRasmusson to see those.
As always, please stay in touch and let me know how I may be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Jordan