A weekly message from your Senator
Dear Constituents and Friends,
This Wednesday, the Senate majority introduced their bonding bill. Minnesota lawmakers are expected to put forth big, bold ideas, but this plan falls short of what is needed to repair and preserve taxpayer assets. If we ignore the growing backlog of public works requests from local governments, Minnesotans’ quality of life will decline as a result and businesses will look to other states to invest and create jobs. A strong economy is possible when the private and public sectors work together hand in hand, but this plan will likely leave some businesses scratching their heads.
The tax bill is finally being tackled in conference committee this week adopting same and similar provisions, but much remains to be resolved before we adjourn on May 21st. We also heard several bills on the floor this week, one of which I co-authored. H.F. 3265, a bill that includes training on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as a requirement for foster family license holders and caregivers was passed on the Senate floor and will go to conference committee next.
I encourage you to continue reaching out to my office as the 2018 legislative session wraps up.
Sincerely,
Melisa
Senate bonding bill released
The Senate bonding bill was released this week to the public. The proposal spends $825 million in general fund supported debt. This amount is nearly identical to the House proposal, but is significantly less than Governor Dayton’s proposal, which allocates $1.456 billion.
The Senate committee will meet at the end of the week to start working on a proposal that can earn the required votes in the Legislature and earn Governor Dayton’s signature. It is important to remember a bonding bill requires bipartisan support because a 3/5 majority, or 41 votes in the Senate, is required for its approval.
A comparison of the House and Senate proposals can be found here. (SF 4013)
Senate takes bipartisan action to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable in opioid epidemic
Bipartisan legislation was introduced early this session to raise money to combat the opioid overdose epidemic that claimed the lives of hundreds of Minnesotans last year. The original legislation would have charged pharmaceutical companies a “penny-a-pill” for every opioid painkiller they sold. The goal of this effort is to raise $20 million each year to fund treatment and prevention programs.
In the face of immense pressure from the pharmaceutical industry, Senators opted to eliminate the fee and replace it was a registration fee on opiate manufacturers and wholesalers. This small but important change garnered more support from lawmakers while still ensuring funding to address the opioid epidemic comes from the industry. The bill continues to seek $20 million for efforts to combat the crisis, just a small sliver of the sky-rocketing profits made by manufacturers of opiates.
The bill was heard on the floor late this week and passed with significant bipartisan support on a 60-6 vote. Several lawmakers called out the pharmaceutical industry for failing to provide any public testimony, opting to wage their campaign to avoid accountability in the shadows. The Senate bill has managed to stay far stronger than the version in the House, which is funded entirely by state dollars, letting the industry of the hook entirely.
Advocates argue that drug manufacturers need to pay their fair share for the harm their products have caused and alleviate some of the financial burden borne almost entirely by taxpayers to address the crisis. There have been lawsuits filed across the country contending that drug companies knew how addictive opioids were, but still pushed for them to be widely prescribed. (SF 730)
New U of M regent chosen; newest regent not recommended for selection by joint committee
The House and Senate voted this week to elect Randy Simonson of Worthington to the University of Minnesota Board of Regents in a joint convention that took only one ballot. Simonson won on a vote of 103-86-1. Simonson was not recommended by the joint House-Senate Higher Education committees that met on May 7, 2018.
First Congressional District Regent Patricia Simmons resigned in April of this year. That same month, Senate and House Higher Education Committee Chairs Sen. Michelle Fischbach and Rep. Bud Nornes issued a press release seeking applications for the open position with the Joint Legislative Committee meeting to interview and screen applicants. Applications closed in mid April. The Regent Candidate Advisory Council (RCAC) was not involved in the vetting process which is the usual procedure during a regular regent selection cycle.
Five candidates applied for the open position: Mary Davenport, Mankato; Dr. Brooks Edwards, Rochester; Wendy Shannon, Winona; Jeanne Hankerson, Owatonna; Randy Simonson, Worthington. Applicants were required to be residents of the First Congressional District and will fill out the remaining three years of the term until 2021.
The members of the House and Senate Higher Education committees heard opening statements from the candidates and posed questions, ultimately recommending Mary Davenport and Brooks Edwards for consideration by the full House and Senate. Davenport has extensive experience as an educator and higher education administrator. Dr. Edwards is a cardiologist at the Mayo Clinic.
Simonson was nominated from the floor, which is allowed by selection rules. This was Simonson’s third run as a regent candidate. He graduated from the U of M veterinary school and has been involved in various business ventures in the Worthington area.
Legislature passes, Governor vetoes wild rice water quality standard bill
The Senate and House gave final approval this week to a bill that nullifies the state’s current 10 mg/L wild rice water quality sulfate standard, and prevents a more recently developed equation-based standard from taking effect. The bill was sent to the Governor, who vetoed it, calling it overreach by state legislators and a violation of the federal Clean Water Act. He said it ensures ongoing litigation that will prolong current regulatory uncertainties.
The bill holds strong support among communities in northern Minnesota, who worry about high costs related to tougher water discharge standards. Supporters say the bill puts a stop to current activities and allows time for industry, municipalities, government, and other stakeholders to work on a solution that can move forward. Opponents, including environmental organizations and Native American tribes, maintain the bill ignores the scientific research behind the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s work, and will inevitably result in litigation.
In his veto letter, the Governor appealed to legislators to use the remainder of the legislative session to bring stakeholders together and find a resolution that respects federal law, provides regulatory certainty to affected companies and municipalities, and protects Minnesota’s wild rice for future generations. Supporters of the bill were disappointed with the Governor’s rejection of the bill and said they would work with Governor Dayton and other groups to find a workable solution.
I voted against the bill, but will encourage stakeholders to find a reasonable solution. The environment and jobs are not mutually exclusive. The Senate approved the bill for final passage on a vote of 38-28. (HF 3280)
It’s time to hang up and drive
The Senate attempted to amend the ban on handheld cell phone use for drivers into a non-controversial traffic safety bill in the Senate. The amendment would have prohibited the use of cellphones while driving except if the driver was using a voice activated or hands-free device. According to the Office of Traffic Safety, distracted or inattentive driving is a factor in one in four Minnesota crashes.
This legislation is about saving lives and making sure no parent or family member ever receives a phone call about a death of a loved one due to distracted driving. Minnesotans all need to take more responsibility for the safety of ourselves and others when we’re behind the wheel. It’s time to hang up and drive.
If the measure is passed, Minnesota would join 14 other states and the District of Columbia in banning hand-held cellphone use while driving. Minnesota is already one of 46 states to ban texting while driving. Devices that are exclusively for navigational purposes will be exempt from the hands-free ban as are first responders and someone contacting emergency assistance.
Unfortunately, the Senate majority ruled the amendment was not germane to the underlying transportation bill.
The bill was heard in the House Ways and Means Committee this week and passed on a voice vote. The bill will now be considered for debate on the House floor. (SF 837)