Session Update
Bill Hearings
Last week, I had two important bills heard in committee. The first was a bonding bill that would provide funding to build and equip a dental care facility in Wright County. This is a very important bill that will help ensure that everyone has access to dental care in our community. Wright County Public Health Director Sarah Grosshuesch made the trip to the Capitol to testify on behalf of the bill. The bill also had letters of support from Meeker, McLeod and Sibley Counties.
This issue was brought forth after years of work by the Wright County Public Health Task Force, and is the first time Wright County has asked for a bonding project since I've been elected. Dental health is one of the top public health needs in our area, and I'm proud to carry this bill on behalf of the people of Central Minnesota. To read more about the bill, I'd encourage you to read this article.
My second bill hearing was for a bill to direct the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board to create a model policy for human sex trafficking investigations for Minnesota law enforcement agencies. It also directs every law enforcement agency in the state to adopt a human sex trafficking investigation policy by December 15th of this year. This is an incredibly important bill that will ensure that human trafficking investigations are done properly with the best possible outcomes.
Final Passage of Bills
During session on Thursday, two bills passed off the House floor. The first bill, Paid Family Leave, passed over bipartisan opposition. Legislators have heard from many employers and employees during the many hearings on this bill that this will make it even more expensive to run a business, and will even make it impossible for some. Businesses don't need another mandate, and the state doesn't need yet another layer of bureaucracy.
The second bill that passed was one to restore funding to the Rural Finance Authority, which provides loans to struggling farmers. It has been a difficult year for many farmers, and oftentimes these loans make the all the difference in being able to plant the next year. The bill passed with overwhelmingly bipartisan support.
Tax Relief for Minnesotans
Since we learned that the budget surplus was larger than expected, I've heard from many constituents asking for tax relief. I will continue to advocate for tax relief for Minnesota families, farmers, and small businesses.
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