Hello Neighbors and friends welcome to week 5 of the 2018 session. This has been another week full of committee hearings as well as you, my neighbors and friends, coming to our Capitol to bring issues important to our attention. As always, I enjoy getting visits from you and even if you don’t have an appointment you can easily have me pulled from the Senate floor or from committee to talk with you. Simply let my Assistant Chris Vaaler know by contacting him or coming to my office at the Minnesota Senate Building. 95 University Avenue Suite 2231. 651-296-4154
Under Minnesota law, “the Legislature shall establish by concurrent resolution deadlines for each regular session.” Deadlines help the Legislature narrow down the hundreds of bills introduced by lawmakers to proposals that have the best chance of becoming law. The first deadline passed on Thursday, March 22, which was the final opportunity for committees to act favorably on bills in their house of origin. The remaining deadlines are Thursday, March 29 and Friday, April 20.
This week, we took a hard look at a new supplemental budget proposed by Governor Dayton. The proposal reflects common priorities of all Minnesotans by investing in education, economic growth, more affordable health care, and tax cuts for hard-working people. Over the coming weeks, legislators in the House and Senate will release their own budget proposals. The Legislature’s goal is to reach a compromise that is agreeable to lawmakers and the Governor.
On Thursday, we passed legislation to continue fixing MNLARS, the state’s new licensing and registration system. Everyone agrees that the system is not working for most people, but those who control the Legislature have known about the problem for months and waited until the sixth week of session to pass a final bill. My colleagues and I have pushed for better customer service, better oversight, and better reporting requirements as a solution is implemented and will continue to do so.
Please continue to let me know about issues important to you and alert me if there are concerns about upcoming legislation. I appreciate hearing from you. Until next week.
Sincerely,
Senator John Hoffman
Governor Dayton releases supplemental budget
At the end of February, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) reported the projected budget surplus is $329 million for general fund in Fiscal Year 2018-19. Based on this number, the Legislature and Governor Dayton propose their respective supplemental budgets. This week, Governor Dayton released his supplemental budget recommendations. The Governor’s proposal will use $206 million of the forecast $329 million for the priorities he believes are important for the state and leave $122.86 million unspent. His investments include $62 million in general fund resources for infrastructure, senior care, and the opioid crisis. An additional $78 million is provided for educational priorities, including safe and secure schools, mental health, special education, and college tuition relief. Much of this session’s resources will likely be dedicated to a response to the federal tax bill passed late in 2017. Governor Dayton’s tax budget includes new tax cuts for 1.9 million Minnesotans and makes other adjustments to prevent the federal changes from causing a tax increase for Minnesotans. In addition, the Governor proposes reversing some unsustainable tax cuts passed last year that benefited the wealthiest Minnesotans, tobacco companies and corporations. Reinstating the inflator on the state general levy and tobacco taxes, restoring the tax on premium cigars, and freezing the estate tax exclusion to $2.4 million helps pay for tax cuts for families, small businesses and farmers. Additional information on the Governor’s budget proposal is available on MMB’s website https://mn.gov/mmb/
Keeping Minnesota’s voting system secure
The Secure Access for Minnesota Voters Act was introduced last week after the Office of the Legislator Auditor released their report on voter registration. According to the OLA report, Minnesota’s election systems serve us well and are a model for the nation. However, it also said that it is time to modernize and secure our voter registration systems and machines to prevent errors, mistakes, or hacking.
The Secure Access for Minnesota Voters Act will ensure Minnesota continues to have the safest, most secure, and most efficient elections in the country. Minnesotans expect us to respond to changing threats to our democracy and they deserve action now. This legislation will provide cyber security updates to Minnesota’s voter registration database, establish automatic voter registration, and e-poll books for every county that wants them. The bill makes much-needed cyber security updates to safeguard Minnesota’s voter registration database from foreign governments or other bad actors who want to interfere in our elections and expands the use of e-poll books to every county that wants them.
Clean Energy Business Day
Gov. Mark Dayton delivered a proclamation this week that declared March 22, 2018 as Clean Energy Business Day. The proclamation coincides with Clean Energy Business Day at the Capitol – an advocacy day for business owners, clean energy workers, and advocates. Over the past year, the clean energy industry has enjoyed explosive growth, adding more than 600 megawatts of renewable energy in 2017. This is all in despite of uncertain federal policy.
Minnesota’s nation-leading clean energy policies have established a unique competitive advantage for innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to deliver value-added products and services growing Minnesota’s clean energy markets. Today, clean energy businesses employ more than 57,000.
Minnesota is a stand out when it comes to launching successful clean energy businesses that both create well-paying jobs and help build a clean energy economy. Clean Energy Business Day is about sharing these success stories with legislators and asking that we build on this momentum. To ensure Minnesota continues to create jobs and attract investment in this fast-growing sector, our state’s leaders should advance policies that further increase opportunities for growth and innovation in the energy efficiency and clean energy industry.
Omnibus pension bill sent to the floor
The 2018 Pension Omnibus Bill passed to the Senate floor this week and is waiting to be heard. The major pension plan administrators testified in support of the bill and most stakeholders are supportive of the sustainability plan.
The bill is mostly comprised of the 2017 Omnibus Pension Bill that passed the Senate floor unanimously last session but did not become law because it was combined with unrelated controversial provisions. The most significant change is the addition of pension adjustment revenue on the education formula to compensate school districts for the increased Teachers’ Retirement Association employer contributions required in the bill. The estimated cost is $27 million this biennium.
The bill represents a shared sacrifice approach, with current public employees, employers, retirees, and the state contributing to ensure the long-term stability of Minnesota’s public pension obligations.
Penny a pill bill to save lives
Opioid overdose deaths have risen dramatically in recent years. Last year, there were 395 opioid overdose deaths, which is an 18% increase over the previous year. Legislation was introduced in response to this dramatic increase to provide urgently needed resources for prevention and treatment services that could save lives and reverse this trend.
The funding would come from the establishment of a drug manufacturer stewardship fee of one cent per unit of drug dispensed. The penny a pill fee could raise over $20 million a year to fund a comprehensive prevention, treatment, and recovery effort that would curb opioid abuse and save lives across Minnesota – getting help and care to thousands of people who need it now.
The bill includes provisions that address other opioid related topics such as prescriptions for opiate or narcotic pain relievers and changes that expand the role of veterinarians in addressing the epidemic. Additionally, the bill adds that law enforcement officers who come into contact with individuals who are, or may be experiencing an overdose, must share certain information with the Board of Pharmacy to improve upon the data available that informs doctors and pharmacists. Information that is part of an active investigation may be withheld from the Board until the investigation has concluded.
Efforts to address this heartbreaking epidemic are happening at every level of government; however, the manufacturers of opioids have contributed very little in proportion to their role in helping to create the problem. This bill would alleviate some of the burden on Minnesota taxpayers by requiring the pharmaceutical industry to pitch in and do what is right.
Elder care bill advances
Advocates are working hard to respond to legislation addressing elder abuse backed by Senate Republicans that is moving through the committee process. This legislation includes some of the provisions included in bipartisan legislation containing the recommendations from the independent work group on elder abuse convened by AARP; however, it lacks several of the elements from the bill that create the real and systemic changes needed and that allow seniors to actually enforce their rights in a meaningful way.
Missing from the proposal are important protections around licensure, deceptive marketing, and discharge and termination of services in assisted living facilities, including the right to appeal those determinations. Also absent is the ability to bring a private right of action for violations of the Health Care Bill of Rights and the Home Care Bill of Rights, the part of the legislation that gives seniors and their families the authority to seek damages in court.
Assisted living facilities are not licensed in Minnesota. This bill would convene a task force to discuss the possibility of licensure and provide recommendations to the Legislature for next year. But seniors can’t wait for another year of discussion. As Minnesota is the only state that does not require licensure, it shouldn’t be a matter of if licensure is needed, it should be a matter of how it happens and how quickly it can be implemented.
All of these consumer protections already exist within the bipartisan work group bill, but this bill has not been scheduled for a hearing. The full recommendations of the independent work group deserve to be heard. The bill backed by Senate Republicans makes some important progress, but now is not the time to settle when the health and safety of our seniors requires bold, systemic changes.
Public employee contracts moving toward passage
Every two years, the Legislature must approve employment contracts between the state and public employee unions. The current contracts provide a modest 2% cost-of-living increase for most public employees this year and a 2.25% increase next year. The contracts have undergone an extensive negotiating process, are fair to employees, and are a good deal for Minnesota taxpayers.
The agreements cover employees that work as public health nurses, college professors, and MnDOT engineers across the state, and will help recruit and retain qualified employees to carry out the services Minnesotans expect from state government. The contracts have successfully moved through the committee process and are awaiting passage on the Senate Floor.
MNLARS funding bill sent to the Governor
This week, the Legislature passed a bill to provide funding for continued improvements and development for the Minnesota License and Registration System (MNLARS). Since its rollout in July, the vehicle services components of MNLARS have been riddled with problems and system failures, complicating tab renewals and vehicle title transactions and seriously inconveniencing Minnesotans.
The bill provides $10 million dollars from an existing account in Driver and Vehicle Services, including $350,000 over the next two years for an information technology auditor to examine the progress being made on MNLARS, budgeting on the project and interaction with stakeholders like the deputy registrars. The bill conditions the funding to be released on a quarterly basis by a steering committee of six legislators, who will receive quarterly progress reports from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Office of Information Technology (MN.IT). If a majority of the six legislators vote to slow, reduce, or condition the release of the quarterly allotment based on the progress report, the commissioners have 20 days to work to resolve the concerns of the legislators so that they may receive the quarterly funds. If the legislators are still not satisfied, the quarterly allotment is not released, and DPS and MN.IT would need to submit proposed legislation to fund MNLARS during the next legislative session.
Imam Gondal Invited to give prayer
I invited Imam Luqman Ahmad Gondal of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Coon Rapids to serve as Senate Chaplain and deliver the opening prayer for Thursday’s session.
On behalf of the Minnesota Senate, I want to thank Imam Gondal and his family for being our guests this week, I agree with Imam Gondal’s call for greater peace and understanding in our society, and thank him for his words of wisdom. We should celebrate our state’s wonderful diversity and the contributions that all cultures make to our collective success.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community mosque in Coon Rapids, which opened in 2015, is the first of its kind in Minnesota.
Class of 35 Partners in Policy Program at Mid-Way Point
Class 35 Partners has now passed the mid-point in this year’s training program. Community organizing was on the agenda for part of the February weekend session. Participant learned about community organizing and applied those skills as they prepared testimony on proposed amendments to Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan. The role and purpose of Parliamentary Procedure in conducting meetings, and how to work effectively with the media in advancing public policy issues were also covered during this weekend session.
A summary with photos is available at http://mn.gov/mnddc/council/
Alzheimer’s Association Day at the Capitol
Thank you Christine and Kelly for coming to meet with me and letting me know you want effective treatments, preventive strategies and gold-standard care for all impacted by Alzheimer’s.
Community Health Centers Advocacy Day
Advocates for the state’s 17 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) visited with me on Tuesday as part of the Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers’ Day on the Hill. Minnesota’s Health Centers provide primary care medical, dental and behavioral health services to 180,000 low-income Minnesotans at over 70 delivery sites throughout the state. Their model of care relies heavily on primary care and care coordination, two effective strategies that avoid unnecessary emergency room trips and hospitalizations.
The advocates shared patient stories about the value of Health Centers. The common thread of the stories is that while Health Centers are truly part of the state’s health care safety net, the Centers are “providers of choice” for both uninsured and insured patients. Senator Hoffman has introduced legislation throughout his career supporting Health Centers, resulting in increased access for some of Minnesota’s poorest residents.
Muslim American Society Day at the Capitol
Doctors, engineers, business people, senior citizens, high school students, college students, stay at home parents and many many others, came to the Capitol on Tuesday to show the strength and diversity of the Muslim community in Minnesota. They came to discuss issues relating to education, immigration, healthcare, and civil rights and help bring about positive social change. Great visit with students who brought me a bill that I signed onto. SF3213, a bipartisan bill including excused absence for a religious observance.
Dietitians Day at the Capitol
Dietitians came to the capitol on Tuesday to advocate on issues surrounding key hunger issues.Especially when it pertained to SNAP & Farm Bill priorities. Thank you Kelly, Sierra and Cassie for stopping by.
IBEW Day at the Capitol
Always happy to see the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers(IBEW) for their day at the capitol. IBEW represents some 750,000 workers and retirees in the Electrical trade. You are always welcome to stop by even if its hypothetically.
AFSCME Day at the Capitol
Its always good to see The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees(AFSCME) in their green shirts at the Capitol. Their workers are standing up to big corporations who want to strip away decades of union progress in winning strong contracts, pensions and grievance procedures. Thanks for coming on Tuesday friggin AFSCME!
Insurance Day on the Hill
On Wednesday I got a visit from Insurance Agents as apart of Insurance Day at the Capitol. It is the only event focused solely on the financial services industry. They advocated for issues important to their business, Minnesota consumers, and the state economy. They talked about the work they do to protect the financial security of Minnesotans. Thank you Rob, Mike and Kevin for coming.
Dental Students Day at the Capitol
Dental students came to visit me at the Capitol on Thursday to advocate for higher reimbursement rates, highlight the workforce shortage and to get funding for preventative outreach. Even though they did not have an appointment I always find time for constituents. So come visit me. Thank you for visiting David, Crystal and Ann.
Teachers from SD 36 Visit
Was great to get a visit from Teachers who live in District 36 and work at area schools including Elk River and Anoka Hennepin. Thank you for all you do preparing our learners for life. Thank you for visiting with me and sharing your concerns and priorities.
Clean Water Day at the Capitol
On Wednesday, May 2nd Join your neighbors for the Minnesota Water Action Day! This is a day of public action and advocacy to let lawmakers know we care about our water.This all-day event will include trainings on the issues and meeting with legislators with a rally in the Capitol Rotunda. The day begins atChrist Lutheran Church – 105 University Ave W, St. Paul, MN 55103
Register at: wateractionday2018.eventbrite.com
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to call my office at 651-296-4154 or by e-mail at jhoffman@senate.mn