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Legislative Update
This weekend, we celebrate both the fishing opener and Mother's Day! I want to wish every mother a wonderful Mother's Day. To everyone heading out to fish, good luck!
Conference committee reports for the omnibus bills passed in April are coming to the House floor for final passage. The process has been disappointing, with decisions being made behind closed doors and with Republicans mostly frozen out of negotiations.
Veterans and Legacy Bills
Our military members make great sacrifices to keep us safe and defend our liberty. Supporting our veterans is a top priority. This week, conference committee reports for Veterans and Legacy came to the House floor. They both passed with overwhelmingly bipartisan support. I am happy to support our veterans and the clean water and parks and trails projects included in the Legacy bill.
Housing Bill
Housing availability and cost increases are a major concern for many Minnesotans. The bill does nothing to reduce burdensome regulations that are making it harder and more expensive to build new housing at all levels in Minnesota. We need programs that attract businesses and foster economic development. This bill increases the Metropolitan sales tax. The 7-county Metro area will be paying an additional 0.25% area retail sales tax. The proceeds will be split between rental assistance and an aid program to metro cities and counties.
Higher Education Bill
We want to fund higher education in Minnesota; however, we need to ensure we are making the right investments in the right places. The bill seems to fund administration instead of students. There is still an 18.5% increase in spending along with unemployment insurance language. We will now pay for free college for families with an adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less and provide students with access to menstrual products at no charge.
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The bill deletes funding for workforce development scholarships which help students who are studying in high-demand fields. At a time when safety on the UMN campus has become a serious concern for students and parents, not enough funds were included for school safety.
Visitors
This week, Carver County Republicans stopped by to visit me at the Capitol and learn more about the legislative process!
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Please Contact Me
It’s an honor and privilege to work for you at the Capitol. Don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time this session to share your thoughts, concerns or ideas. I am here to serve you!
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/RepBobbieHarder
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211 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651.296.4229 |
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