Senator Bruce Anderson unveils early priorities for 2019 session

State Senator Bruce Anderson (R-Buffalo) outlined his early priorities as legislators gathered to begin the 2019 session on Tuesday. The first five bills of the session will focus on issues that affect hardworking Minnesota families, like child care affordability and access, stronger support for those who are battling mental health issues, aligning Minnesota’s tax code to federal adjustments, and cleaning up waste, fraud, and abuse within state government.

“I have spent the better part of the last seven months talking to constituents in every part of the district, listening to their concerns and hearing their feedback,” said Sen. Anderson. “While we have a long to do list that will include a number of other issues, these initial priorities reflect the concerns I heard most frequently from the people I represent. I am excited to get back to work.”

The first five priorities unveiled by the Senate Majority are as follows:

  • Mental health – Legislators promise a stronger legislative response to the growing problem families are facing regarding mental health, especially in our schools and on the farm.
  • Child care – During statewide listening sessions over the summer, Senators heard from parents struggling to find and afford child care. Legislation to help families with child care issues will be a priority.
  • Health care costs – The Senate Majority will build upon their recent success in lowering health insurance premiums by offering new proposals to make health care billing more transparent and guarantee coverage for preexisting conditions.
  • Government accountability – Senators will introduce several proposals to hold government more accountable and stop wasting money in the areas of child care fraud, MNLARS and other statewide IT failures.
  • Tax conformity – In addition to making tax filing easier by conforming to the new federal tax law, the Senate Majority’s proposal will simplify the tax code and reduce taxes for Minnesota families and businesses.

In addition to continuing to serve as the chairman of the Senate Veterans Committee, Senator Anderson will once again serve on the Local Government Committee, which he will vice chair, and on the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee and the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee.

Sen. Anderson can be reached by phone at 651-296-5981, by email Sen.Bruce.Anderson@senate.mn; or at his office in room 3209 of the Minnesota Senate Building, 95 University Ave, St Paul.