Greetings District 10!
Senate committees have started their hearings—state agencies are presenting overviews of their subject areas to get members up to speed with recent developments and a look towards the future. I am honored to continue serving on the following committees:
– Chair, Environment and Natural Resources Environment Policy and Legacy Finance
– Vice Chair, Environment and Natural Resources Finance
– Aging and Long-Term Care Policy
– Mining and Forestry Policy
Ruud Supports Plan to Immediately Pay off UI Debt
This week, Senate Republicans proposed $2.73 billion to immediately pay off the state’s $1.2 billion in Unemployment Insurance (UI) debt and refill the fund to protect employees’ benefits.
On January 1, 2020, the UI Trust Fund balance was $1.7 billion. Unemployment Insurance claims during the pandemic drained the fund to a negative balance of $1.2 billion in debt to the federal government. Every dollar from the UI trust fund went directly to employees. Minnesota has accrued over $8 million in interest alone to the federal government on the debt. The $2.73 billion in appropriations from SF2677 would pay off the debt and interest owed to the federal government and also replenish the trust fund to sufficient levels. The state is currently paying over $50,000 a day on interest charges to the federal government for the loan.
“Our businesses were told they would not be held accountable for dipping into this fund to keep their employees on the payroll, yet main street businesses across the state are finding themselves footing this massive bill in the form of taxes. The UI fund was always meant to be a benefit for employees, and a risk-free option for small business owners. Yet somehow, the State has been carrying this balance far longer than necessary and now the cost is being passed onto business and consumers. Minnesota needs to do what other states have already done—it’s time to pay the bill, uphold our promise to businesses, and protect a critical employee benefit.”
Until Minnesota’s UI trust fund reaches a level of funding considered adequate by the federal government, Minnesota businesses will also be penalized through higher federal taxes to increase the available funding. According to DEED, it would take over 10 years of additional higher taxes on businesses to replenish the UI trust funds prevent additional taxes and end the federal government tax penalty.
Ruud Co-Authors Bill that Temporarily Modifies Substitute Teaching Licenses
Senator Carrie Ruud has co-authored a bill that allows the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to expand the pool of qualified candidates to receive teaching licenses.
Minnesota has seen a steady decrease in available substitute teachers, a problem that was only further exacerbated by Covid. Prior to the pandemic, substitute teachers were in short supply as teacher retention numbers fell. Distance learning and the accompanying challenges have kept candidates from entering the pool of educators. SF2861 would allow a person with an Associate Degree, professional certification, or five years of relevant work experience along with a background check to fill in the teaching gaps in our schools. This change would go into effect starting July 1 of this year, to allow schools to fill openings for the 2022-2023 school year.
“Students across the state have had interrupted learning schedules for over two years, and now that they’re back to in-person learning, we need to address the shortage of teachers. This bill expands the pool of candidates for substitute teacher positions, ensuring kids once again have proper instruction and guidance in the classroom.”
This shortage has hindered in-person learning and has caused schools to shuffle their staff and schedules. Proposed legislation focuses on recruiting candidates so Minnesota can get its education system back on track, allowing schools and educators to focus on improving literacy and education with proper personnel.
Bonding Proposals
2022 is a bonding year—the legislature will allocate bonding dollars throughout Minnesota to pay for publicly owned capital projects designated for infrastructure.
Here are a few bonding projects I am authoring in our area:
SF2636: Capital Investment—Central Lakes College Brainerd Campus
SF2926: Capital Investment—Brainerd Water Treatment Facility Improvements
SF2927: Capital Investment—Cuyuna State Trail
Election Integrity
Election integrity is vitally important to Minnesotans—regardless of party affiliation. One of the best ways to ensure our elections are fair and proper is to serve as an election judge. Click here for more on how to apply to serve in this role.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Aquatic Invasive Species Management a self-paced online course that runs through February and March 2022—designed for lakeshore homeowners, lake association members, and anyone interested in their local lakes and a better understanding of AIS strategies. Here is the link to register: AIS Management
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Have a great start to your weekend!
As always please feel free to contact my office with any questions you might have. My office can be reached by phone at (651) 296-4913 or at sen.carrie.ruud@senate.mn.
Talk to you soon!
Carrie Ruud