 |
| Hello Neighbor, Last Friday, Minnesota’s Office of Management and Budget (MMB) released its February revenue forecast, which provides information and outlook for Minnesota’s financial picture. The report projects a surplus of $1.6 billion for the next budget cycle, which begins in July. The surplus is a reversal from the November forecast, which found a $1.27 billion deficit for the upcoming budget cycle. The budget forecast shows we should be discussing targeted tax relief and responsible spending. We also have a duty to weed out wasteful spending as we find it. Please click here to learn more about the Payroll Protection Program Tax Conformity legislation I support. I will be updating you on this legislation next week. Funding for Bioincentive Program in Minnesota Last Wednesday, I presented legislation in the Senate’s Energy and Utilities Finance Committee that would increase funding for Minnesota’s AGRI Bioincentive Program. The legislation will ensure that companies who produce advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, or use biomass to produce thermal energy are adequately compensated. The Minnesota State Legislature established the Bioincentive Program in 2015 to encourage commercial-scale production of advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biomass thermal energy through production incentive payments. To receive incentive payments, production facilities within Minnesota must begin producing biofuels, renewable chemicals, or biomass thermal energy before June 30, 2025. They must also meet quarterly minimum production levels, use biomass from agricultural or forestry sources or the organic portion of solid waste, source 80 percent of renewable biomass from Minnesota, and harvest agricultural and forestry biomass in ways that do not harm the environment. Click here to learn more about the program and benefits for our area. Expanded Rural Broadband Last week the Senate Agriculture and Rural Development Committee heard three bills that provide funds for the rural broadband grant program and appropriation for the programs. I co-authored one of the bills, SF 22, which appropriates $60 million in 2022 and 2023 for the border-to-border broadband fund. Rural Minnesota has taken the economic and educational brunt of COVID and the Governor’s peacetime emergency. Over the last year, we’ve learned of the growing importance of reliable internet as it continues to expand and dominate every facet of life. The legislation presented allows us to close some gaps, help unserved areas, and ensure more Minnesotans have access to quality broadband they need to succeed. The Border to Border Broadband Fund targets the development of permanent broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas. Minnesota contains large segments of the state that fall into the unserved and underserved categories, which shows that this infrastructure is a critical need. This package of bills will provide accessible broadband to rural Minnesotans and ensure that their needs are being met. Internet access is not a luxury but a necessary utility in today’s world, and we must bring it to everyone in the state.  On the Senate Floor Senate approves continuing successful insurance affordability plan On Monday, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to extend Minnesota’s successful reinsurance program for another year. Extending the program ensures insurance rates in the individual market will remain stable and without any additional cost to the taxpayers. The original $542 million for operations was offset by federal funding, and the federal dollars will continue through 2022 with this extension. Reinsurance has been proven so effective it is being implemented in several other states across the nation. Since we first passed it, reinsurance has made health care more affordable for families, individuals, and small business owners across the state. Before reinsurance, Minnesota experienced a trend of double-digit premium increases that were unsustainable. This program has stabilized the market through a cost-effective reform. We must continue to fund the reform in order to keep care affordable and to provide residents options when choosing a plan. In 2016 insurance premiums for the individual market increased by double digits, as high as 49%, due to the Affordable Care Act’s changes. Furthermore, many counties only had one insurance company to choose from. Minnesota continues to enjoy some of the lowest rates in the country, every county has at least two providers, and a new provider has started offering plans in the state. Minnesotans Deserve A Voice  We’re quickly approaching 365 days of the Governor’s emergency powers. As we near the year mark has Minnesota flattened the curve? Have we prepared our hospitals? Have we acquired all the necessary equipment? I believe Minnesotans deserve a voice in their government, I will continue to work with collogues in the Senate to open up Minnesota. Stay in touch I’d like to remind residents that I am always available to answer your questions or concerns. Please email me anytime at sen.jason.rarick@senate.mn or call my office in St. Paul at 651-296-1508. Thank you for giving me the privilege of serving you in the Minnesota Senate! Like me on Facebook! Follow me on Twitter! |
| Click here to forward this email Minnesota Senate Building 95 University Avenue W St. Paul, MN 55155-1606 Phone: (651)296-1508 sen.jason.rarick@senate.mn You are receiving this email because you have contacted Sen. Rarick Click Here to Unsubscribe |
