Yesterday, we returned to the capitol for the start of the legislative session, which will run through May 18th. This session, the Senate Republican Caucus will prioritize the funding of Minnesota’s roads and bridges, strategies to support secure voting, school safety, and the exemption of social security income tax for seniors in the state. Specifically, we will focus on increasing tax relief for hard-working Minnesotans, keeping healthcare affordable and accessible, and protecting our 2nd amendment rights. A further breakdown of my session priorities are below:
Bonding
The 2020 Session will be what is commonly referred to as the Policy and Bonding (or Capital Investment) year. Bonding Bills are focused on improving public infrastructure at the state, county and city level.
The two-year state operating budget was completed in 2019. Currently, the legislature could approve a $755 million Bonding Bill without increasing debt. If we stay within this $755 million budget, there would be no need for additional tax revenue to service the state debt. However, the Governor proposed a Bonding Bill of over $2 billion and the House would like to go even higher. Spending less will save the taxpayer’s money, while spending more will increase both the state debt load and taxes.
Healthcare
We care about Minnesota families devasted by the excessive insurance premiums resulting from the failure of Obamacare and MNsure. We understand that Minnesota taxpayers are tired of seeing their hard-earned tax dollars wasted at the Department of Human Services, while others forgo necessary services.
The 2020 Session will build on our work in pharmaceutical transparency with a drug reimportation program that enables patients to get lower costing Canadian drug pricing at their local pharmacy. Additionally, we will continue to hold the Department of Human Services accountable for the waste, fraud and abuse happening within the department.
Transportation
Additional funding was added in each of the past two budgets for bridge and road improvements. The faulty Minnesota Licensing and Registration System (MNLARS) is being replaced with a much more consumer-friendly system that comes from an outside vendor. Lines and wait times will diminish greatly once the system is in place and running.
Jobs and Economy
Past tax relief packages have proven successful, and additional tax reduction proposals will be heard. Education and Jobs go side by side. Therefore, more emphasis will be placed on trades education and training, as the demand for skilled workers continues to grow locally and throughout all of Minnesota.
We have received many comments and suggestions from the district, and I look forward to representing your interests in St. Paul. I will continue to serve on the Human Services Reform Finance and Policy Committee (Vice-Chair), the Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee, and the Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy Committee. You can look for more updates from me as the session progresses, and you can contact my office at sen.paul.utke@senate.mn.