Volume 5, Issue 7 — February 22, 2019
Weekly Review Video
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A weekly message from your Senator
Dear Constituents and Friends,
Week seven of the 2019 session was busy with the news of Gov. Walz releasing his budget blueprint for the next two-year biennium. He focused his budget on the shared priorities of all Minnesotans: providing a high-quality education for all kids regardless of their race or zip code, providing access to quality health care at a price people can afford, making sure every community thrives across Minnesota, investing in the state’s crumbling infrastructure which is putting Minnesotans’ public safety at risk, and providing tax relief for all Minnesotans. I will delve into the provision contained within the Governor’s proposed budget and welcome your thoughts as well. More information can be found here.
Committees were also busy. The electronic monitoring bill moved to the floor, the Taylor Hayden Gun Violence Prevention Act was heard, legislation on opioids moved through another committee, Regent recommendations were made, a bill to establish special taxing districts for fire departments was heard, the Help America Vote Act, MNLARs and MnPass were discussed, electric vehicle surcharges were heard in Transportation, and a number of veterans’ bills were considered – to name a few.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to meet with me or share your thoughts through phone and email. If you wish to email me in response to anything in this update, please use this link. I hope to see you at the Capitol on Monday for STEM Advocacy Day. All are welcome!
Sincerely,
Melisa
Governor Introduces 2019 Budget Proposal
Governor Walz unveiled his 2020-21 budget proposal this week, which features approximately
$49.6 million in total spending or an 8.6% increase from the 2018-19 budget. The budget makes a historic investment in education to provide every child in Minnesota with a high-quality education, regardless of their race or zip code.
The Governor’s budget includes funding to extend low-cost coverage to thousands of farmers, small
business owners, and entrepreneurs. It also provides every Minnesotan with an additional
health care option, encourages stability in the individual market, and makes health care more affordable in Minnesota.
Governor Walz looks to expand access to affordable childcare and housing, invest in
infrastructure and broadband internet, and give local leaders the tools they need to succeed.
Detailed information here.
Regent Candidates Advance for Full Consideration by House and Senate
Five candidates were approved by the joint House and Senate Higher Education committee this week for consideration by the House and Senate. Voting for the regent candidates will happen in a joint session of the full House and Senate memberships.
Four regent spots are open this year: Fifth Congressional District (Peggy Lucas is the incumbent); Student At-Large (Abdul Omari is the incumbent); and two statewide At-Large seats (Linda Cohen is a retiring incumbent, and Dean Johnson is another incumbent). There were 41 applications for the at-large seats, 14 for the student at-large seat and 10 for the Fifth Congressional District seat.
Angel Investment Tax Credit
Governor Walz’s budget proposal includes a $20 million tax credit available to those investing in the early stages of companies. Additionally, the Governor’s proposal would target the funding to aid Greater Minnesota in utilizing the tax credits, lower the minimum investment threshold,and reduce the late filing fee. A Senate bill heard in committee this week provides the $20 million tax credit but in its current form does not restructure the program to ensure all areas of the state can benefit from the program. The bill will be next heard in the Senate Tax Committee. (SF 788)
MNLARS Solutions Proposed
Governor Walz has taken the lead on finally solving technology and administrative issues with the Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS), which processes vehicle titles and tabs at the Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS) under the Department of Public Safety(DPS). An Office of the Legislative Auditor report last week concluded there were numerous factors that contributed to the failure of the MNLARS software development and roll out, including inadequate guidance and unclear policies and procedures at DPS and MN.IT. A terminated private contract with Hewlett-Packard also cost the state $18 million and left the state with little software to show for it.
Governor Walz has recommended $12.2 million this fiscal year to ensure contractors working on MNLARS continue their programming work and the driver’s license side of services continues into Phase 2. The governor has also recommended $37.6 million in the next biennium to conclude implementation of the driver and vehicle software systems at DVS to ensure customers receive the high-caliber services they deserve.
Full funding for HAVA faces barriers in Republican-controlled Senate
The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was heard in Finance this week. The Help America Vote Act (HAVA) was passed in 2002 and allocated federal funds to the states for the use of updating voting equipment and election procedures. In 2018, Minnesota was appropriated more than $6.5 million in federal funds for that purpose; however, without legislative approval, the funds cannot be used. HAVA has bipartisan support this session, yet a handful of Republican Senators have chosen to delay authorization for the full amount of funding in the Senate.
Minnesota is vulnerable. We saw that in the 2016 election cycle when our system was targeted by a foreign government. HAVA will secure the Statewide Voter Registration System, provide training to local election officials, and implement security improvements for election systems. Voting is one of the primary ways in which we can make our voices heard, therefore, it is senseless for some to be content with our outdated procedures. Full funding of HAVA is simply common sense, and the Senate DFL will continue to advocate for it. (SF 241)
Tweet of the Week
