Dear Friends, We have officially hit the home stretch – the final two weeks – of the 2019 Legislative session.  All Senate and House omnibus budgets bills have been discussed, debated and voted on through their respective bodies. Individual conference committees are now meeting to finalize the state general fund budget for the next two years.  I find myself thinking of an old quote when it comes to the process of lawmaking: “If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made.”  The budget process every two years is a long and lengthy – negotiations between the legislature and the Governor can be frustrating and even hard to watch at times.  The focus is now on finalizing the end product – an agreement to a budget which will set the path forward for our state.  We have major differences of opinions and obstacles to overcome with our divided government here in Minnesota. While those of us in the majority in the Senate believe we can fund our priorities while living within our means without raising taxes, Governor Walz and the House majority believe we need to raise over $12 billion in tax increases over the next few years to fund their priorities.  The total proposed Senate budget is $47.631 billion. The total proposed House budget is $49.827 billion – a difference of $2.196 billion.  It is my belief and hope that we can work together to pass a budget that keeps Minnesota’s economy moving forward, funds our priorities, and protects the taxpayer from unnecessary tax burdens. We should be able to do all of this by the constitutionally required adjournment date of Monday, May 20; just two weeks from today.  Below is a recap of all omnibus bills passed by the Senate, a summary of a bill to address the unfortunate situation students are enduring due to the closing of Argosy University, as well as a summary of a few events and constituent visits – including our special guest Chaplain from Senate District 44, for the Minnesota Senate on Tuesday, April 23.  Senate Budget  The Senate created a budget for the next two years which funds our priorities without raising taxes on hardworking Minnesotans.  The Senate helps people with accessibility and affordability, addresses any concerns of fraud and abuse and holds government accountable. We also continue our commitment to transportation funding with $8 billion dedicated to roads, bridges and transit over the next two years.  Below are some summaries, and links to press releases, highlighting the important funding for each segment of our budget. This is by no means the final product – this is simply the Senate’s approach to the state’s general fund budget over the next two years.  If you would like to look at the bill comparisons for each Conference Committee (which are referred to as “side-by-side” comparisons, you can do so here.  There are many provisions in these bills I agree with – and some I do not. As we continue along with the process, I will continue to work with my colleagues and advocate for funding and issues which I believe are important to the people of Senate District 44.  Agriculture, Rural Development, and Housing  The Senate Agriculture, Rural Development and Housing Omnibus Bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 43-24 and funds the day-to-day operations of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, and the Border-to-Border Broadband Grant Program. In total, this bill allocates over $258 million in funding, an increase of nearly $4 million over the last two-year budget.  This legislation focuses on farmers. Low commodity prices have severely affected the agriculture community, especially dairy and soybean farmers. This bill invests in farmer mental health services and looks to expand markets to positively impact farmers in the barns and fields, rather than growing bureaucracy in St. Paul.  Additionally, the budget legislation prioritizes the most affordable forms of housing in Minnesota and places an emphasis on workforce housing and home ownership.   https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-prioritize-famer-mental-health-rural-broadband-affordable-workforce-housing-in-bipartisan-agriculture-budget-bill/  Commerce  The $90.864 million Senate Commerce budget includes accountability measures such as healthcare fraud enforcement and a cap on the department’s unchecked authority to raise fees on banks and credit unions. Additionally, the budget continues the multi-year project to move the Department of Commerce’s regulatory fees and expenditures out of the state’s general fund and into a special revenue account.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-pass-budget-that-prioritizes-workforce-development-energy-savings-reforms/  E-12 (Education)  The Senate E-12 (Education) Omnibus Bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 38-29 and includes $19.78 billion in funding over two years, an increase of $940 million – or 5.1% – over the last biennium. More funding is provided to schools across the board through the per-pupil calculation, every school receives resources dedicated for school safety measures, and more support is given to address suicide and mental health issues in the school systems. Importantly, many of the measures in the bill, such as the school safety measures, return decision-making authority to the schools and school districts themselves on how exactly to spend their money.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-education-bill-focuses-on-students-with-increased-funding-safer-schools-early-literacy/  Energy  The Senate Energy Budget invests millions in provisions related to Minnesota’s energy, public utilities and telecommunications, while prioritizing efficiencies and reforms that will save ratepayers money. In addition to creating a solar grant program for schools, the budget includes reforms to community solar gardens, making the program more competitive and cutting energy bills for Minnesotans.   The bill includes provisions lifting the renewable energy standard cap on hydropower and the moratorium on nuclear energy plant construction, as well as funding for a study to determine the best methods for energy storage in the state.   Finally, additional funding for the Public Utilities Commission to manage increased rate case load and additional funding for the Commission on Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing is included in the legislation.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-pass-budget-that-prioritizes-workforce-development-energy-savings-reforms/  Environment and Natural Resources  The Senate Environment and Natural Resources Omnibus Bill continues to place an emphasis on funding Minnesota’s critical environment priorities with efforts to tackle both Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), along with increased access and continued funding for state parks and additional efforts to engage Minnesotans and encourage them to take part in the state’s great outdoors.    In total, the bill spends $276 million out of the General Fund over the next biennium funding the Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, Explore Minnesota, Met Parks, Conservation Corps, the Minnesota Science Museum, and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.  Although this bill passed the Senate with a vote of (35-32), I voted against this bill.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-pass-environment-and-natural-resources-budget-that-prioritizes-access-to-outdoors-animal-disease-protection-2/  Health and Human Services  The Senate Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 36-28. The package includes a $1.6 billion increase in funding over the previous biennium and contains many provisions intended to protect and strengthen the “safety net” social programs for vulnerable populations such as seniors, the disabled, and children. Notably, it does not contain a renewal of the Health Care Provider Tax.  Originally intended to finance the important MinnesotaCare program, this provider tax became redundant with the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which largely moved responsibility for funding MinnesotaCare to the federal government. This effectively represents a tax cut for a growing health care industry becoming increasingly vital to Minnesota’s economy. Other provisions include funding for much-needed nursing home repairs and allowing nursing home and long-term care residents, or their families, to choose to install video recording devices in their rooms if they so desire.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-health-and-human-services-budget-prioritizes-vulnerable-minnesotans-who-truly-need-care-cracks-down-on-fraud-and-waste/  Higher Education  With bipartisan support, the Senate passed the Senate Higher Education Omnibus Bill with a 38-29 vote. The bill protects students and families from increased costs by boosting scholarship funds, capping student tuition, bolstering successful programs that meet workforce needs, and increasing accountability for public higher education systems. In total, the bill invests over $3.3 billion into Minnesota’s higher education systems and $100 million more than the February forecast.   This bill prioritizes Minnesota students by making post-secondary education more affordable, more accessible, and more relevant. We cap student tuition, provide funding for scholarships that bring student costs down and invest in programs that will help prepare the next generation for the economy of today and tomorrow. By increasing funding and eligibility to the State Grant Program and ramping up the Workforce Scholarship Program, the bill makes it clear that we are committed to helping students access education and training – preparing them for successful careers.  I look forward to co-chairing the Higher Education Conference Committee in the days to come alongside the House Higher Education Committee Chairwoman, Rep. Connie Bernardy (D-Fridley).  Other members of the conference committee include: Sen. Greg Clausen (D-Apple Valley), Sen. Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake), Sen. Scott Jensen (R-Carver), Sen. Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud), Rep. Laurie Pryor (D-Minnetonka), Rep. Ginny Klevorn (D-Plymouth), Rep. Ben Lien (D- Moorhead) and Rep. Bud Nornes (R-Fergus Falls).  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republican-higher-education-budget-focuses-on-affordability-accountability-and-workforce-development/  Jobs and Economic Development  The Jobs, Economic Development, Energy and Commerce Omnibus Bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 40-26. More than $220 million of the budget goes toward jobs and economic growth, making a substantial investment in workforce development, skills training, employment disparities, and economic growth. The bill includes an additional $7 million over the previous budget for the Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Program, which assists people with disabilities in overcoming barriers to accessing, maintaining, and returning to work.   The Senate bill also provides funds for law enforcement and the Department of Labor and Industry to establish a statewide protocol for identifying victims and perpetrators of labor trafficking. Working with representatives from labor and business communities, the budget provides the Department of Labor and Industry with an additional $2 million to investigate and process wage theft claims and explicitly prohibits wage theft in Minnesota by making it a criminal offense.   The bill also clarifies state-set uniform employment standards across Minnesota, promoting intrastate commerce, cutting back on the patchwork of inconsistent workplace laws across the state, and eliminating conflicting labor regulations at the municipal level.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-pass-budget-that-prioritizes-workforce-development-energy-savings-reforms/  Judiciary and Public Safety  The Minnesota Senate passed the Judiciary and Public Safety Finance Bill with a bipartisan vote of 44-23, a $2.385 billion bill that funds the Department of Corrections, the Judicial branch, and criminal divisions of the Department of Public Safety. This budget increases spending by $38.26 million.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-pass-bill-to-toughen-sex-crime-penalties-fund-new-corrections-officers/  State Government  The Senate State Government Finance and Elections budget passed with a bipartisan vote of 37-28 and includes several provisions related to government reform and accountability, including a zero-based budgeting requirement that requires a more thorough review of state programs to determine their effectiveness before continuing funding. There is also a provision requiring a freeze on full-time employee positions, allowing the state to recoup and redirect funding for vacant positions. The budget includes provisions making significant reforms to state contracts, limiting the fiscal impact and ensuring Minnesota does not spend beyond its means.  Additionally, the bill includes funding for the state’s cybersecurity needs and election equipment, providing $20.5 million for cybersecurity and creating a new legislative commission on cybersecurity. Combined, these efforts fully fund Minnesota’s cybersecurity needs, preparing the state for potential cyberattacks and ensuring the state is taking necessary steps to protect Minnesotans in the future.  Finally, the budget includes a sizeable investment for improvements to Minnesota’s elections systems, allocating funds to popular electronic poll books to assist our polling place workers to quickly register voters.   https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-focus-on-accountability-reformed-cybersecurity-in-the-state-government-budget-bill/  Taxes  I joined colleagues from both sides of the aisle in a vote to pass the senate’s comprehensive tax bill. The Senate Taxes Omnibus bill passed with a vote of 39-28. This plan will cut taxes, increase wages, and will help grow the economy with measures to ease the tax burden on middle-class families, seniors, students, veterans, and small businesses in Minnesota.  Over half of Minnesotan taxpayers should see cuts. Specific provisions include a .25% cut to the middle-income tax rate (the first such cut in nearly twenty years if passed into law), expansion of the K-12 education tax credit, and cuts to taxes on social security income. The bill also includes several provisions that I authored this session, including the sales and use tax exemption that will allow the construction of a new fire station in the City of Minnetonka and allow the renovation of existing facilities.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-lower-taxes-and-fund-priorities/  Transportation  The Minnesota Senate passed a comprehensive transportation funding package that invests billions over the next two years in the state’s transportation infrastructure – without a gas tax, sales tax, or license tab fee increase – and protects existing transportation funds from being spent on non-transportation government programs.   The budget passed the Senate with broad, bipartisan support and a vote of 40-27.   Notably, an amendment to incorporate the Governor’s fee increases on tabs and massive gas tax failed without a single vote of support. Every member of the Senate, including 32 Democrats, voted against the Governor’s transportation plan.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-pass-transportation-budget-that-invests-billions-in-roads-and-bridges/  Veterans  The Senate Veterans budget funds the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs as well as the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs. In total, this bill allocates $208.896 million out of the state’s general fund over the next two years.  In addition to funding the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Military Affairs, the budget also includes an investment in Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota’s C.O.R.E program, which supports military members, veterans, and their families by providing counseling, case management, outreach, referral, and education services. The budget also includes funding for the Department of Military Affairs “Support Our Troops” program, Sustain Reintegration Programs, and new enlistment incentives.  The bill also establishes ‘POW and MIA Recognition Day’ and ‘American Allies Day’, acknowledging the sacrifice made by many Minnesota veterans and those who fought alongside them. The bill also establishes a ‘Veterans Suicide Awareness Day’ to help bring light to a crisis that many veterans face.  https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/senate-republicans-pass-veterans-budget-that-provides-supportive-services-honors-veteran-legacies/  Special Legislation  Argosy University Closure Student Relief Authorization  When Argosy University announced their closure, it was discovered that the state financial aid payments students were supposed to receive, were not disbursed to the students as intended.  The abrupt closing left many students with bills to pay, as well as unfinished degrees, in early March. To address the situation, we have introduced SF 2841 – the Argosy University closure student relief authorization.  SF 2841 authorizes the Office of Higher Education (OHE) to resolve grant, scholarship and loan issues for effected students. Specifically, the OHE will be allowed to make payments to students receiving aid from the State grant, scholarships for child care, MN GI bill, and MN Indian scholarships. Additionally, OHE may reverse the disbursements of SELF loans to ensure students aren’t saddled with debt for courses they were unable to complete.  The objective with SF 2841 is to help the students who were not the responsible party in this situation. Argosy University received these funds, shut their doors, and took the money. Students were left literally holding the bill and we need to do what we can to help those impacted, and hold those responsible, accountable for their actions.  The Office of Higher Education and the Minnesota Attorney General will be pursuing legal action to recoup any money owed by Argosy, and their associates.  Community Events  Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Night  On Thursday, April 25, I had the honor of attending the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities Big Night Gala along with my colleague State Senator John Jasinski (R-Faribault). Sen. Jasinski is the author of bipartisan legislation, which I am a co-author, to provide a grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities for workforce readiness, employment exploration, and skills development for youth age 12-21.  With the leadership of CEO Michael Goar, a great Board and hundreds of amazing volunteers, Big Brothers Big Sisters does important work in the Twin Cities, and in communities across the country. They provide youth facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentorships and relationships that change lives for the better, forever.  TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Roaring 20’s Annual Gala   On Friday, April 26, we attended the annual TwinWest Gala which raises money to benefit the Chamber’s initiatives and the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship Fund helps students further their education and strengthen the future work force, and the new Student Leadership Program.  Interfaith Outreach Spread Your Wings Gala  On Friday, May 3, we attended the 40th Anniversary Spread Your Wings Gala for Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP). After living in our community for over 40 years personally, it is hard to believe our community without the love and impact that founder and Executive Director LaDonna Hoy and the amazing staff and volunteers have provided over the years.  For four decades, IOCP (led by LaDonna) has envisioned a community where everywhere a family or a child or a stranger shows up, they would find a heartfelt welcome and invitation to be a part of a community becoming the best version of itself.  Serving the communities of Plymouth, Wayzata, Medicine Lake, Hamel, Medina, Orono, Long Lake and Minnetonka Beach, IOCP is a shining example of what a special place it is that we live, and the love and care for others in our community we can provide when they need it most.  Constituents  Pastor Aaron Felty  A very special thank you to Pastor Aaron Felty, Senior Pastor of the Extension Church in Plymouth (a ministry of Plymouth Covenant Church), for opening the Minnesota State Senate in prayer on Tuesday, April 23.  I was extremely thankful for his timely words and prayers for unity in these final weeks of the 2019 legislative session. If you are interested in watching Pastor Felty’s prayer, you can watch it here.  Habitat for Humanity  Affordable Housing is an especially important issue for Minnesotans across the State right now. I had the pleasure of meeting with two constituents with many years of experiences with Habitat for Humanity. It was wonderful talking with them, and we may even get a chance to work together on a house building event in the not too distant future.

University of Minnesota

It’s always fun meeting with advocates for our Minnesota higher education systems. This past week I was glad to connect with two constituents – a mother and son – who have been involved in the U of M for several years. We also had Adam Yust join us for our conversation. Adam is the Alumni Advocacy Director for the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest newsletter. 

It’s hard to believe we only have two weeks remaining before our constitutionally required end date of Monday, May 20. 

If you would like to follow along with the activity of the Conference Committees, you can find live coverage in the Minnesota Senate, here, and the Minnesota House, here. A daily schedule of activities can be found here. 

As we move along in these final few days, please reach out if I can be helpful or you would like to share your opinion on the budget or any other matter facing the legislature. 

Have a great week. 

Sincerely,