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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Like you, I am horrified and grieving for the families of the 19 beautiful, innocent children and their two brave teachers who were murdered this week in Ulvade, TX.
I am not making any political statements as facts are still emerging.
There is a deep, cultural dysfunction that we need to face that leaves some young people alienated, isolated, and hopeless. The causes are many and complex – the breakdown of the family, social media, lack of mental health treatment facilities, and a general unmooring from social groups that provide engagement, connection and a sense of belonging and achievement. We have also significantly reduced consequences and support for juveniles for minor infractions, which leads to greater willingness to push boundaries of behavior.
I hope we can all find ways to reach out and encourage the young people in our lives. In the coming weeks, I’ll try to come up with a list of organizations and volunteer opportunities that we can all share and try to help. Young people are looking for engagement, connection and a sense of purpose. Let’s not be too busy to invest time in the next generation.
The legislative session ended Sunday evening at midnight. While no big deals were reached, we did accomplish many important items. Read below for a full recap of the final days of session.
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Executive Summary
- Session Ends
- Thank You Retiring Members!
- Memorial Day
- Helpful Link
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Session Ends
In the final days of session, there was much debate as to what to do with Minnesota's $12 billion surplus (the revised amount based on the April forecast). As I mentioned last week, the “grand bargain” was supposedly to spend $4 billion, give $4 billion in tax relief (most of it one-time, not permanent), and leave $4 billion on the bottom line for next session.
House Democrats held tax relief hostage, arguing they would only support tax cuts, including eliminating the state tax on Social Security, if there was an additional $4 billion in spending. As a reminder, this is NOT a budget year. If we would have spent another $4 billion this year, it would have increased the current budget by 15-17% and would have built on-going spending into the budget that is not sustainable.
This requirement that tax relief be tied to new spending resulted in an impasse and no deals were reached. House Democrats now want the Governor to call a Special Session to have the Legislature come back to the pass their spending proposals. So far, Senate Republicans have rejected that proposal absent any new agreements.
The highlight of this session was averting a massive, multiyear tax hike for our job providers and uncertainly for workers by replenishing and refunding the unemployment insurance trust fund. We also passed funding for bonuses for frontline workers – see details for how to apply in link below.
Last week we finally passed drought relief, and as well as some major veterans programs to help our servicemen and women. We also passed a bill aimed at addressing the mental health issues in our state, including changes to our competency restoration process. This will ensure that defendants who are found incompetent to stand trial receive the treatment they need to be restored to competency.
Next year, House Republicans will focus on the issues that matter most to Minnesota families – rising prices and crime. We will help Minnesotans who are struggling with the rapidly rising cost of living under the Biden/Walz economy by passing permanent, meaningful tax relief, not one-time gimmicks like “Walz checks.” We will help everyone feel safe in their communities by funding law enforcement, increasing penalties for violent and repeat offenders, and holding the judicial system accountable for charging and prosecuting crimes.
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Thank You Retiring Members!
It has been an honor to work with and learn from the members who are retiring this year! On Monday, we returned to the House floor as members gave their farewell speeches. I want to thank all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their service to our state. It has been a privilege to serve with and learn from you over the past four years!
Thank you to Representatives Tony Albright, Cal Bahr, Connie Bernardy, Liz Boldon, Shelly Christensen, Jim Davnie, Steve Drazkowski, Bob Dettmer, Sondra Erickson (my seat mate, pictured right), Steve Green, Glenn Gruenhagen, Barb Haley, Rod Hamilton, Alice Hausman, Tony Jurgens, Todd Lippert, Eric Lucero, Dale Lueck, Carlos Mariani, Paul Marquart, Tim Miller, Rena Moran, Kelly Morrison, Jeremy Munson, John Poston, Jordan Rasmusson, Steve Sandell, Jennifer Schultz, Mike Sundin, Tama Theis, Ami Wazlawik, Ryan Winkler, and Tou Xiong.
You will be missed in the House of Representatives and we wish you all the best in your next chapters!
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Memorial Day
As we gather together this Memorial Day weekend, let us not forget the sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. Our Gold Star families, and those who have served bravely and returned, know deeply that the freedom we all enjoy and sometimes take for granted has come at a very high price.
May we always honor and express our gratitude for their sacrifice to protect and preserve our freedom. We also should give thanks and pray for the brave men and women currently serving around the world and the sacrifices their families continue to make for all of us. There are heroes all around us in our communities every day! I hope you take time to attend a local Memorial Day ceremony! It is a wonderful way to show respect and gratitude, and show our children what real-life heroes look like.
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Helpful Link
Application for Frontline Worker Pay: It is anticipated that the applications will open for frontline workers to apply for bonus pay June 8 through July 22, 2022. These dates are subject to change.
When the system is ready to accept applications, eligible workers will have 45 days to apply for Frontline Worker Pay. Make sure to follow this website and sign up for dates to not miss the application.
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Photos
So wonderful to be back in person at the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce’s Annual First Responders Luncheon! So many incredible stories of heroism and sacrifice. Beyond grateful for these heroes in our communities!🇺🇸
So sad to say farewell to my dear friend, Rep. Barb Haley this week!
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Please Contact Me
Many of you have already been in touch to discuss your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you. Thank you for sharing your ideas! Please continue to contact me to discuss any matters to which I can be of assistance.
The House is adjourned sine die. During the interim I will share occasional newsletters and updates on my Facebook Page at @RepKristinRobbins. You can also leave a voicemail on my office number, 651-296-7806, which is checked a couple of times/week. The best way to reach me is by email: rep.kristin.robbins@house.mn. I am always happy to meet with constituents during the interim in the district. To schedule an appointment, contact my LA at Betsy.Ritzer@house.mn.
Have a great weekend!
Kristin
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225 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.7806 |
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