Tag: Minnesota House

House Veterans Affairs Division discusses National Guard, MDVA response to COVID-19

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Tuesday during a remote hearing, the House Veterans and Military Affairs Finance and Policy Division received updates on COVID-19 from the Minnesota National Guard and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) and approved three pieces of legislation.

“I want to give my heartfelt thanks to the soldiers of our National Guard for their efforts in the COVID-19 response and to the workers in our Veterans Homes who continue to deliver the care residents deserve,” said Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls), the division chair. “We’re all working hard to adapt and respond to the struggles presented by COVID-19 and we’re lucky to have qualified, dedicated Minnesotans serving in critical roles to help keep Minnesotans – including the heroes who have served our nation – safe and healthy.” Continue reading “House Veterans Affairs Division discusses National Guard, MDVA response to COVID-19”

Minnesota House Education Finance Committee Advances Bill to Support Hourly School Workers

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, the Minnesota House Education Finance Committee voted to advance the COVID-19 response legislation for hourly school workers. The bill’s next stop is the House Ways and Means Committee.

A summary of the legislation is available on the committee’s website. Among other things, the legislation provides for compensation for hourly school employees, and allows entities that contract with schools to provide services such as school bus operators to be reimbursed for paying their employees, for changes in school employment practices as a result of COVID-19 related school closures, and the conversion to distance learning programs.

The bill provides some school finance formula flexibility needed from the conversion to the distance learning model. The bill also creates and legislatively approves certain waivers of state law regarding assessments, graduation and course requirements, and potential licensure issues faced by prospective and current teachers. Continue reading “Minnesota House Education Finance Committee Advances Bill to Support Hourly School Workers”

Property and Local Tax Division holds hearing about property tax flexibility for counties, cities

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Property and Local Tax Division held an informational hearing today about a bill authored by Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth) that would give counties and cities flexibility with property taxes. A recording of the hearing will be made available here soon courtesy of House Public Information Services.

If approved and signed into law, Rep. Marquart’s bill would allow counties to distribute any property tax payments received after the first-half settlement day in May, for taxes payable in 2020 only. Counties would be allowed to choose a second settlement date for first-half payments and would be required to distribute the funds to local jurisdictions and to the state in the same manner in which they distribute first-half payments. Counties choosing to do this would also be required to file the same state auditor reports that are required for distribution of first-half payments.

This Remote Hearing took place pursuant to Rule 10.01, which you may view here:https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/cco/rules/permrule/1001.htm

 

Minnesota House Week in Review: April 17, 2020

Session Daily banner

WEEK IN REVIEW

LindberghSnow2

A look back at what happened in the Minnesota House of Representatives the week of April 13-17

Two House floor sessions marked a slight return to a more normal schedule this week as legislative activity picked up and the nuts and bolts of distanced meetings became a bit easier.

Members mostly dealt with issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak, passing a package of provisions that address the crisis in a number of different areas, while discussing further measures that may be needed. Continue reading “Minnesota House Week in Review: April 17, 2020”

House HHS Finance Division holds remote hearing to receive update on COVID-19 testing update

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – The Minnesota House Health and Human Services Finance Division held a remote hearing today to discuss the current status of COVID-19 testing. Members learned about different types of testing being used to combat the pandemic.

“Our state’s testing capabilities are critical to overcoming the public health emergency. It was extremely valuable for our committee to hear from experts and ask questions,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), the division chair. “We’re grateful to have amazing resources in Minnesota, including our excellent Minnesota Department of Health, Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, Hennepin Healthcare and so many other providers, companies, and individuals who are working so hard to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans and end this crisis.”

Dan Huff, Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Health Protection Bureau, gave an overview about the difference between molecular and serologic testing, strategies for COVID-19 testing, and how the use of testing has been prioritized given the limited resources for available. More details about MDH’s efforts are available from their website. Continue reading “House HHS Finance Division holds remote hearing to receive update on COVID-19 testing update”

House DFL encourages Senate GOP to support $100 million in housing assistance

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – Today, Senate Republicans held a virtual press conference on a housing proposal that includes some housing assistance paired with language that would weaken Governor Walz’s Executive Order on prohibiting evictions during the peacetime emergency. Speaker Melissa Hortman and House Housing leaders released the following statements:

“I support a bill that prioritizes the needed $100 million in housing assistance,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Republicans in the Senate are seeking to speed up and expand the number of cases where evictions are allowed, and the Minnesota House DFL opposes those proposed policy changes.”

“The priority of Governor Walz and the Minnesota House is to ensure Minnesotans can stay safe at home and afford to keep the roof over their heads. That is why we support moving forward quickly to pass $100 million in housing assistance for Minnesota homeowners, renters, and landlords,” said Rep. Alice Hausman. “Housing advocates and landlords alike agree that funding at this level is necessary and there is no reason we shouldn’t proceed.” Continue reading “House DFL encourages Senate GOP to support $100 million in housing assistance”

Legislature approves bill to make insulin affordable

Dear Neighbors,

Yesterday, the Legislature approved landmark legislation that makes affordable insulin accessible in an emergency and over the long-term. The bill is called the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act.

Alec Smith passed away in 2017 at the age of 26 when he aged off of his parents’ health insurance and was forced to ration his insulin that he could no longer afford, due to its incredibly high cost. Alec’s story is unfortunately not unique, as at least two more Minnesotans have died from insulin rationing since last year’s legislative session. These tragic stories have put a spotlight on the skyrocketing cost of insulin, which has tripled in the last ten years. Studies indicate that 1 in 4 diabetics have resorted to rationing their medication due to the lack of access to affordable insulin. Continue reading “Legislature approves bill to make insulin affordable”

Tax Committee Chair Paul Marquart reminds Minnesotans about three-month income tax filing extension

House DFL logoSAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA – As part of Minnesota’s COVID-19 response, Governor Tim Walz last month announced an extension for filing Minnesota Individual Income Tax returns for tax year 2019 from Wednesday, April 15, 2020 to Wednesday, July 15, 2020. Minnesotans can file and make their payments without any penalties or interest during the extension.

“Minnesotans are experiencing very uncertain times and finding it difficult to make ends meet,” said Rep. Paul Marquart (DFL-Dilworth), chair of the Tax Committee. “Giving Minnesotans some flexibility is the right thing to do during this COVID-19 crisis.”

For more information, visit the Department of Revenue’s website at www.revenue.state.mn.us.

 

Minnesota House passes fourth COVID-19 legislative package

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA — The Minnesota House of Representatives passed HF 4556 today, a package of COVID-19-related legislation.

“The legislation we passed today will provide needed flexibility and assistance to Minnesotans during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “There is clearly more work to do to safeguard the health and economic well-being of Minnesotans. We will continue working with Governor Walz and the Minnesota Senate to help Minnesotans during this public health crisis.”

“This is the fourth package of legislation we have passed in the last month to provide Minnesotans with resources and economic security during this difficult time,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “We are continuing to adapt to serve the public as we were elected to do.”

The legislation includes the following: Continue reading “Minnesota House passes fourth COVID-19 legislative package”

Minnesota House Passes Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act

SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA- Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed the conference committee report on the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act. The legislation establishes an emergency insulin program for the Minnesotans who need it most, with insulin manufacturers financially participating in the solution. Alec’s Bill passed on a vote of 111-22.

“Minnesotans should not lose their lives because they can’t afford the insulin they need to survive,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Thanks to the advocacy of thousands of Minnesotans, and to Representative Michael Howard’s dedicated leadership, this legislation is on its way to the Governor’s desk. The Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act will provide emergency access, long-term affordability, require insulin manufacturers to be part of the solution, and is ready to implement right now.” Continue reading “Minnesota House Passes Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act”