State lawmakers are back at the Capitol for the second week of their special session. On the table are how to fill a $466 million budget deficit and agree on a two-year, $30 billion spending plan.
Senate Finance Committee chair Richard Cohen, DFL-St. Paul, says there's a lot of talking to do about spending limits.
"We'll continue negotiations with the governor, and the House, to see if we can establish targets," he said. "The priority for the Senate will be, first, the Health and Human Services bill, because a lot will derive from that. Second issue will be the nature of the Governor and the House funding for education. They rely heavily on property taxes. We think it should be general fund dollars from the state."
Cohen says another item being considered is the governor's proposal to raise the cigarette tax by 75 cents. Other issues that could come up in the special session include stadiums and casinos, he said.
Meanwhile, advocates for affordable health care are monitoring the proceedings closely. Tarryl Clark, executive director of the Minnesota Community Action Agency, in testimony before the Senate, said lawmakers should make the basic needs of their constituents a priority.
"Particularly, continuing affordable healthcare coverage for Minnesotans who work and pay premiums every month," she said. "Childcare assistance for the families who are working, so that their parents can know that their kids are well-taken care of. Housing stability, from our families who are transitioning from welfare to work or who, frankly, will never be able to transition to full-time employment."
Clark says she's concerned lawmakers may again use money from MinnesotaCare, the state health program for low-income people, to help balance the budget.
"Health care is a basic right for all Minnesotans that shouldn't be tied to how much money you make, or whether or not your employer provides it. It's important, because the state has at risk whether or not thousands and thousands of Minnesotans will still be able to afford their insurance," Clark said. "We have the resources to do it, and we should make sure it happens."
For more information
Follow legislative proceedings and find contact information for your lawmakers at the Legislature's website, www.leg.state.mn.us
Share
State lawmakers are back at the Capitol for the second week of their special session. On the table are how to fill a $466 million budget deficit and agree on a two-year, $30 billion spending plan.
Senate Finance Committee chair Richard Cohen, DFL-St. Paul, says there’s a lot of talking to do about spending limits.
“We’ll continue negotiations with the governor, and the House, to see if we can establish targets,” he said. “The priority for the Senate will be, first, the Health and Human Services bill, because a lot will derive from that. Second issue will be the nature of the Governor and the House funding for education. They rely heavily on property taxes. We think it should be general fund dollars from the state.”
Cohen says another item being considered is the governor’s proposal to raise the cigarette tax by 75 cents. Other issues that could come up in the special session include stadiums and casinos, he said.
Meanwhile, advocates for affordable health care are monitoring the proceedings closely. Tarryl Clark, executive director of the Minnesota Community Action Agency, in testimony before the Senate, said lawmakers should make the basic needs of their constituents a priority.
“Particularly, continuing affordable healthcare coverage for Minnesotans who work and pay premiums every month,” she said. “Childcare assistance for the families who are working, so that their parents can know that their kids are well-taken care of. Housing stability, from our families who are transitioning from welfare to work or who, frankly, will never be able to transition to full-time employment.”
Clark says she’s concerned lawmakers may again use money from MinnesotaCare, the state health program for low-income people, to help balance the budget.
“Health care is a basic right for all Minnesotans that shouldn’t be tied to how much money you make, or whether or not your employer provides it. It’s important, because the state has at risk whether or not thousands and thousands of Minnesotans will still be able to afford their insurance,” Clark said. “We have the resources to do it, and we should make sure it happens.”
For more information
Follow legislative proceedings and find contact information for your lawmakers at the Legislature’s website, www.leg.state.mn.us