Representative Deb Kiel gives periodic updates on the happenings at the Capitol and the latest update is listed below –
Omnibus Bills
This week we finished voting on the first round of omnibus budget bills in the House. These bills included a lot of really harmful policy, including cutting $68 million from nursing homes across the state, increasing health care costs, increasing the gas tax by 70%, and a total of $12 billion in tax increases across all the budget bills over the next four years. The budget also fails to extend the reinsurance program that has proven successful at lowering insurance premium rates for Minnesotans. If we do not extend the reinsurance program, that could cause premiums to skyrocket next year.
Conference Committee
I was named to the State Government Finance conference committee this week. The State Government bill currently includes quite a few controversial election policies, as well as a huge amount of spending that goes above and beyond even the Governor’s requests. I’m looking forward to working hard to pass a state budget that does not include harmful policy and only spends the money we have, instead of raising taxes on hardworking Minnesotans.
Constituent Visit
I had a great visit with Polk County Sheriff Jim Tadman (pictured below) this week. I always enjoy meeting with constituents at the Capitol!
