Dear Neighbors,
We have about a week left in the 2019 session. The Legislature has passed our budget bills and are now working in House/Senate conference committees to sort differences in various finance issue areas. I’d like to highlight key differences in the areas of education and health care.
Education
While some communities have the financial ability to build great public schools through referendums and bigger operating levies, other communities do not. The House DFL budget invests in our students with an increase to the per-pupil formula by 3% in 2020, and another 2% in 2021. The Senate GOP budget barely makes a dent in addressing larger class sizes, special education underfunding, and teacher layoffs with their 0.5% increase over the next two years. All of our kids deserve a world-class education and inaction now will inevitably lead to devastating cuts that hurt future opportunities. Below is a breakdown of what these funding differences would look like for Bloomington schools.
Health Care
Deep cuts to health care proposed by Senate Republicans are also unacceptable. All Minnesotans deserve access to the quality, affordable health care they need. The House DFL proposes bold initiatives within our health and human services budget to make this a reality. Our plan will ensure Minnesotans can access the medications they count on by prohibiting prescription drug price gouging, increasing transparency, and making changes to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) licensing. Our budget also enables Minnesotans to access an emergency supply of insulin if they can’t afford to fill their prescription. These are not radical ideas. Senate Republicans’ solution is to cut essential care for doctor visits and dental care for over half a million Minnesotans.
Let’s be honest about the choices in front of us. We can continue down the path of tax cuts for corporations, leading to more teacher layoffs, people losing health care and basic economic security. Or we can invest in our state by investing in our people. That’s why the House DFL budget invests in schools, health care, and communities. Our state is stronger when Minnesotans have the resources they need to stay healthy, grow, learn, and prosper.
Keep in Touch
The Legislature is constitutionally required to adjourn by May 20. I hope you’ll continue to reach out with any questions or feedback. I appreciate your input!
Sincerely,
Andrew Carlson
State Representative