Representative Erin Murphy, St. Paul, 64A

Ways to Follow my Legislative Work Online

2011-04-01T11:43:00.002-05:00

For the time being I will be using web-based methods other than my legislative blog to keep you informed with my work at the State Capitol to represent District 64A and our state. Here are some of the other ways you can continue to receive updates from me on the web.

Follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/epmurphy

Sign up for my regular legislative electronic updates at my House of Representatives website: www.house.mn/64a

And as always, feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, comments or ideas.

Erin

State Rep. Erin Murphy
345 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-8799
E-mail: rep.erin.murphy@house.mn

GOP Agenda Lacks Focus on Jobs

2011-01-26T13:03:00.002-06:00

House Republicans are moving forward with “Phase 1” of their plan to balance the budget. Unfortunately, they are moving forward without much public input and without much consideration of how their cuts will affect Minnesotans.

An example of the lack of input or thoughtful decision making came in our Health Care Committee last week. We had less than 24 hours to study this proposal that cut $71 million, affecting seniors and children. Even the new Republican Speaker of the House in Congress, John Boehner pledged support for a 72 hour period for legislators and members of the public to read and review legislation.

This video attached are my comments about the cuts in this bill to child protection services will shift an unfair burden onto our counties that will end up asking property tax payers to foot the bill.

In addition to this irresponsible budget plan, we are beginning to get a more complete look at the GOP agenda. Just in the past few weeks we have seen press conferences and bill introductions from the Republicans on voter ID, constitutional amendments related to guns, English as our official state language, repealing the Next Generation Energy Act, job cuts and wage freezes, and more.

What strikes me most is the absence of legislation that will create jobs and support working families. On the first day of session Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers said job creation would be the top priority. To date their rhetoric has simply not rung true.

State Legislators Speak Out on Affordable Care Act Repeal

2011-01-19T17:21:00.000-06:00

As Congress considers legislation that would repeal the Affordable Care Act, it’s critical we consider what is at stake. Today the White House released a snapshot of what legislators are saying about “repeal” efforts from across the country. Here are my comments as well as those of others:

Minnesota Representative Erin Murphy:

“Repealing the Affordable Care Act means repealing affordable coverage for Minnesotans with preexisting conditions like asthma or diabetes. It means repealing consumer protections that protects an insured family from unfair premium increases. It means bringing back the prescription drug donut hole that prices seniors citizens out of the prescription drugs they need to stay healthy… Repealing the Affordable Care Act represents a fatal step backwards and the consequence is a less stable, more costly health care system for Minnesotans.”

Minnesota Representative Tom Huntley:

“Every day, Minnesotans are coming to appreciate the Affordable Care Act more and more. Adult children are being offered coverage on their parents’ policy, seniors are getting help with the costly donut hole, and small businesses are adding jobs because the tax credit is helping them provide health coverage.”

Iowa State Senator Jack Hatch:

“Before they vote, they need to think about the Iowa mother who can now get coverage for her 3-year old son who has severe asthma, a pre-existing condition; the Iowa cancer survivor who now no longer has to worry his insurance company will cut off his coverage due to an arbitrary lifetime limit; and, the tens of thousands of young Iowa men and women who now can get coverage on their parents’ health care plan.”

Texas Representative Garnet F. Coleman:

“It's telling that just weeks after taking office, Republicans in Congress have made it a priority to change current law to take away Americans' healthcare rights and allow insurance companies to drop someone from coverage if they develop a catastrophic illness like cancer. The Republican repeal would add billions to our national deficit and would have very real and drastic consequences on Texas families.”

Early MA is good deal for all Minnesotans

2011-01-12T14:53:00.002-06:00

Last week I joined Governor Dayton in his reception room for the signing of his executive order to enroll Minnesota in early Medical Assistance (MA). It was the next step in what has been a long and ongoing journey to provide health care in a cost-effective manner for all Minnesotans.

Many people attended the signing and Governor Dayton allowed both supporters and opponents of early MA to voice their opinions. It was a refreshing display of democracy in action, which is why many news outlets spent a good deal of time discussing his remarkable decision to open his office to the people.

Along with appreciating Governor Dayton’s openness, I would like to highlight some the positive outcome for Minnesotans that his decision to enroll Minnesota in early MA. I’d also like to highlight some of the Republican myths you may have heard about early MA:

Health care for 95,000 Minnesotans
Covers 95,000 uninsured or underinsured Minnesotans who earn less than $8,000 per year with basic health care by capturing federal resources at no additional cost to the state.

Creates as many as 20,000 Minnesota Jobs
Provides more than $1 billion in additional payments to Minnesota’s health care workforce, hospitals and care providers who have been hit hard by past cuts.

Reduces the hidden tax on working families
Minnesota families pay a $1,500 hidden tax to cover the uninsured. Reducing unpaid care for 95,000 Minnesotans will significantly reduce that hidden tax for working families.

Eases strain on state budget deficit
Captures federal resources and provides care more cost effectively to SAVE the state $32 million next biennium and $233 million over five years.

Broad support from health care, businesses, and faith community
MA enrollment is supported by hospitals, nurses, seniors, business leaders, and faith organizations and more.

Dispelling Republican Myths

Don’t be fooled by “Tea Party” rhetoric
MA is not a radical form of “Obamacare.” It was created in 1965 as a federal/state partnership to provide basic health care to seniors, low-income, and the disabled.

MA enables us to move forward with cost saving reforms
MA does not “end” reform. To the contrary, MA retains innovative reforms passed in 2008 like health care homes, providing additional opportunities to reduce health care costs.

Authority to enroll Minnesota in MA passed bipartisanly
Dozens of legislative Republicans including the new Speaker of the House, Kurt Zellers, voted for the bill signed into law by Governor Pawlenty that authorized early MA enrollment.

The Work Ahead

Medical Assistance has long provided health coverage for low income seniors, disabled Minnesotans and low income families with children. The majority of the Medicaid budget is spent for the care of seniors and the disabled.

To tackle the cost trajectory in the years ahead, we must continue to pursue delivery and payment reforms across the system.

And So it Begins...

2011-01-06T11:16:00.002-06:00

Mighty Citizens,

The 2011 legislative session began on Tuesday with my colleagues and me taking the oath of office. Raising my right hand and getting sworn in to return as your state representative was both humbling and inspiring. I am eager to get to work on the important challenges facing our community and state.

I am firmly committed to solutions that will create jobs, grow our economy for the future, and reaching a fairly balanced budget. That means protecting middle class families from steep property tax increases, college tuition hikes and damaging cuts to our schools. In the days leading up to the session new Republican leaders signaled they will put forward a budget that protects education, Minnesotans with disabilities, seniors, and public safety. I look forward to seeing the specifics of this plan and putting it through close examination so that Minnesotans know the true impact for their families and future.

I would love to see you this session, so please visit at my new office at 345 State Office Building. For those following the House committees you can also visit the three committees I will be serving on this session: Health and Human Services Finance, Health and Human Services Reform, and Rules and Legislative Administration.

Changes will mark the beginning of the legislative session. We have our first DFL Governor in about twenty years in Mark Dayton and have new Republican majorities in the Minnesota House and Senate. However, it will be how we respond to these changes that will mark the conclusion of the legislative session and ultimately the direction of our state.

It’s time to get to work.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Hopeful News on Job Creation

2010-06-17T17:39:00.001-05:00

Minnesota received hopeful economic news today about our continued recovery. In May we created 5,600 jobs according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This is the first time since 2008 we’ve seen two consecutive months of job growth.

Since the low point of the recession in September of 2009, we have created over 34,200 jobs. The road to recovery will be long, and not without setbacks, but it’s clear Minnesota is finally moving in the right direction.

Minnesotans are also making their way back to a full work week, an important economic indicator for a healthy economy. The average week increased to 33.1 hours. That is a boost from the 32.7 hours in January 2010.

Legislation we passed this session will help accelerate our recovery. Our bonding will put thousands of construction jobs across many different sectors. New workers will help improve our infrastructure and encourage entrepreneurship throughout Minnesota.

It will take time for our economy back to recover fully, but we’re on our way. We need to continue being proactive at the state level and pursue innovative reforms to create jobs and build our new economy for a successful future.

Learn how small businesses can take advantage of federal health care reform

2010-06-09T16:34:00.002-05:00

The crushing cost of health insurance for small businesses was one of the driving forces for federal health care reform. Now that it’s law, it’s important for small business owners to know how they will be affected by reforms to address cost, unpredictable premiums, and lack of access to affordable choices.

The Small Business Majority (a non-partisan national non-profit organization created by small business owners) has released helpful information for small business owners to understand how federal health care reform will impact them.

They have also created a Small Business Calculator where small business owners can calculate the tax credit they will receive by offering health insurance to their employers

Here are a few of the significant ways federal health care reform will support small businesses:

Lower costs

• Small business tax credits - Creates a $40 billion tax credit from 2010 to 2019, providing approximately 4 million small businesses with a tax credit to offset employer health plan costs.

• Cost containment - Creates a small business health pool to spread risk and eliminates cost shifts that add to hidden tax passed on to everyone’s care when the uninsured seek expensive treatment in emergency rooms.

More choices

• Simplified options - Provides small businesses, including the self-employed, a new option for a simplified cafeteria plan to provide tax-free benefits to employees.

• Temporary High-Risk Pool - Creates a temporary high-risk pool in 2010, funded with $5 billion, to allow individuals who have been uninsured for six months and have a preexisting condition to buy affordable comprehensive coverage.

Insurance reforms

• Preexisting conditions - Prohibits medical screening for health conditions and makes it unlawful to deny coverage for preexisting conditions for serious health conditions.

• Oversight on premium increases - Establishes new processes for federal and state review of premium increases. Among other things, states may recommend that insurers not be allowed to participate in the exchanges due to unreasonable premium increases.

For more information visit www.smallbusinessmajority.org

GAMC: A Bridge to Comprehensive Care and System Reform

2010-06-08T22:02:00.002-05:00

After many months of negotiation and debate, we were successful in negotiating an agreement that maintains health care coverage for current GAMC enrollees. However, there are significant problems with the compromise agreement. With the passage of the federal health care reform bill, we have the opportunity to provide comprehensive, statewide coverage to very low-income Minnesotans through an early opt-into Medical Assistance (MA). The compromise law on GAMC is a critical bridge to a better option.

Our first legislative solution, Senate File 2168, was undoubtedly the most fiscally-responsible means of restoring health care coverage to GAMC recipients, while still instituting system reforms and cost-cutting measures. Although Governor Pawlenty’s proposal to auto-enroll GAMC enrollees into Minnesota Care would have been more expensive and would have imposed additional costs and coverage caps on a population that earns less than $8,000 per year, he vetoed our bill. Our attempt to override did not garner any Republican support, even though the vast majority of them had voted for the bill.

The compromise legislation, enacted just before GAMC disenrollment commenced, preserves health care and prescription drug coverage for the GAMC population and protects the Health Care Access Fund (HCAF) for MinnesotaCare recipients. The compromise maintained the GAMC program in its current form until June 1st, at which time the program will operate by providing lump sum payments to hospitals. The hospitals will then use a managed care approach to form Coordinating Care Organizations (CCOs) to provide services to GAMC patients. Drug coverage is maintained as a fee for service—a critical component for GAMC recipients, many of who are mentally ill or suffer from chronic diseases.

While the new agreement maintains the safety net, it does come with very high expectations for hospitals, which are being asked to continue providing care despite decreased reimbursement. Initially, all but one hospital declined to become CCOs, and it was only after the Department of Human Services “reinterpreted” the new law to limit the number of patients each hospital would have to take that three additional metro-area hospitals agreed to sign on.

In the final budget agreement, we successfully negotiated the inclusion of rural hospitals in the terms established by DHS and provided an additional $10 million to their uncompensated care pool, bringing that total to $30 million for reimbursement for care provided in hospitals that do not become CCOs.

Even for the short-term, the revised GAMC program is barely sustainable. Hospitals are being asked to provide care, with less money, and enrollees have to navigate a system that asks large hospitals to coordinate their much-needed preventive care. The rudimentary reforms in GAMC will be hampered by under funding and geographic disparity.

I am monitoring closely implementation of the revised GAMC program and will be visiting providers and enrollees in Greater Minnesota to best understand the issues with implementation. Early reports suggest the concerns my colleagues and I shared with the administration prior to final passage are being realized and we will continue to pursue the transfer of GAMC patients into early MA.

A far superior option is available to us as a result of the passage of the federal health care reform bill. Because Minnesota provides coverage for very low income Minnesotans with state funds, we are one of 11 states able to transfer enrollees into Medical Assistance and earn federal matching funds.

Early MA provides stability for those getting care and predictability for providers. Most importantly, it provides us with an important opportunity to bring broad system reforms to improve care and reduce costs for everyone. Foregoing this opportunity would be a strategic failure.

We fought hard to include the early MA opt-in in the final budget agreement and it will be established in state law beginning on July 1, 2010. This option is fully funded in the budget signed by Governor Pawlenty. The Governor can now opt in by signing an executive order beginning on July 1, 2010.

By opting into early MA, a decision for Governor Pawlenty or his successor before January 15, 2011, Minnesota will earn federal matching funds. The early MA option is paid for with $1.4 billion in federal funding that is leveraged by $188 million in state dollars – a $7 to $1 ratio. After three years, the state share will disappear entirely and the federal government will pay 100 percent of the cost of coverage.

Reducing the ranks of the uninsured is a cost saver for insured Minnesota families as it eliminates the “hidden tax”, paid in the form of higher premiums to cover uncompensated care. The benefit of the state spending in this area is will create 22,000 jobs, generate $2.7 billion in business activity, and produce $984 million in salaries and wages.

With the passage of federal health insurance reform in April, I know that the GAMC compromise will have a short but important role in Minnesota. I support the early MA, along with many advocacy groups and provider organizations. I hope that you will join me in urging our current, or future, Governor to adopt this measure.

Standing With Nurses

2010-06-02T17:31:00.001-05:00

Last Friday I joined nurses and Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher to stand with 12,000 Twin Cities nurses who will conduct a one-day strike for patient safety on Thursday, June 10, 2010.

As a policy maker, I have always strived to reform and improve health care in Minnesota because that means a healthier population. I firmly believe a critical part of that health care delivery is strong and effective nursing workforce.

Health care in Minnesota is experiencing a lot change and is under a lot of pressure.
Reforms being implemented means change in the delivery of care. Our aging population brings a larger demand of patients. At the same time, we are seeing a shortage of nurses and other health care professionals widen. Amidst this pressure, nurses are expressing their concerns for the safety of the patients they care for everyday.

Concern for patients’ safety has always been a top concern for nurses. I know this because I’ve seen it first hand for decades. In 1984, when I was in college, nurses went on strike because of their concern for their patients. In 2001, nurses negotiated with hospitals on the number of patients that each registered nurse could care for to ensure each patient received the attention they needed. In 2008 and 2009 they came to the Legislature and worked with us to put in statute patient/provider ratios to go further to ensure patients were receiving the quality care they deserve.

I’ve worked with hundreds of nurses in many hospitals. I know how difficult a decision it is to strike, because it means leaving their patients, even for one day. But they have the courage and strength to do this in order to stand up for themselves and for the safety of their patients. I am proud to be standing with them.

To watch the entire press conferences visit http://tiny.cc/tjmfj.

Session Mid Point

2010-04-11T11:51:00.003-05:00

Dear Mighty Citizens,

The 2010 legislative session is half over. We have been wrestling with the challenges of a weakened economy and larger state deficit. The first six weeks have been a whirlwind as we have worked to improve the lives of Minnesotans and make Minnesota better.

This session we have already:
• Helped put tens of thousands of Minnesotans back to work
• Fixed 1/3 of Minnesota’s $1 billion budget shortfall
• Restored health care for 85,000 poor, sick Minnesotans
• Aided small businesses competing in a global economy
• Made Minnesota’s excellent election system even stronger

In particular, I want to mention our work on health care. After almost a year of intense work and collaboration, we successfully passed a bill to restore General Assistance Medical Care for Minnesotans in need. The solution is far from perfect, but it ensures that poor and sick Minnesotan can receive health care when they get sick. Maintaining this basic, moral objective was central to our work and I continue working to strengthen the compromise this session, taking advantage of the opportunities in the federal health package.

As we work to close our budget deficit, we will be closely monitoring the federal health care reform legislation and how it interacts with state law. By passing a law to conform to federal health care reform we can capture critical federal dollars to reduce the ranks of the uninsured and improve the quality and affordability of care we deliver in Minnesota.

Although we continue to face serious challenges, good news is on the horizon. Minnesota’s economy is getting stronger. In January, employers added 17,200 new jobs in our state - the highest one-month job gain since 2005. We’re working hard to keep that momentum going.

Working hard, we will move Minnesota closer to long-term economic recovery. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. If you would like to learn more about our legislative efforts, please visit my blog. I encourage you to share your point of view with me.

Warmly,
Erin

Jobs Bill Part I: Capital Investment (HF 2700)

The Minnesota House has passed a jobs-targeted bonding bill capable of putting nearly 20,000 Minnesotans back to work. The bill makes strategic investments in high-priority, shovel-ready infrastructure improvements.

Jobs Bill Part II: Tax Reform (HF 2695)

Continuing our focus on the economy and job creation, we passed common sense tax reforms that will create thousands of new jobs in bioscience, manufacturing, construction, and the emerging clean energy economy.

General Assistance Medical Care (HF 2680)

Working together, we passed a solution that restores basic health care for 85,000 of Minnesota’s poorest, sickest people, and prevents 20,000 working adults from losing MinnesotaCare coverage.

Bipartisan Small Business Agenda

The bipartisan Small Business Caucus is taking action to make Minnesota a better place to do business. Eight bills backed by the Caucus would free up needed capital, cut red tape, and better-connect small businesses with existing state resources. Many of these reforms come directly from the ideas of Minnesota small business owners who responded to our small business survey.

Strategic Budget Cuts (HF 1671)

The Minnesota House resolved 1/3 of the state’s $1 billion budget shortfall. Many of these cuts are difficult, but we have cut less than half of the Governor’s proposed local government cuts which will preserve jobs and limit property tax increases. Going forward, we need a balanced strategy to budget for the things Minnesotans value: quality education, health care and a 21st Century transportation system.

Common Sense Election Reforms (HF 3108)

Acting on lessons learned during the 2008 U.S. Senate election recount, lawmakers passed bipartisan election reforms to make our voting system the most reliable and efficient in the nation - while helping Minnesotans cast their ballots more easily.

Capital Bonding

2010-02-15T13:27:00.002-06:00

My colleague Rep Paul Gardner shared the following blog about Capital Bonding and, with thanks to him, I would like to share it with you.

Every two years the Legislature and Governor work on this bill to provide funding for publicly owned buildings, property, and land. In particular, state agencies have buildings or property that are in need of repair, renovation, or replacement. Our state colleges and universities tend to have a large request because they have a lot of buildings. To be "bondable" the project has to be publicly owned, be of state or regional significance, and be a capital project--meaning it has to be "bricks and mortar" and not for ongoing operation costs. The state raises money for these projects by selling general obligation bonds on the bond market. The state then pays the debt service to pay off the bonds over time.

Many people have written me assuming that when the Legislature passes a bonding bill that the amount of the bill is actually added dollar-for-dollar to the budget. For example, the Senate just passed a $1 billion bill and someone said that they added $1 billion to the deficit. That's not the case. In our current budget, we will now just pay the debt service on the $1 billion, which is in the tens of millions or so.

The state agency Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) starts the process by asking public entities to submit requests. Usually the requests are something like five times greater than funding available, so MMB winnows them down and eventually the Governor's office submits a proposal to the Legislature with projects he wants. This year the Governor submitted $685 million worth of projects and those projects were mostly for state agencies and higher education institutions. The House and Senate are likely to approve a bill in the $1 billion range. According to staff, this difference of $315 million would increase our debt service for FY2010 by zero and by just $2.5 million in FY2011.

The bonding bill is often touted as a jobs bill. It is true that the private sector creates most jobs, but in bad economic times when the private sector is not hiring, government can spur job growth by spending on public projects that are generally needed anyway. (This is a basic tenet of Keynesian economics.) Right now, construction costs have declined considerably so many of us believe that if we have a larger bonding bill this year it does two things: we get more projects done for less money and we can spur additional job growth albeit temporarily. A general rule of thumb is that for every $100,000 in bonding projects, you get one job. (Someone gets paid for doing the work, but there are also costs to fuel, supplies, construction materials, etc.)

So if we pass a $1 billion bonding bill instead of the Governor's proposed $685 million (a difference of $315 million), we could see the creation of 3,150 additional jobs for just an additional $2.5 million during the next fiscal year. At least in the short term, that's $793 per job when we need to put people to work. WOW.

How do we figure out what an acceptable debt level is? Well, there is no law that limits our debt level, but several decades ago, Governor Perpich used three percent of the general fund budget as a guideline and the state has pretty much stuck to that level.

Moody's (an agency that sets bond ratings) said this about our debt management: "Minnesota's debt levels have historically been a neutral-to-positive part of the state's credit profile. The state's debt issuance is highly centralized and controlled, with the bulk of bonds issued carrying the full faith and credit pledge of the state. Minnesota's metrics have tended to place the state about average or slightly better among the states for debt issuance. Moody's 2009 State Debt Medians Report shows that Minnesota ranks 25th in debt per capita and 32nd in debt as a percent of personal income, largely a result of the state's increasing personal income levels."

Caucuses and Session!

2010-01-30T14:28:00.002-06:00

Dear Mighty Citizens,

On Tuesday, February 2nd I encourage you to take part in precinct caucuses.

Precinct caucuses bring neighborhoods together and offer all of us the chance to weigh in on the issues important to our community, state and country. Not only are caucuses the first step in choosing our elected officials, they also begin the process of forming party platforms and setting priorities.

To find where your precinct caucus is located you can visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website: www.sos.state.mn.us . The website displays the times and locations of the Democratic, Republican, Independence, Constitution, and Green Party caucuses.

Two days after caucuses, the 2010 legislative session begins. As you have done throughout the interim, please continue to stay active and to contact me with your ideas and input. Your active role in our political process helps me effectively represent our communities at the State Capitol.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. It remains a great honor and privilege.

Fixing GAMC: We Can Do This.

2009-12-13T09:34:00.005-06:00

At the end of this past legislative session, Governor Pawlenty vetoed funding for General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), which provides health care to 70,000 (about 35,000 in any given month) of the poorest and sickest Minnesotans each year. Recipients on GAMC earn less than $7,500 per year and about 80% of those served have serious mental health issues. GAMC funding is set to expire on March 1, 2010.

Since session adjourned, we have been working on a solution that will preserve basic health care for the most vulnerable Minnesotans. In July, Health Policy committee members visited nine safety net hospitals all over the state to hear about the need to continue providing basic health care benefits to this medically needy population. Since August, we have held meetings with hospitals, health plans, providers, unions, counties, representatives of the faith community, safety net organizations, grass roots organizations, mental health advocates, and many others to discuss policy and financing alternatives for GAMC.

After a lot of listening, we are moving forward with our proposal to temporarily restore GAMC for 16 months in order to build a bridge to national health care reform. Temporary GAMC will offer access to basic care for those currently enrolled, protect vital health care jobs, and restore the solvency of the Health Care Access Fund through 2012. Funded entirely without new taxes, the solution relies largely on cost saving reforms, maximizing existing state and federal health care funding streams, and reduced provider reimbursement rates to pay for a pared down GAMC.

You can view our proposal online: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/comm/committee.asp?comm=86118.

This plan is not perfect, and there are issues we need to continue working on, but inaction is not an option. In the coming weeks before session, we will continue to work collaboratively with health care stakeholders as well as with the Governor and Republicans on a bipartisan solution that is in the best interest of all Minnesotans.

This morning, Lori Sturdavent writes about the session ahead and its challenges. Read it here http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/79092092.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UthPacyPE7iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

Next step in this process will come on Monday, December 14th when we hold a public hearing to discuss various GAMC proposals. As always, I look forward to your input and perspective.

General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC)

2009-10-16T08:28:00.004-05:00

Casey Selix of MinnPost wrote this story which digs into the complexity of GAMC and efforts to rebuild health coverage for 35,000 sick and poor Minnesotans.

Read it here:

http://www.minnpost.com/stories/2009/10/15/12504/pawlenty_sliced_minnesotas_medical_care_for_the_poor_and_now_times_running_out

Early Childhoood Opportunity

2009-10-16T08:17:00.001-05:00

Legislative Leadership Institute on Child Development Research and Policy

Dear Mighty Citizens,

I wanted to share with you some information about a legislative conference I will be attending later this month. From Monday, November 9 through Wednesday, November 11 I will be attending the Legislative Leadership Institute on Child Development Research and Policy, sponsored by the Council of State Governments Midwestern Office and The Minnesota Community Foundation.

The Institute is designed to build knowledge and understanding of the science of brain development, and how the experiences of children ages birth to three affect development, health and social outcomes across the life span.

It’s an honor to be nominated by my colleagues to attend the Institute and I am eager to learn more from these nationally known researchers about how early experiences build the brain’s architecture and develop a weak or strong foundation for life.

Here is a list of the primary presenters: Richard Chase, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist, Wilder Foundation. Dr. Chase will unveil the findings from the Minnesota Community Foundation-commissioned report on the demographics and key indicators of infant and toddler well being in Minnesota; Meggan Gunnar, Ph.D., University of Minnesota Distinguished McKnight Professor in Child Development, international expert on the effect of stress on brain development, and member of the National Scientific Council of the Developing Child, Harvard University; Robert Anda, MD, MS, senior researcher, Center for Disease Control, and Co-Principal Investigator of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACE). The ACE is one of the largest scientific research studies of its kind, analyzing the relationships between multiple categories of childhood trauma and health and behavioral outcomes later in life; and J. Ronald Lally, Ed.D., Co-Director of the Center for Child and Family Studies at WestEd, an educational research and development laboratory.o. Dr. Lally directed the Syracuse University Family Development Research Program, a longitudinal study of the impact of early intervention on low income children and families.

I look forward to reporting back to you about the conference and ways we can improve early childhood in Minnesota.

Health Care Choices

2009-09-24T18:30:00.002-05:00

This interactive graph breaks down the U.S. House health care proposal.

The Past. The Future.

2009-09-11T19:27:00.006-05:00

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 9, 2009

Below is the text of the letter from Senator Edward M. Kennedy referenced in the President’s address to a Joint Session of Congress.

May 12, 2009

Dear Mr. President,

I wanted to write a few final words to you to express my gratitude for your repeated personal kindnesses to me – and one last time, to salute your leadership in giving our country back its future and its truth.

On a personal level, you and Michelle reached out to Vicki, to our family and me in so many different ways. You helped to make these difficult months a happy time in my life.

You also made it a time of hope for me and for our country.

When I thought of all the years, all the battles, and all the memories of my long public life, I felt confident in these closing days that while I will not be there when it happens, you will be the President who at long last signs into law the health care reform that is the great unfinished business of our society. For me, this cause stretched across decades; it has been disappointed, but never finally defeated. It was the cause of my life. And in the past year, the prospect of victory sustained me-and the work of achieving it summoned my energy and determination.

There will be struggles – there always have been – and they are already underway again. But as we moved forward in these months, I learned that you will not yield to calls to retreat - that you will stay with the cause until it is won. I saw your conviction that the time is now and witnessed your unwavering commitment and understanding that health care is a decisive issue for our future prosperity. But you have also reminded all of us that it concerns more than material things; that what we face is above all a moral issue; that at stake are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country.

And so because of your vision and resolve, I came to believe that soon, very soon, affordable health coverage will be available to all, in an America where the state of a family’s health will never again depend on the amount of a family’s wealth. And while I will not see the victory, I was able to look forward and know that we will – yes, we will – fulfill the promise of health care in America as a right and not a privilege.

In closing, let me say again how proud I was to be part of your campaign- and proud as well to play a part in the early months of a new era of high purpose and achievement. I entered public life with a young President who inspired a generation and the world. It gives me great hope that as I leave, another young President inspires another generation and once more on America’s behalf inspires the entire world.

So, I wrote this to thank you one last time as a friend- and to stand with you one last time for change and the America we can become.

At the Denver Convention where you were nominated, I said the dream lives on.

And I finished this letter with unshakable faith that the dream will be fulfilled for this generation, and preserved and enlarged for generations to come.

With deep respect and abiding affection,

[Ted]

Send Off for Health Care

2009-09-03T21:53:00.001-05:00

Dear Mighty Citizens,

I want to thank all of you who attended our inspiring and thoughtful
Send Off for Health Care meeting this past Tuesday at Mt. Zion Temple.
For those of you who weren't able to attend, I want to provide you with
some of the information that was discussed.

The purpose of our Send Off for Health Care was to hear about from real
Minnesotans about their challenges with our broken health care system,
to discuss how federal health insurance reform can solve these problems,
and use our productive, fact-based dialogue to together advocate for the
kind of health insurance reform Minnesotans and Americans need.

Several people shared stories about how our broken health care system
isn't working. We heard from a man who is currently uninsured. Both he
and his wife work, but neither of their employers offers health
insurance and it is too expensive for him to purchase. A nurse told
several stories of patients she had worked with weren't able to afford
the preventative care they needed to maintain adequate health. And a man
discussed how the rapid increased cost of health care for his employees
crushed his small business.

A panel of health care experts including, Rep. Tom Huntley, Pastor
Grant Stevenson, Dr. Lynn Blewett, State Heath Access Data Assistance
Center, and Dr. Mick Belzer, Medical Director of HCMC, discussed these
problems and shared their perspective on why federal health insurance
reform must be passed now. Later, we also heard from U.S. Rep. Betty
McCollum and Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman about the need for health
insurance reform.

The panel answered questions about health care reform that had been
filled out by those attending. There were so many good questions, that
we were unable to get to all of them. However, I will put out another
update soon that answers the questions that we were unable to get to at
the meeting.

Our productive meeting ended with a call to action. Everyone in
attendance was asked to send off a postcard to our congressional
delegation that showed their support for federal health insurance
reform. The post card read:

Dear Senator Klobuchar, Senator Franken, and Congresswoman McCollum,

Our nation is in crisis. Our health care system is broken. More than 47
million of our
fellow citizens don’t have health insurance; those who are fortunate
enough to have insurance are denied coverage for treatments because of
preexisting condition exclusions and other bureaucratic hurdles. The
cost of health coverage continues to grow at an unsustainable rate,
putting individuals, families, and small businesses in peril. The time
to act is now, and I am counting on you! Together I believe we can meet
this challenge. Please do all you can to ensure all Americans have
access to quality, affordable health care.

Sincerely,
____________

Thank you all so much for staying engaged in these important times for
our state and country. As always, call, e-mail, or write me with your
questions, concerns and input and I will get back to you.

Keep Fighting!
Rep. Erin Murphy

Health Care Reality Check

2009-08-19T17:50:00.002-05:00

Wow! There is a gob of misinformation about the health care proposals in Washington. It is a challenge to cut through the mire of details, facts and proposals. Add the hyperbole intended to confuse and we have quite a task before us. I am confident that we can work through legitimate concerns. Affordable health care is the goal. Check out this site.

Share Your Health Care Story

2009-07-23T15:53:00.002-05:00

Health care reform on a local, state and federal level is vital. Across our district, our community and our state health care costs continue to rise and more individuals are lacking insurance. I ask that you be a part of health care reform. Sign up below to tell me your health care story - why are you interested in reform. You can chose to make your story private (between my office and your home) or public (the only information that will be shared if public will be your first name, city and your story). These stories will help us work on legislation that can truly make a difference for our state! Click HERE to share your story.

~Erin Murphy~
State Representative

Testify

2009-07-22T19:38:00.001-05:00

Health Care Reform: Opportunities and Challenges for Minnesota
Testimony of Representative Erin Murphy
July 20, 2009

Good morning. My name is Erin Murphy. I am a registered nurse and a State Representative from district 64 A in St. Paul. Thank you for holding this hearing in Minnesota and for the invitation to testify today.

We must reform health care in America. In the middle of the debate, it may seem impossible to traverse the sharp policy and political questions before us but we must. The status quo is unsustainable and unacceptable. While individuals expect and often receive excellent care and cure, American lacks a coherent system of care delivery and payment. The result is a highly fragmented system delivering fragmented episodes of care.

Too little attention is paid to the ultimate goal of health.
Americans are paying a high price for underwhelming individual and population outcomes. We are in that rare moment of opportunity to change course. We must change course.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to share with you a perspective from Minnesota. As you well know, Minnesota is an innovator and has long the lead nation’s efforts in health policy, value and reform. Along with our upper Midwestern neighbors, we are a high value low cost state.

We must reform the nation’s health care delivery and payment systems to set the foundation for continued innovation and demonstration in Minnesota. We must embed what we know is working in Minnesota and the upper Midwest to deliver high value for lower relative cost across the Country. Finally, we must ensure that every American is covered so they get the right care at the right time for a good price.

Coverage

For many years we have focused on coverage as a primary solution. That so many Americans lack coverage for needed care is wrong, plain and simple. That health care is so expensive that necessary treatment of disease is financially out of reach for so many is wrong, plain and simple. Relying on the emergency room as the primary point of care for the uninsured is wrong, plain and simple.

Getting everyone into coverage is imperative, morally and financially. An individual mandate and guaranteed issue of coverage, regardless of preexisting condition will yield more coverage with shared responsibility between individuals and insurers. A public option will give Americans a choice between private coverage and a publicly backed coverage that is portable.

A public option provides opportunity to further drive delivery and payment reforms. If the public option cements the status quo in terms of payment and delivery, it will compound the problems with which we are already struggling. But if the public option serves to propel reforms, it enhances efforts to deliver better care for a better price.

Minnesota has worked over two decades to assure coverage employing Medicaid, Minnesota Care and General Assistance Medical Care. The Governor’s line item veto of General Assistance Medical Care has undermined 20 years of effort in Minnesota. I ask that Congress consider this as it contemplates any state maintenance of effort. Maintenance of effort is an important means to balance state and federal efforts. Allowing state flexibility in policy reform while maintaining access provides state policymakers with the tools necessary for continued innovation.

Delivery Reform

Our fragmented delivery system is providing fragmented care and we are paying a high price. Care for those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease accounts for upwards of 60 percent of all Minnesota’s health care costs. This stark fact has served as a focal point in Minnesota. We must pursue policies to prevent the onset of disease and invested in care that will keep those with chronic conditions healthy and out of the hospital

Payment Reform

Current payment is weighted to specialists and procedures and away from interventions to maintain health. For example, a surgeon is paid more for the amputation of a diseased diabetic limb than is a primary care provider for disease management preventing the loss of the limb.

Medicare sets the standard in payment. I urge the inclusion of large scale payment reform such as accountable care organizations or a total cost of care model Without similar, or even more aggressive payment reforms in Medicare, our health care system’s growth will be unsustainable. Medicare’s participation is essential in order to create a critical mass of payers in the new system.

Short of large scale change, I urge state flexibility in Medicare payment. A Minnesota or upper Midwest demonstration in payment will permit us to demonstrate the Congress and the nation the means to deliver high quality care for a better price.

Achieving significant health care reform in this country has for decades been a uniquely challenging and complex issue. The grind between dogged political frames has proved insurmountable for policy makers. Entwined state and federal policy and funding, limits state policy reform efforts and calls for federal action. The urgency of growing costs and shrinking access compels our action. 40 years ago, America put a man on the moon, a seemingly unachievable goal. We did that- and we will do this too. We must.

Thank you for your courage and hard work. I stand with you in your efforts to enact federal reform while promoting and protecting the value the care delivered in Minnesota.

New Laws Effective July 1st

2009-07-06T20:25:00.003-05:00

Dear Mighty Citizens,

On Wednesday, July 1st, several new laws passed during the 2009 legislative session went into effect. I want to provide you with some of the highlights these new laws.

Please note, the Governor’s unallotment plans will cut $2.7 billion from the budget and will affect many of the budget laws passed by the Legislature. I have also provided some new information about the Governor’s unallotment and their prospective impact, which began on July 1st.

We learned at a recent Legislative Advisory Commission hearing, from non-partisan State Economist Tom Stinson, the Governor’s proposed unallotment will result in 3,000to 5,000 lost Minnesota jobs. Stinson also said the balanced budget passed by the Legislature and vetoed by the Governor would only have resulted in about 1,000 lost jobs.

It’s disappointing the Governor has pursued a go-it-alone unallotment strategy that will cost our state 3 to 5 times the amount of lost jobs as the balanced budget we sent him and he vetoed.

For more information on the new laws passed during the 2009 session, visit: http://www.house.mn/hinfo/NewLaws/NewLawsmain.asp.

For information on the Governor’s unallotment plans, visit: http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/doc/budget/unallotment/unallotment_2009.pdf.

Please contact me with your ideas, input and questions. Erin

New Laws Effective July 1, 2009

Agriculture

Focused on job retention and core services in an agricultural funding bill that reduced the departments base budget to help solve the budget deficit.

Crime

Strengthened protection for domestic assault victims with new laws. A prosecutor must now provide victims of domestic abuse and harassment with information on civil protection orders. The law also increases from 12 to 24 hours the time an officer may arrest a person whom the officer has probable cause to believe committed domestic abuse.

Energy and Environment

Modified successful electronic waste law to strengthen manufactures incentives for proper disposal of waste.
Increased transparency in environmental agencies and departments by requiring them to display their budgets on a Web site.
Directed about $400 million in Legacy funds to projects critical to environmental and cultural heritage. These funds come from the dedicated funding constitutional amendment passed by the voters last election.

Gambling

Passed new law to direct the Minnesota Gambling Control Board to conduct a 12 month review of licensed charitable gambling organizations in order to provide transparency where gambling funds are directed.

Government

Boosted accountability and reduced spending in state government budget bill, including a cut to the State Legislature. State Government received largest percentage cut of any budget area this session.
*Governor’s unallotments will affect state government laws passed by the Legislature. See section on unallotment for more details.

Health Care

Made changes to meet federal Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act that will result in additional $20 million in federal dollars cover kids. New law is expected to provide health care to 20,000 previously uninsured Minnesota children.
Cut health care and human services spending by about $500 million, but preserved funding for nursing homes, health care access, and minimized job losses at hospitals and clinics.
*Governor’s line-item veto of General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) and unallotments will affect health care laws passed by the Legislature. See section on unallotment for more details.

Higher Education

Capped tuition increases at University of Minnesota at $300 per year and at 3% for MnSCU campuses.
Passed several provisions in higher education funding bill to make college more affordable, such as expanding state grant program, work study, and child care assistance grants and creating middle income scholarship.
*Governor’s unallotments will impact higher education laws passed by the Legislature. See section on unallotment for more details.

Jobs and Economic Development

Passed jobs and economic development budget bill that reduces funding to help solve the budget deficit, while preserving programs critical to getting unemployed Minnesotans back to work.

K-12 Education

Protected K-12 schools from cuts with education funding bill that held base funding flat.
Reduced unfunded state mandates to schools with new laws to provide funding flexibility in these tough times.
*Governor’s unallotment plans will impact education laws passed by the State Legislature. See section on unallotment for more details.

Safety

Passed “Brandon’s Law” which expands state’s missing children law to include adults who go missing under dangerous circumstances. The law is named after Brandon Swanson, who went missing after his car was stuck in a ditch in Southwest Minnesota.
New law requires child restraint for young riders. Youth in motor vehicles must be in child passenger restraint system until their eight birthday or until they reach 4 foot 9 inches tall.

Veterans

Preserved veterans’ services from budget cuts with passage of targeted budget bill.

Unallotment Information

We learned more about the Governor’s unallotment plans this week at our second Legislative Advisory Commission meeting. Perhaps most important, we learned the Governor’s unallotment will result in 3,000 to 5,000 job losses. The areas that will be most affected by job losses are private sector health care related jobs, K-12 education jobs, and local and state government-related jobs such as police and fire. Non-partisan State Economist Tom Stinson said the balanced budget passed by the Legislature would have resulted in 1,000 lost jobs. In other words, the Governor’s unallotment will result in 3 to 5 times the amount of lost jobs as passed by the Legislature.

Here are further details on the impact of the Governor’s unallotment plans and information we learned at the Legislative Advisory Commission hearing.

K-12 Education

$1.7 billion shift or delayed payment to K-12 schools. Schools may have to borrow money in the short term, increase levies, cut their budgets, or some combination of the three. State Economist Tom Stinson estimates 300 to 600 lost jobs.

Higher Education

$100 million cut from the University of Minnesota and the MnSCU system on top of the $60 million in cuts that were signed into law this session. Tuition is likely to increase and over 1,000 jobs are likely to be lost.

Property Taxes

$300 million cut from local government aid to cities and counties, which will increase property taxes significantly and result in over 1,000 lost jobs. St. Paul will be cut about $16 million and Ramsey County will be cut about $10 million. The Governor also cut $50 million from the renters’ credit program, which will result in an average tax increase of $129 to $441 for 304,900 Minnesota renters. The average tax increase for the 84,700 seniors and disabled Minnesotans who use the renters’ credit will be $144.

Health Care, Hospitals, Services for the Disabled

$236 million was cut to various health care programs, most of which serve seniors, the disabled, and mentally ill. According to State Economist Tom Stinson, these cuts will result in over 500 private sector job losses. We also learned the state of Minnesota will lose $72 million in federal matching dollars as a result of these cuts.

State Government

$33 million in across the board cuts to state agency operating budgets with exemptions for public safety, military and veterans affairs, corrections, and State Operated Services within the Department of Human Services

Raise Our Voices for a More Just Minnesota

2009-06-16T23:51:00.004-05:00

Today in the proposed unilateral unallotment proposal, General Assistance Medical Care was cut again, moving the elimination of the program from July 1, 2010 to March of 2010. The Administration is making one more cut to to the poorest Minnesotans and Minnesota hospitals. This cut is a cost shift to those who pay health insurance premiums and property taxes. It undermines the health care of Minnesotans on the lowest rungs of the economic ladder.

I hope that you will join me for this event. Minnesota people of faith are gathering for a witness of lament on Tuesday June 30 at 10:45 AM at the State Capitol to urge Gov. Tim Pawlenty not to abandon the health of Minnesota’s citizens, especially those most in need. More details to follow.

Legislative Wrap 2009

2009-06-16T23:40:00.002-05:00

It has been nearly a month since the conclusion of the 2009 session. I have spent the past few weeks listening to the many different reactions to the session. With humility, I want to share with you my perspective on the session, the balanced budget we presented to the Governor, and the importance of the work ahead to shape a positive future for Minnesota

Throughout the winter and spring, and as the magnitude of the global recession became apparent, I worked with my colleagues to address the state's budget deficit. Just as families across Minnesota are adjusting to address our new economic reality, the State must do the same. But I believe that deep cuts will actually slow our economic recovery versus a targeted tax increase paired with cuts. From the beginning, I argued for a balanced budget approach employing smart cuts, limited ongoing revenue, and protection of core services.

The House produced a balanced budget with deep, but strategic, cuts and limited ongoing revenue in the form of targeted tax increases. We listened carefully to advocates and citizens to understand how to make those cuts responsibly. It was a budget focused not only on cuts, but reforms -- including eliminating public spending on tax preferences that benefited only some Minnesotans; reforming dental services, personal care assistance and public health care programs; and making more than $500 million in cuts to hospitals, nursing facilities and providers while protecting access to care the most vulnerable among us. In total, the Legislature cut $1.6 billion -- $100 million more than the Governor proposed.

To prevent catastrophic cuts to basic services, both the Legislature and the Governor proposed new revenue. But our proposals were starkly different. The Governor proposed borrowing $1 billion against future state revenues, forcing Minnesotans to pay the $600 to $800 million in interest on the debt over the next 20 years. The House rejected this proposal in a bi-partisan and nearly unanimous vote of 131-2.

The Legislature passed two bills that included ongoing revenue. The first raised $1.5billion; the second, in an effort to compromise with the Governor, raised just under $1 billion - the same amount as his borrowing proposal. Instead of borrowing, our plan was mostly comprised of a small income tax increase on those earning over $250,000 per year -- a joint filer earning $300,000 per year would have paid $109 more per year in taxes.

The session ended without a budget agreement, largely because of the fundamental difference between the two plans to raise revenue. Do we borrow to pay for ongoing operations, or use taxes to pay for ongoing operations? It is an important strategic question for Minnesota as we struggle through this recession.

The Governor signed our budget bills, but vetoed the revenue bills that paid for them, putting the budget out of balance and effectively ending the session without a balanced budget. We worked to override the veto of the compromise tax bill, but the attempt failed on a party line vote.

The Governor will now use "unallotment" to unilaterally close the budget by himself, making additional cuts on top of the substantial cuts the Legislature already passed into law. These cuts will have a significant impact on the lives of many Minnesotans and be most harmful in the areas of education and health care – the top priorities the Legislature worked to protect. The Governor's cuts will likely cause the loss of over 10,000 jobs at Minnesota schools and hospitals, increase tuition at colleges and universities, and spark significant property tax increases.

The Governor began his go-it-alone budget cut strategy with his line-item veto of the General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC). Minnesotans served by GAMC earn less than $8,000 annually and more than 70% of them have a chronic health condition. According to the Commissioner of Human Services, these are “the poorest of the poor, the sickest of the sick.” The Governor's veto of this program kicks 30,000 vulnerable Minnesotans off of health care.

The Governor argues that health care costs are growing at an unsustainable rate, and I share that view. Last session, we worked with the administration to adopt legislation to slow growth in health care costs, and our efforts are now a national model. That work is progressing and will, over time, produce both a healthier population and cost savings.

Unfortunately, his veto of GAMC will hinder that progress. Minnesotans getting basic health care through GAMC today will continue to seek and receive care at Minnesota hospitals, but now the costs will be shifted to those of us currently paying for health care; premium payers, property tax payers, employers and employees. The line item veto puts tremendous financial pressure on hospitals already stressed by the weak economy and does nothing to solve the underlying cost problem. It simply shifts the cost - in effect, a tax increase.

In a defining moment of the session, every House Republican stood with the Governor to kick 30,000 Minnesotans off of health care, voting to reject the House's override of the Governor's financially irresponsible and morally reprehensible veto. Just hours later, they stood with Governor again, upholding his veto of our revenue bill that protected hospitals, schools and nursing homes with an income tax increase on the wealthiest Minnesotans. (Here is a link to floor debate on the evening we sought the override of the GAMC line-item veto (http://tinyurl.com/knjqy9)).

The Legislature made many compromises with both the Governor and Republicans in the House and Senate. The Governor wouldn’t come to the table, refusing to agree to anything other than borrowing or deeper cuts. While I strongly favored reaching an agreement, I could not agree to the cuts proposed in the Administration's budget - the cuts were too deep and too fiscally irresponsible.

I strongly disagree with the Governor's planned unallotment to balance the budget unilaterally. This action is rash and erodes the fundamental balance of power between the legislative and executive branches. That said, now the Governor must act, and longer he waits, the more unpredictable Minnesota's future becomes, further destabilizing our economic recovery.

I am already working with my colleagues preparing for next session, continuing our focus on reform. I have met with the folks at Regions Hospital, the St. Paul Chamber, Ramsey County, as well as Mayor Coleman and many constituents. I have met with the Department of Human Services and the Department of Health as we work to understand and shape national health reform efforts.

Let me be clear - unallotment does not solve our budget woes by any means. We will likely face another budget deficit next year, and my focus will continue to be on reform, so that we may protect core services while providing the best value to our constituents. We will continue on a path to a sustainable budget and economic recovery. I remain committed to an honest and results oriented debate about our fiscal health and our commitment to opportunity for every Minnesotan.

I am grateful to you for your advice and your best thoughts. As always, I appreciate your candor and your willingness to both challenge my thinking and consider other perspectives. I look forward to our continued conversation.

PAWLENTY VETO MAY RESULT IN FULL OR PARTIAL CLOSURE OF REGIONS HOSPITAL

2009-05-16T15:47:00.000-05:00

After announcing Thursday he plans to make billions of dollars in budget cuts alone without public or legislative input, Governor Tim Pawlenty eliminated General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) in Minnesota. With one line item veto late Thursday night, the governor cut $381 million that was dedicated exclusively to treat the poorest people in the state - including veterans, senior citizens, and the mentally ill.

Those cuts may result in the full or partial closure of Regions Hospital in St. Paul. By eliminating GAMC, the hospital will face a $46 million budget cut - 10% of its gross revenue. Regions Hospital employs roughly 5,000 people and serves nearly 23,000 patients every year.

The following is a statement from local state lawmakers deeply concerned about these devastating cuts to Regions Hospital and the potential impact on residents of St. Paul and the surrounding suburbs:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Governor Pawlenty’s veto pen single-handedly put Regions Hospital in St. Paul at serious risk of significantly cutting back critical services or potentially closing its doors. This is a devastating blow to tens of thousands of citizens in St. Paul and the surrounding communities who rely on Regions Hospital for quality, expert medical care. It has threatened thousands of jobs, and the health and safety of our communities.

This deep and devastating cut could have been avoided. Lawmakers offered a responsible alternative that would have cut Regions Hospital only $5.7 million - a budget reduction the hospital could have sustained without significantly drawing back critical medical services to our community.

By eliminating GAMC, Governor Pawlenty has cut 30,000 of Minnesota’s poorest, sickest citizens off health care. Many are veterans, senior citizens, people with mentally illness, or those who are homeless. 70% have expensive mental health or chemical dependency challenges, and 40% have chronic disease that leads to frequent hospitalization. Without care, these Minnesotans will be at risk of devastating health implications.

Finally, these cuts have made the state’s budget shortfall even worse. Eliminating GAMC in Minnesota costs the state $100 million in federal matching funds. It also requires that inmates in county jails and sex offenders who are constitutionally required access to medical care must now be paid for in general fund dollars.

We are deeply disappointed in Governor Pawlenty’s decision to balance the budget with jobs and deep cuts to hospitals. In the final days of session, we’ll keep fighting to protect jobs and keep Minnesota’s hospitals whole."

The Last Weekend

2009-05-16T15:01:00.001-05:00

We are at the home stretch in the 2009 legislative session.

By Wednesday of this week, the Legislature finalized and sent to the Governor the budget bills that make surgical spending cuts and raise reasonable revenue in order to prevent deep and painful cuts to health care, hospitals and nursing homes. Unfortunately, he has decided to balance the budget behind closed doors through a line-item vetoes and a process called unallotment. The Governor has not made public what he plans to cut in the hearings held since his press announcement. Using his budget proposal as a guide, it’s likely he would make very deep cuts to health care and local government aid, causing property taxes to rise again.

On Thursday night, the Governor began making painful cuts to health care through a $380 million line-item veto of General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), eliminating health care coverage for over 30,000 of Minnesotans earning $8,000 a year or less. In testimony yesterday, DHS Commissioner Ludeman describes those served in GAMC as chronically mentally and/or physically ill, homeless and poor. The veto will result in the loss of approximately $46 million from Regions Hospital in St. Paul, which will cause job losses and severe cuts in services.

I appreciate your feedback when I make contact with you. Many of you have asked me to work to raise revenue and many have expressed concern that in this weak economy, new taxes will be an unbearable burden. Since the start of session I have argued for a balanced solution to stabilize the state's budget. Too much revenue from Minnesotans will slow recovery just as will cuts too deep to manage. CEO's from Region's, Bethesda, St. Paul Children's, all large employers, have been clear about their inability to absorb the cuts resulting from the Governor’s veto. I have worked all session to strike the balance between cuts and revenue. The plan to veto and unallot will hurt St. Paul with more job loss, higher health care costs and higher property taxes.

With a $6.4 billion budget deficit, we know there is a lot at stake in our budget solution. Please take some time to listen to what a few Minnesotans have to say about budget cuts to hospitals, schools and nursing homes at the following links:

Minnesotans Speak – Health Care on the Chopping Block
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8THUWXGF1A

Minnesotans Speak – Please don’t close Minnesota hospitals http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCa8DmK6c-U&feature=related

Minnesotans Speak – Disabled and mentally ill face deep cuts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWXlX_Fd674&feature=related

Minnesotans Speak – Governor’s cuts hurt our schools and students
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eXqCOz3xtc&feature=related

The Legislature must adjourn on Monday, May 18th at midnight. Until then, I encourage you to come to the Capitol to voice your concerns. If you can’t make it to the Capitol, you can call the Governor at 651-296-3391 and ask him to raise reasonable revenue to prevent devastating cuts to our hospitals, schools and nursing homes.

Bits and Pieces

2009-05-08T21:09:00.005-05:00

The past month has been very intense- a theme of the session this year. Lots has happened since my April post. We have worked most every day since our early April break- making great progress. We have assembled and passed the omnibus budget bills off the floor and to conference committee. A number of the committees have wrapped up their bills and sent bills to the Governor.

The House website is full of information on the budget bills, their progress and side by side budget comparisons. Go to to learn more.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve-- though a little weary tonight!

Health Care and Education Priority Funding

2009-05-08T21:04:00.002-05:00

The Legislature took an important step today to solve our budget
shortfall and I would like to share with you our plan to raise
responsible revenue in order to prevent the closure of hospitals,
nursing homes and deep cuts to our schools.

Throughout the legislative session, we have been debating how best to
solve our $6.4 billion shortfall. The Governor and Legislature have
agreed both cuts and new revenue is needed to solve our shortfall in
order to prevent dramatic and deep cuts. Without new revenue, over $1
billion will be cut from hospitals and nursing homes and $600 million
from our schools. In total, these cuts would cause the loss of over
20,000 Minnesota jobs and the closure of many hospitals and nursing
homes.

In our area, that will mean about $50 million will be cut from Regions
Hospital in St. Paul and about $34 million would be cut from the St.
Paul school district.

The Governor has proposed about $1.5 billion in cuts and the House has
proposed $1.6 billion - $100 million more in cuts than the Governor.
The Governor has proposed a revenue plan that raises $1 billion through
borrowing which would be paid back over the next 20 years with $600
million in interest. This revenue plan does not appear to be an option
because it was voted down bipartisanly by the Legislature on a vote of
131 to 2.

To strike a balance, the Legislature offered a plan today that raises
the same amount of revenue the Governor is proposing, but does so
without asking our children to pay for it. Minnesota’s highest earners
would pay a slightly higher income tax rate, tax on alcoholic beverages
would increase by a few cents– the first increase in 22 years, and
credit card companies that charge customers more than 15 percent in
interest will be asked to pay a surcharge. The revenue raised will go
directly towards preventing catastrophic cuts to schools, hospitals and
nursing homes and nothing else - and the income tax provisions will
sunset once our economy recovers.

While it’s never easy voting for any tax increases, the alternative
would be closing hospitals, nursing homes and dramatically cutting our
schools. In my opinion, we must take the difficult but responsible
action to cut spending and raise reasonable revenue in order to prevent
catastrophic cuts to our most important Minnesota values. It’s the
best way to pull Minnesota through this budget crisis without
jeopardizing the future health of our state.

If the Governor disagrees and will not support any new revenue, our
schools, hospitals and nursing homes will be faced with the dramatic
cuts I have listed above. I encourage you to share your thoughts with me
about our plan to raise revenue to preserve our schools, hospitals and
nursing homes and to contact the Governor as well. You can call the
Governor at 651-296-3391.

Mid-Session Break

2009-04-10T18:02:00.001-05:00

We are midway through the Legislative session and we are focusing our attention on solving our record budget deficit and positioning Minnesota for economic recovery. It is clear the two cannot be separated. We have released our budget framework in the Minnesota House DFL caucus. It requires sacrifice including significant cuts and new revenue. It demands reform and we are considering innovations across the budget. Most importantly, the House budget is a fair, honest and practical approach to solve the deficit and position Minnesota for economic prosperity.

In this recession, it is more important than ever to invest in areas of our budget that can help grow our economy in the short and long term. Our plan maintains our commitment to early, K-12 and higher education - our very best investment to create long term economic prosperity. We also prioritized areas of the budget critical to protection and creation of jobs.

As the House developed our budget targets, our caucus took a careful look at what a “cuts only” strategy would look like for Minnesota. It isn’t pretty. Even with full use of federal recovery dollars, a “cuts alone” approach would require deep spending reductions in every area of government.

If we cut all education categories 4 to 5 percent (over $1 billion in cuts) all other sections of the budget - environmental and natural resources, health and human services, local government aid - would all face cuts in the range of 20 percent or more. Under these cuts, over 12,000 school employees across the state could lose their jobs, tuition at the U of M and MnSCU would rise significantly, 10 percent of all hospitals and 33 percent of nursing homes would close, 3 prisons would need to close, and property taxes would increase by as much as a billion dollars to offset part of the cuts to local governments.

We cannot cut our way out this budget deficit. This fact is acknowledged in both the House and Governor’s budget proposals, each which employs new revenue to close the deficit. However each proposal takes a different approach on the question of revenue.

The Governor’s proposal would raise $1 billion through a borrowing plan that would take out a 20-year loan for state operations. Akin to maxing out a VISA to pay off a Mastercard, this approach asks our future generations to pay for our current deficit until 2030 and beyond at an eventual cost of $1.6 billion. The Governor proposes a $1billion in delayed education payments. The Governor’s plan also assumes over $600 million in property tax increases through his deep cuts to local government aid.

The House proposal includes $1.5 billion in budget cuts and raises $1.5 billion of revenue. The revenue will likely include a combination of tax code reforms and tax increases, yielding a progressive revenue proposal. The 2009 Minnesota Tax Incidence Report demonstrates that Minnesota's tax code has grown more regressive. We propose that the financially strongest among us share in the solution, making the tax code more progressive. The House proposal includes a delay in school payments and we will produce a budget to balance in both the 10-11 and 12-13 biennium. This is no small feat.

In the middle of the great recession, we must advance practical and achievable solutions. We must consider the economic impact of cuts and tax increases and strike the right balance as too much of either intervention could further weaken the economy. I hope we can pass a budget that reflects Minnesota's values - protection of the vulnerable, investment in education, self sufficiency and jobs and hope for a brighter future.

MN Tax Incidence Study

2009-03-22T18:19:00.012-05:00

Minnesota is one of a handful of states to produce a biennial tax incidence study. Instituted two decades ago by then Tax Chair Rep. Paul Ogren, the report provides ongoing information about who in Minnesota is paying taxes.

Find and review this year's report at the Minnesota Department of Revenue under "Research Reports" and you will see that Minnesota's tax code is growing more regressive- and thus less fair.

The Week Ahead

2009-03-22T17:55:00.002-05:00

For those following the legislature from home, I thought it might be helpful to share what we will be doing in the week ahead. The legislature calendar is predictable, guided by deadlines and rules. The deadlines help us to focus and narrow our work.

This Friday is the first policy deadline. A bill needs to be heard in the relevant policy committees in either the House or Senate by this Friday. If a bill has not met the deadline, it will not progress this session.

Because of the deadline, policy committees are meeting for extended hours this week and last.

We are now hearing bills that will serve as the foundation for the House budget proposal. Check out the House website at www.house.mn to see the schedule for the day. And check back here for a weekly post about the week ahead.

The Staight Scoop

2009-03-08T20:47:00.011-05:00

On Tuesday March 3rd, the February forecast was released. Rather than spin the numbers, I invite you to review the forecast at www.mmb.state.mn.us/doc.fu/09/complete-feb09.pdf

The forecast captures what Minnesotans are experiencing and I suspect that you will not be surprised by what you read. As you already know, we are facing a fierce challenge- one that requires an extraordinary response which begins with a clear understanding the problem we are facing.

Town Hall Meetings

I am inspired by the more than seven thousand Minnesotans who attended one of Town Hall meetings held across the state in the past couple of weeks. Members of the House and Senate, republicans and democrats together attended the meetings.

Minnesotans shared a litany of perspectives and concerns about the budget and cuts. Across the state, Minnesotans asked us to be fair as we balance the budget. They asked that we not target one part of the budget over others. There was a predictably wide divide between those opposed to new taxes and those asking for new revenue solve some of the deficit.

Thanks to everyone who attended, testified or sent testimony to me. Thanks also to the excellent work by the House and Senate staff who organized all of the logistics.

The Work Ahead

With the forecast complete, committees will begin to process the bills that will serve as the foundation for the House budget proposal. On Friday we recieved the 380 page bill which represents the Governor's 'Version One' (pre-federal stimulus) budget proposal for Health and Human Services. Though we have had proposed budget pages, we cannot begin to act on proposals till they are in bill form, ready for hearing.

Share Your Perspective

2009-02-17T07:20:00.002-06:00

Dear Mighty Citizens,

The 2009 session is moving quickly and the work is intense. Over the next several weeks, we will better understand the content of Federal Economic Recovery Act and how it influences our work in Minnesota. I am hopeful that the federal funds will help us retain and create jobs, strengthen Minnesota’s infrastructure and extend unemployment and health benefits for those losing their jobs.

The Legislature has received the Governor’s budget proposal and we are carefully reviewing it. We will consider it along with federal funds and the upcoming forecast, due March 3rd. Between now and the start of March, legislators will take the budget on the road so that Minnesotans across the state have a chance to weigh in. Armed with your input, and ideas, we will then work to put together a state budget that reflects the values and priorities of Minnesotans.

Coffee House Conversations
February 18, 2009 6:30 PM
Home of the Farrell’s
552 Summit Ave

February 25, 2009 7:00 PM
Home of the Megan’s
1790 Laurel

District 64A Legislative Open House
Saturday February 28, 9:30 am – 11:00 am
Dayton Campus Center, John B Davis Lecture Hall
1550 Summit Ave, St Paul MN 55105

DFL Town Hall Forum on State Budget
Thursday, February 26, 6:00 pm
West Minnehaha Recreation Center
685 Minnehaha Ave W, St. Paul

SD 64 Capitol Luncheon
Tuesday, March 10, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Room 118 of the State Capitol

On the Road

2009-02-07T15:34:00.005-06:00

Mighty Citizens,

We are embarking on bicameral, bipartisan, fiscally responsible citizen hearings. It is important for Minnesotans to share their perspectives on the budget and priorities for Minnesota’s future. Rather than full committees traveling the state, we will be sending smaller groups to specific areas. We will travel together to minimize fuel costs (and emissions). There will be no overnight stays.

I hope that you will attend a hearing and share your point of view and your best ideas. Here is the schedule thus far. If there are changes, I will post them.

As always, thanks for the opportunity to serve.

Thursday, February 19th

Mankato 6:00PM
Mankato Intergovernmental Center- Mankato River Room 10 Civic Center Plaza

Rochester 6:00PM
Rochester Community and Technical College- Heintz Center Commons Area 1926 Collegeview Road SE

St Cloud 6:00PM
St. Cloud City Hall- Council Chambers 400-2nd Street South

Willmar 6:00PM
Kennedy Elementary School 824-7th Street SW

Friday, February 20th

Albert Lea 10:00AM
Albert Lea City Hall Council Chambers 221 E Clark Street

Winona 3:30PM
Winona City Hall- Council Chambers 207 Lafayette

Marshall 2:30PM
Southwest Minnesota State University Lecture Hall 1501 State Street

Worthington 10:30AM
Worthington City Hall Council Chambers 303 Ninth Street

Little Falls 9:30AM
Morrison County Government Center-Garden Level Meeting Room 213 -1st Avenue SE

Alexandria 2:00PM
Alexandria City Hall 704 Broadway

Duluth 9:30AM
Duluth City Hall-Council Chambers 411 W 1st Street

Virginia 1:30PM
Mesabi Range Community and Technical College-Small Auditorium 1001 Chestnut Street W, Virginia

Brainerd 10:30AM
Washington Educational Services Building-Board Room 804 Oak Street

Bemidji 3:30PM
Bemidji State University-American Indian Resource Center Gathering Place 1620 Birchmont Drive

Moorhead 12:30PM
Senate Tax Committee
Minnesota State University Moorhead-Comstock Union 1104 – 7th Avenue South

Monday, February 23

Woodbury 6:00 p.m.
Central Park Amphitheater, 8595 Central Park Place

Tuesday, February 24

Bloomington 7:00 p.mm
Bloomington City Hall, 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd

Minneapolis 6:00 p.m.
Minneapolis Park Board, 2117 West River Road

Wednesday, February 25

Burnsville 7:30 p.m.
Fairview Ridges Hospital, 201 E. Nicollet Blvd

White Bear Lake 6:30 p.m.
White Bear Lake High School - South Campus, 3551 McKnight Rd N

Thursday, February 26

St. Paul 6:00 p.m.
West Minnehaha Rec. Center in Frogtown, 685 Minnehaha Ave W

Plymouth 7:00 p.m.
Plymouth City Hall, 3400 Plymouth Blvd.

Coon Rapids 7:00 p.m.
Coon Rapids City Hall, 11155 Robinson Drive

Forest Lake
Time and Location Pending

Governor Pawlenty’s Budget Proposal and the Month Ahead

2009-01-28T07:09:00.002-06:00

Over the next month or so, legislative committees will review the Governor’s budget proposal. We will review the proposal in district at citizen meetings. Joint Committees will hold town hall style meetings across Minnesota. Given the challenge we are facing, it is important that Minnesotans have a good measure of what is being proposed and what it means for our families, neighbors, businesses and the economy. You can learn more about the proposal by going to www.mmb.state.mn.us.

I am carefully reviewing the budget. It is easy to rush to judgment and there are certainly proposals that are of great concern, from my point of view. But it is important to take a full measure of the proposal. I hope that you will share your reactions with me. To those who are already making contact, I thank you.

Finally, as the Obama Administration and Congress debate and finalize the federal recovery legislation, I will share details with you. Last fall I worked to organize and hold an initial meeting of Minnesota’s State and Federal Health Care Caucus. We met at the end of the year to discuss health care funding and reform measures. That early work will help us to work effectively with our federal partners to shape the recovery initiative.

You know how to reach me. Thank you for your advice and hard work.

Budget Trends Study Commission

2009-01-13T20:12:00.004-06:00

In 2007, the Legislature commissioned a study on Minnesota’s budget trends. Since the start of this decade, Minnesota’s budget has been on a bit of a roller coaster. Under the guidance and leadership of Rep. Ann Lenczewski and Sen. Dick Cohen, Minnesota sought an explanation for this.

A panel of 15, appointed by the House, Senate and Governor, produced a set of findings and recommendations for action. The Budget Trends Study Commission Report was released yesterday and you can read it here http://www.mmb.state.mn.us/doc/budget/trends/report-09.pdf.

Commission Co-Chairs former Commissioners Jay Kiedrowski and Kevin Goodno presented the report to joint hearing of the House Tax and Finance Committees. The findings and recommendations are sobering. They also provide guidance for our shared future. I hope you have a chance to read the summary. And I hope you will share your reactions and feedback with me. You can reach me at rep.erin.murphy@house.mn.

Sworn

2009-01-11T20:11:00.004-06:00

On January 6, 2009 at noon, the members of the Minnesota House of Representatives took the oath of office and we organized ourselves for the 2009 Legislative Session. I joined Secretary of State Mark Ritche at the desk where I served as Clerk Pro Tem. That means I called the roll, established the quorum, called the vote for Speaker (Margaret Anderson Kelliher) and called the vote for Chief Clerk (Mathowitz). It is a feat of concentration and I am grateful to the Chief Clerk for his skillful execution of House floor sessions.

Committee assignments and the schedule are set. I will serve on the following committees:
• Health and Human Services Policy and Oversight
• Health and Human Services Finance
• Licensing
• Rules
• Taxes

I have a new Legislative Assistant and his name is Will Hailer. He comes to the House with a lot of previous administrative experience and he is doing an excellent job. Please greet him when you visit. My office remains in the same spot, 413 SOB. I hope you will visit, write, call or email to share your perspectives and ideas regarding the work ahead.

We have a big job ahead as we balance the budget. I know that there is plenty of coverage of the budget in the news. On January 27, the Governor will release his budget. I am planning meetings within the district to share details of the current forecast and the Governor’s budget proposal. I think it is important for us to have a shared understanding of Minnesota’s revenue outlook and the impact of the recession and job loss as well as the Governor’s proposed solutions.

At the end of February we will get the next forecast and with that, the legislature will begin to assemble the budget in earnest. You can share your budget balancing ideas through a link on the House webpage: www.house.leg.state.mn.us. I have faith in our capacity to bring Minnesota and all of us through this recession, well positioned for the recovery. That is the work ahead.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and the honor to represent the mighty 64A in the State House.

The Road Ahead

2008-12-07T13:53:00.002-06:00

Since the November 4 election, there has been plenty of work to do. The House is essentially organized and ready for 2009. The caucuses have elected leadership. Speaker Kelliher and Majority Leader Sertich were elected with unanimous support. I am delighted to serve this term as an Assistant Majority Leader. This role provides an opportunity to participate more fully in the operation and leadrship of the House of Representatives.

The House Committees are set and we will have our assignments by the month's end. Current committees are meeting. Last week I attended a meeting of the Health Care Access Commission and Ways and Means. At the end of next week, I am heading to Washington DC for a meeting of the National Council of Environmental Legislators. I am grateful for the scholarship support of this organization, making the trip possible.

Along with you, I am learning about the emerging deficit in the current fiscal year and the projected deficit for 2010- 2011. The impact of the global recession and the related job loss is clear and serious. There is current information on the forecast on the State Office of Management and Budget at http://www.finance.state.mn.us/home

I will continue to post information about the upcoming session and the work underway. I want your ideas and input as we proceed- every idea is welcome. In fact, we need the creative thought and input of all of us. Minnesota needs to grow jobs, protect the most vulnerable among us and invest in those things that will strengthen our economy into the future. I have tremendous faith in our capacity to master this challenge.

I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the mighty citizens of 64A. I look forward to hearing from you.

Erin

2008 Minnesota House of Representatives State Fair Poll Results

2008-09-03T12:26:00.002-05:00

Minnesota House of Representatives
Public Information Services
175 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155

2008 Minnesota House of Representatives State Fair Poll Results

Nearly 50 percent of those participating in the 2008 House of Representatives State Fair Poll support raising the state’s sales tax by three-eighths of 1 percent with the money dedicated to the environment and arts. During the 12-day run of the Minnesota State Fair, 7,465 fairgoers took the poll conducted by nonpartisan House Public Information Services. It is an informal, unscientific survey on issues discussed in prior legislative sessions and may again be topics of discussion.

Nearly 50 percent of those participating in the 2008 House of Representatives State Fair Poll support raising the state’s sales tax by three-eighths of 1 percent with the money dedicated to the environment and arts. Voters will be asked the dedicated funding question at the Nov. 4 election. While 42.9 percent of fair voters oppose the measure, 8 percent were undecided or had no opinion. Not voting for the question at the General Election will count as a “no” vote.

Sportsmen and environmental advocates have pushed for dedicated funding for many years, with the original plan being to dedicate a portion of the existing sales tax. In the 2007-08 biennium, the plan evolved into one that would raise the sales tax, and include funding for clean water, parks and trails, and the arts. Opponents have wanted to keep the original proposal and are opposed to the idea of constitutionally dedicated funding.

Another environmental question found that 76 percent of voters support requiring grocers and large retailers who use plastic carryout bags to make in-store bag recycling available.

With the state looking at a potential multi-billion dollar deficit next fiscal year, voters narrowly support budget cuts as opposed to tax increases, 46.5 percent to 43 percent. However, 84.6 percent of voters do not want to have clothing subject to sales tax.

Just over 7,000 votes were cast on whether law enforcement should be able to stop a motorist solely for not wearing a seat belt. By five votes, fairgoers believe they should. Thirty more people voted “yes” instead of “no” when asked if public school students should be required to recite the Pledge of Allegiance each day.

Two-thirds of polltakers said voters should be required to show a picture identification at the polls; 62.1 percent believe undergraduate students at a state college or university should have their tuition locked in so it cannot increase during a four-year period; 61 percent said the state’s nuclear power plant construction moratorium should be lifted; and 60 percent believe lawn care companies and other commercial applicators should post 48-hour advance warnings before spraying city yards or farm fields with weed killers or other pesticides.

Nearly 51 percent of polltakers say the state should set a maximum number of patients a nurse can care for during a shift, and 40.6 percent believe the state should offer an investment tax credit for bioscience business investments. However, 30.2 percent were undecided on the issue.

And, finally, 35.2 percent of polltakers said ice hockey should be designated the state sport, 6.9 percent more than fishing. But many fairgoers commented that the Legislature should not waste time on such "trivial" matters. More than 600 people did not vote on the question.

Here's a look at the questions and results. All percentages are rounded to the nearest one-tenth. Totals are for those that actually voted on the question.

1. This November, voters will be asked to vote for a three-eighths of 1 percent sales tax increase with the money dedicated for the environment and the arts. Do you support this?
Yes 49.0% (3,640)
No 42.9% (3,188)
Undecided/No Opinion 8.0% (595)

2. Should voters be required to show a picture ID before casting their ballot?
Yes 67.0% (4,986)
No 27.1% (2,017)
Undecided/No Opinion 5.8% (432)

3. A motorist can now only be cited for failure to wear a seat belt if they are stopped for another infraction. Should law enforcement be permitted to stop someone solely for not wearing a seat belt?
Yes 47.1% (3,504)
No 47.0% (3,499)
Undecided/No Opinion 5.8% (431)

4. Should the state’s 14-year moratorium on nuclear power plant construction be lifted so new facilities can be considered to help meet the state's electricity needs?
Yes 61.0% (4,511)
No 26.4% (1,952)
Undecided/No Opinion 12.6% (935)

5. Clothing sold in the state is not subject to sales tax. Should it be?
Yes 11.6% (864)
No 84.6% (6,285)
Undecided/No Opinion 3.7% (276)

6. Should public school students be required to say the Pledge of Allegiance each day?
Yes 46.3% (3,436)
No 45.9% (3,406)
Undecided/No Opinion 7.8% (578)

7. The state is expected to face a deficit in excess of $1 billion next fiscal year. Do you generally support budget cuts as opposed to increasing certain taxes in times of economic distress?
Yes 46.5% (3,444)
No 43.0% (3,188)
Undecided/No Opinion 10.4% (773)

8. Should undergraduate students at a state college or university have their tuition locked in so that any semester during a four-year period it could not exceed the price the student was charged during their first semester?
Yes 62.1% (4,604)
No 26.7% (1,981)
Undecided/No Opinion 11.1% (826)

9. Should grocers and large retailers who use plastic carryout bags be required to make in-store bag recycling available?
Yes 76.0% (5,635)
No 19.7% (1,462)
Undecided/No Opinion 4.3% (323)

10. Hospitals are permitted to set staffing levels for registered nurses. Should the Legislature set a maximum number of patients a nurse can care for during a shift?
Yes 50.8% (3,770)
No 36.8% (2,725)
Undecided/No Opinion 12.4% (918)

11. Should a 25-percent investment tax credit be made available for investments in qualifying new bioscience business ventures?
Yes 40.6% (2,999)
No 29.0% (2,145)
Undecided/No Opinion 30.3% (2,243)

12. Should lawn care companies and other commercial applicators be required to post 48-hour advance warnings before spraying city yards or farm fields with weed killers or other pesticides?
Yes 60.0% (4,445)
No 29.3% (2,177)
Undecided/No Opinion 10.7% (797)

13. What should be the state sport?
Fishing 28.3% (1,931)
Football 4.6% (316)
Golf 2.2% (150)
Hunting 3.6% (245)
Ice hockey 35.2% (2,403)
Water skiing 3.2% (218)
Other 22.9% (1,564)

Stuff

2008-08-06T17:57:00.003-05:00

Life moves quickly, especially in the summer. Here are updates from the past couple of weeks.

National Night Out

It was great to be out in our neighborhoods last night on National Night Out. National Night Out is a many years old event sponsored by law enforcement entities across the county. Last night I joined Officer Eric Johnson, St. Paul Police, for a ride along. I learned a lot about the demands of community policing in the 3 hours we spent together. Thanks to everyone who welcomed us to their block party. The lemonade was great!

Rock Tenn Community Advisory Panel

On August 4, the Rock Tenn Advisory Council (RCAP) received fuel source recommendations from the St. Paul Port Authority. The Port Authority offered 3 priorities for RCAP’s consideration. None of the 3 proposals include RDF (refuse derived fuel). The top choice is the use of biomass and anaerobic digestion (AD) to create gas for fuel. The proposal represents a "first in the nation" use of AD at this scale, creates a valuable rural urban partnership and would contribute to the state's goal of renewable energy and to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

RCAP will respond to the proposal at its next meeting on August 18, 2008. You can review the proposal at www.rtadvisory.org . The proposal goes from the RCAP to district councils and the St. Paul City Council. The work of the parties; RCAP, the Port Authority, Rock Tenn and the many stakeholders involved has yielded a proposal that could very well keep Rock Tenn in the recycling business, keep good jobs in St. Paul, maintain the public’s health and provide leadership on energy – and it is sorely needed. Congrats on the work to date. It is a demonstration of what is possible! WOW

Proposed Regulation to Diminish Reproductive Health

In 2007, the legislature adopted and the governor signed into law a requirement that hospitals provide emergency contraception in the emergency room to rape survivors to help prevent a pregnancy after a violent attack. The legislation had multiple hearings and the language, skillfully finessed, earned near unanimous support.

The Bush Administration has proposed a new regulation which could nullify this law in Minnesota by allowing health providers and systems to deny emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault. The proposed regulation also confuses contraception to prevent pregnancy and abortion to end a pregnancy, likely resulting in an increase in unplanned pregnancies. Finally, the proposal seeks to change the definition of conception from the standard medical definition of implantation to fertilization. This is a definition based in ideology and not in science. Over the next months, there will be opportunity to comment on the proposal and I will provide comment to the Administration. As I get more information, I will share it here.

My trip to Virginia and the Emerging Political Leaders conference was stellar!

Get Smart

2008-07-12T17:46:00.003-05:00

Next week I am heading to Virginia for a week of study at the University of Virginia. I am delighted to be among 50 legislators in the nation to participate in the 2008 Program for Emerging Political Leaders at the University of Virginia. In the spring, Speaker Kelliher nominated me for this honor. Read more at: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/pressreleasels85.asp?district=64A&pressid=3639&party=1

Over the past month I have been reading the materials in preparation including Plato’s Republic, The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan,Thomas Friedman’s The World is Flat 3.0, Joseph Ellis’ American Creation and Crucibles of Leadership by Robert Thomas.

My first term as the representative from our district is best described as live action learning. I am excited to take all that I have learned and experienced to a classroom with legislators from other parts of the country. I know this will be a valuable experience and one that will help me stretch and grow my perspectives, thinking and abilities. I look forward to sharing what I learn back here at home.

Mighty!

2008-07-07T16:53:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share with you an opportunity to shape our economic future.

July 7, 2008

SAINT PAUL-The Secretary of State's Office today released the monthly notice of vacancies that have occurred in multi-member state agencies, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 15.0597, subdivision 4 (see the list of current vacancies below).
You may now apply online at: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/survey/user_survey.asp?nSurvey=111.

Application forms may also be found at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/docs/oa_application.pdf, or may be obtained from the Office of the Secretary of State, Open Appointments, 180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1299, or in person at Room 180 of the State Office Building.
Contact: john.aiken@state.mn.us

GREEN JOBS TASK FORCE
DEPT OF COMMERCE; 85 E. 7th Place, #500
ST. PAUL, MN 55101 651-296-9325
LAWS 2008, CH. 356
Appointing: Governor and Legislature
Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses
Vacancies:
One (1) - Public member representing the manufacturing industry, appointed by the Governor;
One (1) - Public member representing a statewide organization dedicated to commerce, appointed by the Governor;
One (1) - Public member representing the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute, appointed by the Governor;
Four (4) - Public Members, appointed by the Senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration, including:
(1) from a Local Economic Development Authority from the Metropolitan Area;
(1) from a Statewide organization dedicated to furthering the Green economy;
(1) from a firm currently engaged in green manufacturing; and
(1) local workforce development representative from an area thathas experienced significant manufacturing job loss;
Four (4) - Public Members appointed by the Speaker of the House, including:
(1) representing Labor;
(1) representing a statewide environmental organization;
(1) representing financial institutions or venture capital; and
(1) from a local economic development authority from Greater Minnesota.

Report to the Governor and Legislature by January 15, 2009 a statewide action plan to optimize the growth of the green economy. The plan must include necessary draft legislation and budget requests and may include administrative actions of governmental entities, collaborative actions, and actions of individuals and individual organizations. The plan must be based on an analysis that includes a market analysis of the business opportunities and needs created by laws including local, state, national, and international markets; an analysis of the labor force needs related to the market analysis opportunities including educational, training, and retraining needs; and an inventory of the current labor and business assets available to respond to the opportunities and labor needs.
Membership includes three members of the Minnesota House of Representatives, including one member of the minority party appointed by the Speaker of the House; three members of the Senate, including one member of the minority party appointed by the Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration; seven representatives from state agencies and institutions appointed by the Governor, including one member each from the Office of Energy Security, Department of Employment and Economic Development, Job Skills Partnership Board, University of Minnesota, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Pollution Control Agency, and Department of Natural Resources; three public members appointed by the Governor, including one member representing each of the following categories: the manufacturing industry, a statewide organization dedicated to commerce, and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute; four public members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives including one member representing each of the following categories: labor, a statewide environmental organization, financial institutions or venture capital, and a local economic development authority from greater Minnesota; and four public members appointed by the Senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration including one member representing each of the following categories: a local economic development authority from the metropolitan area, a statewide organization dedicated to furthering the green economy, a firm currently engaged in green manufacturing, and a local workforce development representative from an area that has experienced significant manufacturing job loss.

New Laws Effective July 1, 2008

2008-06-29T17:49:00.002-05:00

Mighty Citizens,

The following are new laws passed during the 2008 legislative session that take effect July 1, 2008. The asterisk following the bill number denotes the language that became law and is included in case you have been following along this session. A complete summary of all laws passed by the 2008 Legislature will soon be available online from House Public Information Services at www.house.mn/hinfo/newlaws2008

AGRICULTURE

Policy provisions

Provisions taking effect in the omnibus agriculture and veterans affairs policy law include:

• availability for annual waste pesticide disposal opportunities in each county for residential end-users, as well as a designated place in each county for disposal of agricultural waste pesticides. (Art. 1, Secs. 2-7);

• encouraging Greater Minnesota counties adopting or updating comprehensive plans to consider open space goals. The initiative is entitled the President Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bill to Preserve Agricultural, Forest, Wildlife, and Open Space Land. (Art. 1, Secs. 57-61); and

• establishment of an agricultural and open space task force to study state and local policies regarding land preservation, with a report due to the Legislature by Jan. 30, 2009. (Art. 1, Secs. 62, 66)

HF3902/SF3683*/CH297

BUDGET

Supplemental appropriations and reductions

Sponsored by Rep. Lyndon Carlson (DFL-Crystal) and Sen. Richard Cohen (DFL-St. Paul), a new law resolves the state’s biennial budget deficit of about $1 billion — up from the $935 million projected in the February 2008 forecast and after new spending items are included, such as the $38 million allocated for the Interstate 35W Bridge Victim Compensation Fund.

The agreement calls for $500 million to be taken from the state’s $653 million budget reserve and nearly $360 million in cuts and non-tax revenue increases are to occur. Additionally, the omnibus tax law (HF3179) includes $109 million from closing a tax loophole some foreign-operating corporations used to bypass state tax law. The state’s $350 million cash flow account is preserved.

HF1812*/SF3813/CH363

Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture will see its General Fund appropriation increased by $188,000, primarily due to a one-time $1 million allocation for grants for a new livestock investment program. The increase is offset by a one-time $310,000 reduction in ethanol producer payments for an ethanol plant that ceased operations, a general reduction of $302,000 and a $200,000 reduction for an Elk River bioenergy product. (Art. 7, Secs. 1-3)

Commerce

The Commerce Department is to see an overall reduction of $4.1 million, including a $2.6 million drop for renewable hydrogen initiative grants and $1.25 million in E-85 cost-share grants. (Art. 6, Secs. 3, 4)

Early Childhood and K-12 Education

The law provides the equivalent of an additional 1 percent, or $51 per pupil unit, to the funding formula for Fiscal Year 2009.

The funding comes from a $10 million reduction in Q Comp, the pay-for-performance program some school districts are using. The General Fund is to cover the other $33 million of cost. (Art. 2, Sec. 47)

However, the law creates a process for approving new alternative compensation districts, sites and schools that had not applied as of March 20, 2008. New entitlement revenue is limited to $11.4 million in Fiscal Year 2009 and $14.3 million the following year. (Art. 2, Sec. 48)

The Education Department faces an $892,000 operating reduction in Fiscal Year 2009. (Art. 2, Sec. 41)

The state reimbursement for each half-pint of kindergarten milk not served as part of a school lunch or reimbursed under statute is increased from 14 to 20 cents. (Art. 2, Sec. 12)

Wording is changed on a ballot question to renew a school district operating referendum levy so voters better understand their vote is to extend an existing property tax referendum set to expire, rather than potentially increasing their property taxes. (Art. 2, Sec. 22)

Economic Development

Beginning in Fiscal Year 2009, the Department of Employment and Economic Development budget is reduced $550,000. The reduction must not result in layoffs. That same year, $400,000 is appropriated to establish the Office of Science and Technology and an equal amount is a transfer for the military reservists economic injury loan program. HIRED is to receive $120,000 to provide employee training developed with employers in specific high-demand industries, and $75,000 is for Lifetrack Resources for a pilot project in Rochester focusing on immigrant and refugee programs. All are one-time appropriations.

The Housing Finance Agency is cut $200,000 in Fiscal Year 2009, the Bureau of Mediation Services $69,000, and the Department of Labor and Industry will receive a $43,000 base reduction, which cannot be funded through a reduction in prevailing wage enforcement or by not filling department positions. (Art. 10, Secs. 4, 5, 7).

A one-time $1.3 million appropriation in Fiscal Year 2009 is to the Minnesota Film and TV Board for its job production program. (Art. 10, Sec. 6)

Environment

Total appropriations in this area are increased by $405,000. General Fund appropriations are reduced by almost $3.06 million, but spending increases are to occur in a natural resources fund, game and fish area and environmental fund. (Art. 5, Secs. 1, 2)

Overall funding to the Pollution Control Agency is reduced by $603,000. This includes a $623,000 reduction in department operations and another $20,000 appropriation from the General Fund to develop recommendations to establish a comprehensive product stewardship approach to reducing environmental and health risks posed by the use or disposal of certain products.

The Board of Water and Soil Resources is to receive a net General Fund increase of $235,000. The law includes a $450,000 increase for cost-share programs to help areas flooded in 2007 and $100,000 for the Star Lake Board, to which lake associations seeking the “Star Lake” designation would be required to submit a lake or river management plan. In addition to evaluating plans and awarding the designation to qualifying lake associations, the board is to work with associations to achieve maximum sustainability results. (Art. 5, Secs. 5, 17, 18, 26, 32)

Government

The state budget reserve is to be reduced by $500 million. (Art. 14, Sec. 1).

Most state agencies are looking at a 4 percent budget reduction, the Legislature and constitutional offices are generally cut 3 percent. For example, the House is cut $952,000 in Fiscal Year 2009; the Senate $710,000. (Art. 13, Secs. 3-11, 21)

However, the law appropriates a pair of $40,000 grants to partially fund memorials on the Capitol Mall: one for workers and another for Hubert H. Humphrey. (Art. 13, Sec. 9)

Salary limits for the directors of the state’s three major public employee retirement systems are increased from 85 percent to 95 percent of the governor’s salary. This is the same cap in law for heads of most state agencies and departments. (Art. 13, Secs. 15, 16)

Health

The total appropriation for the health and human services areas decreases by $84.7 million in the current biennium and nearly $190 million for the following two years.

A $50 million transfer from the Health Care Access Fund to the General Fund is included in the law. The money will be paid back when the health care reform law efficiencies save the General Fund that amount. (Art. 17, Sec. 1)

An additional 3 percent reduction on medical assistance and general assistance medical care payments for hospital outpatient services and clinic visits is imposed. The amount withheld from the medical assistance and general assistance medical care managed care capitation rate is increased by an additional 3 percent of the total capitation; this additional withhold will be returned in the following year. Mental and American Indian health service facilities are exempt. (Art. 17, Secs. 13-15)

Higher Education

The state’s higher education institutions receive a $21.7 million cut in the current biennium, and a $33.5 million reduction is scheduled in the following biennium. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system cannot raise tuition higher than what was previously planned for the 2008-09 academic year. A similar request is made to the University of Minnesota. (Art. 4, Sec. 1)

In fiscal years 2008-09, a $7.88 million trim for MnSCU is in the law and the board is directed to reallocate $9 million of its state appropriation to reduce student tuition.

Reductions cannot, however, reduce technology expenditures or grants to campuses, and must not increase any assessments to campuses. The system base is reduced by $7.7 million in fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

The law appropriates $600,000 in one-time money to expand the Power of You program (based on an equal nonstate match) and allocates $120,000 for a teachers of diverse backgrounds financial aid pilot program at Winona State and St. Cloud State universities in partnership with specified school districts. (Art. 4, Secs. 4, 8)

A $12.3 million current biennium reduction to the university is in law, as is a $17.4 million cut in the 2010-11 biennium. (Art. 4, Sec. 5)

The Fiscal Year 2009 appropriation to the Office of Higher Education is reduced by $1.38 million. The office must cancel $90,000 of a 2007 appropriation to upgrade computer software related to state grant awards. (Art. 4, Sec. 3)

Military Affairs

Included in the law is a net $52,000 General Fund increase in Fiscal Year 2009 for the Department of Military Affairs.

It calls for $180,000 to add “state navigator” positions to coordinate state programs to help soldiers and their families during and after the reintegration process, $135,000 for bonus payments to National Guard medics who meet certain recertification requirements and $75,000 for state enhancement of the federal Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program. (Art. 9, Secs. 3, 7, 8)

Spouses can use up to 12 semester hours annually of a National Guard members unused tuition reimbursement benefit, if the member has completed at least eight years of service. (Art. 9, Sec. 9)

Public Safety

District courts are cut by $2.8 million, the Public Defense Board faces a $1.49 million cut, the Supreme Court is cut an ongoing $831,000 and the Court of Appeals cut is $250,000 ongoing. (Art. 12, Secs. 1-6)

The Department of Public Safety will see a $2.06 million reduction in Fiscal Year 2009, including nearly $1.27 million for CriMNet, a $450,000 reduction for the Financial Crimes Task Force and $250,000 in operating costs. (Art. 12, Sec. 7)

The Human Rights Department is cut $149,000 in Fiscal Year 2009. (Art. 12, Sec. 8)

Of the $2.79 million reduction to the Department of Corrections in Fiscal Year 2009, $2.1 million is in reimbursement to counties for the care and housing of short-term offenders. Sentencing to Service funding is reduced $600,000. (Art. 12, Sec. 9)

A $2 million transfer from a fire safety account to the General Fund is in the law, as is a $3 increase in the criminal and traffic offender surcharge with that money headed to the General Fund. (Art. 12, Secs. 10-12)

Transportation

Of the $21.3 million decrease for transportation, the most controversial is transferring $15 million from an airport development and assistance fund to the General Fund. The provision was not in the initial House or Senate proposal. Critics noted the money was taken from the fund during the 2003 budget shortfall and it took four years to get the money back.

The law provides $6.85 million in one-time money from the Trunk Highway Fund to take advantage of federal funds for bridge construction. It also reduces Greater Minnesota transit funding by $32,000 in Fiscal Year 2009. (Art. 11, Secs. 3, 10)

Funding for the Metropolitan Council is reduced by $136,000 for transit operations in Fiscal Year 2009. (Art. 11, Sec. 4)

A $1.75 surcharge is to be imposed on each fee collected for a driver’s license, permit and identification card, vehicle registration renewal and title applications from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2012. The money is to be used for a new computer information system within the Driver and Vehicle Services Division of the Public Safety Department. (Art. 11, Secs. 6-9)

Veterans

The net overall General Fund gain for the Department of Veteran Affairs is $3.8 million, including $2.5 million for state soldier’s assistance. A $500,000 appropriation is for casework services for veterans, $250,000 is for the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans to help veterans and their families affected by homelessness, $250,000 is to add veteran’s service officer coordinating positions at a Veterans Claim Office and $25,000 is a one-time appropriation to develop a pilot program for peer-to-peer counseling among combat veterans.

A $300,000 reduction for the Veterans Homes Board is in the law. The reduction is possible because of administrative efficiencies resulting from the transfer of governance from the board to the Veterans Affairs Department. (Art. 8, Secs. 1-3)

Because of uncertainty in participation numbers for the remainder of the biennium, instead of writing down appropriations, the GI Bill is converted to a forecasted program so that on June 1, 2009, the finance commissioner is to review program participation levels and adjust the appropriations at that time. A $100,000 annual cap on program management costs is established, instead of 3 percent of the annual appropriation. (Art. 8, Sec. 7)

CONSUMERS

Protection of Social Security numbers

Sponsored by Rep. Debra Hilstrom (DFL-Brooklyn Center) and Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), consumer credit reporting agencies can continue providing credit reports to the state, and for Social Security information to be included on mortgage documents and insurance applications, but there are now added assurances the information will be protected.

The law also states that marketing is not a legitimate business purpose for the sale of Social Security numbers.

HF3146/SF2390*/CH333

ENVIRONMENT

Trust fund appropriations

A new law comprises funding for more than 70 project recommendations from the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.

The money comes from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, which derives funding from lottery proceeds.

By category, included is: $16.3 million for land and habitat projects; $3.5 million for water resources projects; $2.4 million for natural resources information projects; $1.1 million for environment education projects; and $155,000 for the state’s emerging issues account.

Highlights include:

• $3.15 million for Metro Conservation Corridors Phase IV;

• $3.15 million for the Habitat Conservation Partnership Phase V;

• $1.6 million for south-central Minnesota groundwater monitoring and county geologic atlases;

• $1.5 million for state park and trail acquisitions; and

• $1.5 million to the Metropolitan Council for regional park land acquisitions.

A full list of the approved projects is available at www.lccmr.leg.mn/lccmr.htm.

Rep. Jean Wagenius (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul) are the sponsors.

HF2745/SF2492*/CH367

Green Solutions Act of 2008

Sponsored by Rep. Kate Knuth (DFL-New Brighton) and Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), the Green Solutions Act of 2008 requires legislative approval of any implementation of a cap-and-trade system on emissions. It also calls for studies by the Commerce Department and the Pollution Control Agency on potential impacts of cap-and-trade. The law makes a one-time appropriation of $500,000 for that effort. A third study, to be conducted by the University of Minnesota, must explore possible governance models for expending cap-and-trade revenues. A $75,000 one-time appropriation will fund the study.

All three studies are due to the Legislature by Jan. 15, 2009.

HF3195*/SF2818/CH340

HOUSING

Uniformity in record-keeping

A Foreclosure Data Group discovered that it’s very difficult to find accurate data on properties in foreclosure. A new law, sponsored by Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope), puts some of the group’s recommendations into statute.

The portion of the law, effective July 1, 2008, establishes the Electronic Real Estate Recording Commission to adopt implementation standards to facilitate the recording of real property documents electronically. Its mission is to establish consistency in standards, practices and technology used by recorders and registrars in this state with those in other jurisdictions.

HF3516*/SF2914/CH238

HUMAN SERVICES

Age to donate blood lowered

Sixteen-year-olds can donate blood with written permission from their parent or guardian.

Sponsored by Rep. Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) and Sen. Kathy Sheran (DFL-Mankato), the change was the idea of high school student Joe Gibson, who came up with the proposal after seeing his grandfather’s energy increase after blood transfusions during cancer treatments. Gibson said he attempted to give blood at his local high school blood drive soon after, but was turned away because the current age requirement is 17.

HF1066/SF2471*/CH157

HUMANITIES

Historical society funding

Cities with a population of more than 100,000 will have the same opportunity as smaller cities to allocate property tax revenue to county historical societies.

Sponsored by Rep. Andy Welti (DFL-Plainview) and Sen. Ann Lynch (DFL-Rochester), an appropriation of up to 0.02418 percent of taxable market value could be available to a society affiliated with, and approved by, the Minnesota Historical Society.

HF2827*/SF2690/CH158

MILITARY

Protection from civil proceedings

Sponsored by Rep. Al Juhnke (DFL-Willmar) and Sen. Jim Vickerman (DFL-Tracy), the omnibus agriculture and veterans affairs policy law contains provisions related to the military and veterans affairs. Under certain circumstances, at least a 60-day protection from civil court proceedings is provided for reservist-owned businesses while the person is deployed. A qualified service member who is granted a stay in the action may request from the court an additional stay, which the court may grant if the service member can show that

military requirements affect the member's ability to appear. If the court refuses to grant an additional stay, the court must provide information enabling the service member to acquire qualified legal counsel. (Art. 2, Sec. 6)

World War II service medals

A special World War II service medal will be available to qualifying veterans. The commissioner of veterans affairs will establish the criteria necessary to obtain a medal and its cost. By July 1, 2008, the commissioner must notify veterans organizations with World War II veterans about the medal’s availability. These organizations may collect and contribute money on behalf of their surviving individual members who meet the service criteria. (Art. 2, Sec. 28)

HF3902/SF3683*/CH297

RETIREMENT

Pensions provisions modified

Changes for public employee retirees are included in the omnibus pensions law. The law contains various effective dates, but many provisions relating to phased retirement or rehiring take effect July 1, 2008. For instance, if a person is under age 62, an offer of renewal and any related verbal offer or agreement must not be made until at least 30 days after termination of the person's previous postretirement option employment.

The law, sponsored by Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL-Hermantown) and Sen. Don Betzold (DFL-Fridley), also lays out provisions dealing with teacher annuities, phased-in retirement and return to work agreements.

HF3082*/SF2720/CH349

SAFETY

Pool drain cover safety

The Abigail Taylor Pool Safety Act requires that owners of public pools must provide information to the Health Department about their pools and the drain covers in order to renew or receive a license to operate.

Sponsored by Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Geoff Michel (R-Edina), according to the law, the drain covers must meet industry standards, be properly installed and not be broken or loose.

HF3812/SF2833*/CH328

Orders for protection time lengthened

An Order for Protection can be issued for up to 50 years.

Sponsored by Rep. Larry Hosch (DFL-St. Joseph) and Sen. Tarryl Clark (DFL-St. Cloud), the new law provides the option for a longer term if the respondent has violated a previous order on two or more occasions, or if there have been two or more orders issued against the respondent.

The law also allows the person named in the order to request the order be vacated or modified if it has been in effect for five years and not been violated.

HF1625/SF3492*/CH316

TAXES

Local option transportation taxes

Counties in the Twin Cities metropolitan area are already permitted to impose a 0.25 percent transportation sales tax without referendum and a $20 excise tax on vehicles sold at retail.

As part of the transportation finance law, sponsored by Rep. Bernie Lieder (DFL-Crookston) and Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), counties outside the metropolitan area, or counties working together under a joint powers agreement, can impose a sales tax of up to 0.5 percent and a $20 excise tax on vehicles sold at retail. But unlike the metropolitan area, the money can be raised only if approved by a voter referendum, and can only be used for a specific project. The tax expires once the project is completed. (Art. 4, Sec. 3)

HF2800*/SF2521/CH152

2008 LEGISLATURE DELIVERS RESULTS

2008-06-01T17:35:00.001-05:00

BALANCED BUDGET, HEALTH CARE REFORM, EDUCATION FUNDING, AND PROPERTY TAY RELIEF

Two weeks ago, the Minnesota Legislature concluded a successful 2008 session. I want to begin by thanking the mighty citizens of district 64 A. Your engagement, perspective and commitment to Minnesota are delightful. I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve and represent our part of the state.

Nearly two years ago, House DFLers offered their Stick-to-the-Basics agenda to Minnesotans. It was a pledge to take our state in a new direction and focus on the bread and butter issues affecting families across our state. As this legislative session comes to a close, we can point to remarkable progress on each of our agenda items. This session we adopted a budget-balancing bill that closes tax loopholes for foreign-operating companies, and provided needed funding for public schools and nursing homes. In addition, the legislature passed a significant health care reform bill, help with property taxes and an increase in aid to St. Paul.

Here are some of the highlights from the past two years:
Excellent Education: Increased funding for our schools, increased special education funding and improved accountability.
Health Care: Expanded access to affordable health care to 112,000 Minnesotans and passed reform legislation to slow the growth of health care costs, improve care for the chronically ill and invest in the health of Minnesotans.
Environment and Energy: Adopted a nation leading renewable energy standard and a Cap and Trade policy framework.
Transportation: Adopted the state's first comprehensive transportation plan in twenty years along with funding the Central Corridor.
Lower College Tuition: Provided higher education funding to end double digit tuition increases.

My Legislative Report will be mailed soon and I look forward to visiting through the interim. You can always reach me through email at rep.erin.murphy@house.mn or at 651.296.8799. Though the session is ended, the work continues. I will continue to share my efforts with you on this blog. Till our paths cross, have a beautiful summer.

Be mighty for our future,
Erin

Two Weeks to Go

2008-05-05T22:56:00.001-05:00

The 2008 session started in February and we are two weeks from the end of session. The final weeks are always interesting, newsworthy and productive. It is in the final weeks of session that the major issues are resolved, the pressure of the calendar compelling resolution.

We have spent most of today's floor session working on HF 3149, the tax bill. In addition to addressing property taxes, the bill proposes increases in Local Government Aid, County Aid and Town Aid. It increases accountability for the JOBZ program and prohibits new businesses from entering JOBZ after June 2008. A provision I have carried for the past two year to fund Ramsey County's Environmental Response Fund (ERF) is in the tax bill. If signed into law, it will provide ongoing funding to clean up blighted land and property.

Much of the work of the last weeks happens in conference committee, as House and Senate provisions are reconciled. The balance of our time is spent on the floor, moving bills and conference reports. The budget negotiations are well underway. Much of the final week's progress hinges on the quality and outcome of the negotiations. In the balance hang Central Corridor, health care reform and a budget deal. The work is important.

Thanks for your continued contact and advocacy. Keep it up, mighty citizens. Your perspectives shape our work and the future for Minnesota.

Property Tax Legislation: HF 3149

2008-04-30T16:45:00.003-05:00

As early as next week, we will be debating a property tax proposal on the House floor. With most homeowners being squeezed by skyrocketing property taxes, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss the proposal as well as remind folks of the property tax refund options currently available.

Since 2002, Minnesota property taxes have increased over $2.7 billion dollars, an 81%increase for Minnesota homeowners. These increases have hit lower and middle-class homeowners the hardest, making our tax system more regressive.

The current House property tax proposal aims to base property taxes on the "ability to pay," targeting relief to homeowners that need it most – seniors, families, and farmers.

The plan would cut homeowner's property taxes by an expected 5.7% in 2009 by combining the state's existing property tax refund program into a more progressive system. It creates a Homestead Credit State Refund that provides permanent relief to any homeowners whose property taxes exceed 2% of their income, especially aiding those on fixed incomes. 95% of Minnesotans would be eligible for the credit.

This legislation will move through Ways and Means yet this week and then to the floor. It will be the subject of a thorough debate. Many in our district are struggling with property tax increases. Efforts to address this last session were thwarted. I am hopeful that this legislation will become law.

It is important to know that there are current options for you. You may already qualify for existing property tax refund:

Targeted Property Tax Refund - if you are a homeowner and the net property tax on your homestead increased by more than 12% and at least $100 from 2007 to 2008.

Homeowner and Property Tax Refund - if you have a household income of up to $93,480 or are a renter and have an income up to $50,430.

Senior Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program – Available for seniors to defer portions of homestead property taxes.

To apply for a property tax refund, you must complete the M1PR form. It can be found online here: www.taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/forms/m1prfillin_07.pdf

If you have additional questions:

Department of Revenue – (651) 296-3781, or indinctax@state.mn.us

Check status of existing refund: (651) 296-4444 or www.taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/prop_refund/index.html

Happy Earth Day

2008-04-22T20:46:00.000-05:00

On the 38th anniversary of Earth Day, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about a project underway at the House of Representatives designed to cut down on our waste.

Last summer a Task Force on Paper Waste Reduction was started to set goals for waste reduction within the Capitol and set an example for waste reduction throughout Minnesota.

Here are the goals

- Reduce overall House paper usage by 20% through various strategies of reusing, recycling, and conserving

- Increasing the Duplex Rate to 50%

- Giving paper a "second chance"

- Switch from legal to letter size paper for bills

Audits from the House found that in a 15-month session, the House purchased over 60 tons of paper, or over 12.6 million sheets. Several practical efforts are underway to bring that number down.

- Smaller amendments to bills are being printed on letter-sized paper and further transition is being considered

- Duplicating Center is testing 100% recycled paper, hopefully leading to fully implemented use of 100% recycled paper

- Increased recycling bins on the House Floor, and other areas of the Capitol and State Office Building

We are already seeing gains, but this is a work in progress. We will continue to work toward conservation-minded practices that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly here at the Capitol.

Enjoy the rest of Earth Day and the budding spring.

Mighty Citizens: Time to Act

2008-04-08T21:14:00.002-05:00

Call Governor Pawlenty and Urge His Action on the Central Corridor

For years, federal, state, and local officials have worked tirelessly to move Minnesota toward a 21st Century transportation system. This hard work culminated last week when we sent the Governor a bonding bill that included $70 million in funding for the Central Corridor light-railway between St. Paul and Minneapolis. The only thing left before the project became a reality was a signature from Governor Pawlenty.

Unfortunately this Monday, the Governor chose to line-item veto the Central Corridor from the Bonding bill. The Governor has both the authority and the responsibility to apply his perspective to the work of the legislature and one tool is the veto. But the veto of this project took the Bonding bill well below the $825 million dollars the Governor set as his stated limit. The Governor's veto pen brought a vision for a better, safer, Minnesota transportation system to a screeching halt.

It's difficult to understand the Governor’s action. He asked local leaders to trim the project and they did. He was in favor of the proposal less than two months ago when he included the project in his own bonding proposal. He championed the need to address global warming by reducing greenhouse gases, and the Central Corridor was by all accounts, our best single chance to reduce those gases.

The Governor's decision to veto Central Corridor is disappointing for several reasons, but perhaps most significantly, the Governor jeopardized hundreds of millions of federal dollars with his veto. Building light-rail is expensive, and several major regions are competing for scarce federal dollars. By pulling the rug out at the last minute, those funds are now likely to go elsewhere and the corridor will go to the back of the line for future funding.

The Central Corridor project is vital to the long-term development of Minnesota's changing transportation system. It is critical to our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases. Governor Pawlenty is the one person who can move Central Corridor forward and he has put on the brakes.

If it is important to you, I encourage you to call Governor Pawlenty (651-296-3391) and ask him to put Central Corridor back on track.

Balancing the Budget

2008-04-04T01:22:00.001-05:00

As you are likely aware, Minnesota faces a $935 million state budget deficit. We are working at the Capitol to reach agreement on a plan to balance the budget. The Governor has offered his budget-balancing proposal and the House has developed its proposal. The House is working into the night on this bill and the many amendments. We began today's session at 10 in the morning and at 1 in the morning, we are still at it.

There are some areas of agreement between the Governor and the House as well as key differences. I'm glad the Governor is finally on board with a plan to close corporate tax loopholes for companies that shield profits overseas. However, I am disappointed the Governor again plans to make deep cuts that profoundly affect our most vulnerable citizens. The Governor would cut $31 million from nursing homes and long-term care workers, over $50 million from the University of Minnesota and MNSCU schools (could lead to higher tuition), and uses $250 from the Health Care Access Fund, which provides health care for hard-working Minnesotans who do not have health care access.

The House budget proposal takes a more balanced, responsible approach. In our proposal K-12 education and nursing homes would get a needed funding increases through existing revenue, so other programs aren’t cut as a result. Instead of cutting the Health Care Access Fund, our proposal used part of our state's $1 billion budget reserve to fill the gap. Our budget fix includes cuts, but they are largely directed toward state agencies and the state legislature.

The Governor's plan could have serious negative long-term implications because its isn't responsible, or even effective, to only "cut" our way out of a budget deficit. In 2003, the last time we had a deficit, the Governor cut schools, health care, and nursing homes. Five years later we have skyrocketing property taxes, under funded nursing homes, and college tuition that is twice the national average.

The 2003 budget cuts asked lower and middle-class Minnesotans to shoulder too large a burden. A 2007 Department of Finance Tax Incidence Study concluded that in total taxes (income, property, sales, etc.) lower and middle-class Minnesotans now pay a larger percentage of their income than the wealthiest 1%, those making over $350,000 a year. You can look at that study here: http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/legal_policy/research_reports/content/incidence.shtml
We need significant tax reform that more fairly asks all Minnesotans to pay their fair share.

We are constitutionally mandated at the state legislature to balance our budget by the end of this session. This is a good thing. It means we cannot run up years of budget deficits that must be paid off by future generations. But the way we balance our budget does have a profound effect in the long-term economic health of our state.

Our House budget proposal responsibly contemplates both the short and long term implications for the future.

Health Care Study: 3 Minnesotans Die Per Week Due to Lack of Health Insurance

2008-03-30T22:00:00.003-05:00

The urgent need for major health care reform was reinforced today by the news that three working-age Minnesotans die per week because they don't have health insurance according to a recently released Families USA study.

The study, Dying for Coverage in Minnesota, details that working-age people without health insurance have shorter life expectancies than working-age people with health insurance. Those without life insurance are diagnosed with serious medical condition when the problem has severely advanced. For example, uninsured women are far more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer than women with insurance.

A link to the study can be found here: http://familiesusa.org

Right now, over 450,000 Minnesotans still do not have health insurance. And cost is at the root of the problem. We must address health care costs for everyone-- for those with coverage and for those without. We must do this for our individual financial well being and for Minnesota's economic future. Many important health care reforms are being discussed at the Capitol this session, and I am hopeful we can pass legislation that moves us toward our goal of quality health care for every Minnesotan.

Minnesota's Foreclosure Crisis Demands Legislative Action

2008-03-19T22:19:00.002-05:00

Minnesota's foreclosure crisis continues to profoundly affect families and neighborhoods across the state. We have had record drops in home sales, steep declines in home values, and the highest level of foreclosures since the Great Depression. Last week, Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke called for increased action at the federal level to respond to the crisis. We hope to address the crisis responsively at the Minnesota legislature this year as well.

The Minnesota Subprime Foreclosure Deferment Act of 2008 and other proposals before the Legislature take strong and immediate action to prevent foreclosures by encouraging lenders and borrowers to work together to restructure subprime loans.

Most homeowners want to pay their monthly mortgage, but skyrocketing payments caused by upward adjustments to interest rates have made it impossible for them to do so. Legislation has been introduced this year that would defer these huge rate increases to allow people avoid foreclosure. Homeowners who qualify will continue making payments and are required to live in their homes during the deferment period. .

Several other bills have been offered aimed at addressing our foreclosure crisis:

- HF3428 (Gunther) Modifying right of tenant to pay utility bills

- HF3474 (Hilstrom) Relating to mortgages; redemption period; providing for notice of sale

- HF3475 (Mullery) Amending provisions relating to foreclosure

- HF3477 (Gardner) Relating to manufactured housing; providing for regulation of lending practices and default; providing notices and remedies

- HF3480 (Mullery) Relating to human rights; modifying filing of claim provision

- HF3516 (Davnie) Providing for certain data practices relating to foreclosure; requiring a report

- HF3517 (Davnie) Modifying expungement and withholding of rent under certain circumstances.

If you would like know more information about these proposals, visit the House of Representatives Bill Search website to read summaries of each bill.

https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/revisor/pages/search_status/status_search.php?body=House

Our home foreclosure crisis isn’t going away anytime soon. We need sensible solutions in order to provide breathing room to homeowners, relief to lenders and stability to financial markets that are in disarray.

As these proposals move through the legislative process, please call or e-mail with any questions.

Deadlines and Budgets

2008-03-15T09:16:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy week at the Minnesota Legislature. March 14, the first of the 3 deadlines imposed to focus the policymaking process, has passed. By next Wednesday the 19th of March, bills must have been heard in all relevant policy committees in both the House and Senate. To meet the deadline, policy committees have been meeting into the evenings for the past couple of weeks. After the 19th, the scope of what will proceed narrows considerably. Many of the bills I am carrying have made the deadline and many will require more work before they will become law.

This week our committees started holding hearings on the Governor's supplemental budgetary recommendations. On February 28th, the Department of Finance released updated budgetary projections. As a consequence of recession in the first half of 2008 and further weakening of the U.S. economy, experts believe Minnesota will collect less tax revenue than previously anticipated in the coming fiscal year. Consequently, the Department is projecting a $935 million deficit for the current biennium and a growing deficit thereafter.

We are giving thorough and deliberate consideration to each of the Governor's proposals. Paring back spending is always difficult. I am very concerned that the Governor again proposes use of Health Care Access Funds to balance the budget. I am concerned that such a substantial proportion (56%) of the proposed cuts come from health and human services and that higer education funding is a target. I am going to work diligently to ensure cuts are made responsibly and with the least possible harm to the most vulnerable among us. Thanks to the many who have already made contact with me about the proposed budget cuts.

There are some components of the Governor's proposal that give me hope of progress. Funding for K-12 and local government aid are sheltered. Cuts to these budgets would likely result in more pressure on property taxes locally. I'm pleased to see the Governor will join the legislature in pursuing tax fairness and closing the loopholes for foreign operating corporations (FOCs). Additionally, it appears his budget would preserve some of the strides made for veterans over the past few years. We face a difficult challenge and I hope that we can build upon this common ground to restore balance to our state's finances with an eye on our shared future.

What is Cap and Trade?

2008-03-07T14:37:00.001-06:00

Earlier in the session, we sent a constituent survey (if you did not get a copy, contact me and we will send you one). Question number five asked:

"Last year the legislature enacted a nation-leading Global Warming Mitigation Act aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15% by 2015, 30% by 2025and 80% by 2050. Given the ambitious goal, do you support using a Carbon cap-and-trade system to reduce greenhouse gasses in Minnesota?"

Constituents overwhelmingly said that they did not know enough about what cap-and-trade was in order to make a confident and educated decision. So, it seemed wise to share basic information on what a cap-and-trade system is, and where Minnesota is going in terms of this idea.

Paraphrased from Wikipedia, a cap-and-trade system, or emissions trading, is an approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing the emissions of pollutants. The government sets a limit or cap on the amount of Carbon that can be emitted. Companies or other groups are issued emission permits and are required to hold an equivalent number of allowances (or credits), which represent the right to emit a specific amount. The total amount of allowances and credits cannot exceed the cap, limiting total emissions to that level.

Companies that need to increase their emissions must buy credits from those who pollute less. The transfer of allowances is referred to as a trade. In effect, the buyer is paying a charge for polluting, while the seller is being rewarded for having reduced emissions by more than was needed. Thus, in theory, those that can easily reduce emissions most cheaply will do so, achieving the pollution reduction at the lowest possible cost to society. The full article can be viewed here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cap_and_trade

In regard to this issue, Minnesota is making progress. As the survey question implied, Minnesota's Global Warming Mitigation Act was passed in last year's session. This set impressive goals for Minnesota in reducing greenhouse emissions. Then in November, Governor Pawlenty signed the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord with Governors from Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Kansas, Ohio, South Dakota, and Manitoba's Premier. According to the Governor's press release, the Accord will:
• Establish greenhouse gas reduction targets and timeframes
• Develop cap-and-trade mechanism
• Establish a system to enable tracking, management and crediting for entities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
• Develop and implement additional steps, such as a low-carbon fuel standards and regional incentives and funding mechanisms.
The Governor's press release can be viewed here in full: http://www.governor.state.mn.us/mediacenter/pressreleases/2007/PROD008417.html

The legislature supports the governor's work toward a regional cap and trade program and Rep. Knuth has introduced a bill this session (HF 3195) to establish design principles of a cap and trade system that will benefit the public. The bill is currently in committee. The house's research on the bill can be viewed here:
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/bs/85/HF3195.html

I hope this information is useful. I am a co-author on Representative Knuth's bill. I hope that Minnesota will participate in the continued development of environmental policy for the nation. This legislation is an example of Minnesota's strong environmental leadership. Please feel free to contact me regarding your opinion and suggestions. As always, I look forward to hearing from you!

This Week: Transportation

2008-02-20T06:32:00.003-06:00

Comprehensive Transportation Package Will Be Debated This Thursday, 2/21

The Minnesota Legislative Auditor released a report today on the condition of Minnesota State Highways and Bridges. The report detailed a grim future for Minnesota's roads and bridges, stating that MnDOT has consistently scheduled more state highway projects than they could possibly deliver given available funding. The report also found that if Minnesota continues down this path, preservation and maintenance will eat all of the available money for transportation, leaving no funds for new projects.

To view the full report, visit: http://www.auditor.leg.state.mn.us/ped/2008/trunkhwy.htm

This report adds to the mountain of evidence that clearly shows Minnesota needs to act on a comprehensive transportation package. That is why we have been moving quickly on a balanced plan that will address the needs of our roads and bridges in both metro and rural areas. It will also invest in mass transit in the metro, a key component to the long-term transportation and environmental needs of our state.

This Thursday, we will likely take up the transportation package on the floor of both the House and Senate. I recognize that we are struggling with a sluggish economy. Adding a gas tax, for some, seems ill advised. Yet there is a large price to pay for waiting. I hope the report of the Legislative Auditor, the status of our roads and bridges and our desire for clean environment and a competitive economy will translate into action this session. We must pass this vitally important legislation for our future.

And So It Begins

2008-02-12T19:41:00.000-06:00

The 2008 Legislature convened today and I am delighted to report that we are moving smartly and quickly at the Capitol.

This morning, DFL leaders introduced the Safe Roads and Bridges Improvement Act, the 2008 omnibus transportation funding legislation. The balanced proposal will help fix crumbling roads and bridges throughout the state, invest in mass transit, and index the gas tax for inflation so we never fall behind this far again with our transportation funding responsibility.

The bill will phase in the first gas tax increase in twenty year. Those in the lowest income bracket will get a $25 rebate to ease the burden for those earning the least. A half-cent metro-wide sales tax will add millions in needed investment for mass transit. Estimates are that over the next five years our bill will create 33,000 new jobs per year. We plan to act quickly on this legislation, that’s why it was introduced on the first day of session. I will keep you up to speed with new developments in the coming weeks.

This Thursday, the legislature intends to pass the Minnesota Legacy Act. The bill will put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot, which if passed by voters, would dedicate a portion of the state sales tax (0.375 percent) to Minnesota's environment and natural resources, parks, and the arts. Many in our district support the Minnesota Legacy Act.

With real challenges facing Minnesota, I enter this session with determination. We are going to send the Governor bills containing solutions to address soaring health care costs, underfunded transit ways and capital investment. I am optimistic that we have set the right course this session.

I encourage you to e-mail me (rep.erin.Murphy@house.mn) with input or questions you have about the Safe Roads and Bridges Improvement Act or the Minnesota Legacy Act. I love hearing from you.

Session!

2008-02-08T08:08:00.000-06:00

Dear Mighty Citizens,

The 2008 legislative session begins on February 12th. It promises to be a fast-paced and challenging session. I wanted to share a brief preview, and also invite you to continue checking out my blog for weekly updates throughout the session.

A top priority for the legislative session will be to address Minnesota's struggling economy. Higher energy costs, mortgage foreclosures and job loss are a potent concoction and the resulting economic impact is affecting all of us. We can make both short and long-term investments that will create jobs, and strengthen Minnesota's economy for years to come.

Minnesota's unemployment rate is lagging behind national average for the first time in 30 years. We can create jobs right away through passage of a job-centered bonding bill that emphasizes projects that are ready-to-go. Our bonding bill will create 10,000 jobs, focusing on higher education facilities construction and preservation, transportation infrastructure, and clean water preservation.

We can better prepare the long-term economic health of our state through strong investment in education at every level. We can also invest in renewable energy and biosciences, establishing Minnesota as a regional center for these booming industries.

The tragic I-35W bridge collapse this summer shed light on the desperate need for a comprehensive transportation package to address our crumbling roads and bridges. I am optimistic, that with the Governor's support or not, we will pass a transportation package that can make our roads and bridges safer, alleviate traffic congestion, and bolster light-rail and mass transit. A transportation package would also create thousands of good paying construction jobs.

Reforming our broken health care system remains one my top legislative goals. Throughout the interim, I worked with the Health Care Access Committee, which held dozens of hearings and forums across the state to better enable us to make important reforms this year. Every person should have access to quality health care when they need it. I will work this year to make several reforms that can put us on the right track toward guaranteed, affordable health care for every Minnesotan and that will yield a healthier population.

Our legislative process works most effectively when we are informed and work together. On my end, I will keep you up to speed with what is going on at the Capitol with regular blog postings and e-updates throughout the session. On your end, I want to hear about your priorities and vision for our community and state. Send me an e-mail (rep.erin.Murphy@house.mn) with your comments and ideas.

I will hold three "coffee talks" in the upcoming weeks, a lunch with constituents at the Capitol and a town hall meeting with Rep. Paymar and Senator Cohen. Watch here for more information about dates and locations.

Together, we will move Minnesota forward with positive, progressive action in 2008. See you soon!

Rep. Erin Murphy

2007 Legislative Survey – Lowering Health Care Costs Top Issue

2008-01-09T19:22:00.000-06:00

At the end of last session, I sent out a survey to constituents in the District 64 A to see what issues were most important in our district. The results from the survey express that lowering health care costs is the top issue for our district, and I am not surprised.

The health care system in Minnesota and the United States is obsolete. Most Minnesotans have seen their health care costs shoot through the roof over the past few years. Worse, thousands of Minnesotans still have no health care coverage whatsoever. These results further illustrate our state's need to transform the way we provide health care to Minnesotans. I believe if we take bold action we can lower health care costs for everyone and at the same time make sure every Minnesotan has health care coverage that is affordable.

Many in the district completed their survey before August 1, the day the 35W Bridge collapsed. Since then we have had a flood in south eastern Minnesota. Many in the district have experienced steep increases in property taxes. The economy in Minnesota has slowed. Making health care more affordable will help Minnesota families. Investing in Minnesota’s infrastructure will create jobs and that will help Minnesota families too. The session, just a month away, will be busy. I hope we make progress for all of us. That is my goal.

Below are the complete survey results. I welcome any questions or comments you may have.

Most Important Issues

1. Lower health care costs 26%
2. Funding for K-12 and Early childhood education 21%
3. Restore and preserve MN's environment 19%
4. Funding for transportation and transit 14%
5. Permanent property tax relief 12%
6. Reduce tuition at state colleges and universities 4%
7. Other 4%

Top Health Care Priority

1. Expand MinnesotaCare, the state health insurance plan for working Minnesotans, to ensure that the 70,000 MN children without health insurance are covered. 31%
2. Reform overall delivery system to reduce costs and assure access for everyone. 30%
3. Allow small businesses to buy into the large MinnesotaCare purchasing pool at full price in order to provide affordable coverage to their employees. 21%
4. Negotiate discounts with drug companies to provide drug discounts to the uninsured and seniors in Medicare part D. 18%

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Child Care Grants Awarded

2007-12-30T14:41:00.000-06:00

This past legislative session I authored legislation signed into law creating the Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) grant program. Study after study demonstrates the value of early education to school readiness and student success. Family, Friend and Neighbor grants promote children's literacy, healthy development, and foster community partnerships by investing in the quality of childcare in the homes of our extended families, neighbors and friends. A majority of Minnesota families rely upon FFN childcare. FFN grants are a smart investment in the early education.

I'm excited to report that the Department of Human Services recently released awards totaling $750,000 to six excellent organizations that applied for these grants. Here is some information about the programs these grants will fund for three organizations from the metro area:

Neighborhood House, St. Paul

Partners will develop culturally relevant services, interactive activities, and provide outreach and on-site programming and support group meeting opportunities at low-income housing sites. They will also offer training sessions on preventing child abuse.

Partners include: CommomBond Communities, Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota, the Children's Museum, and Resources for Child Caring Child Care Resources and Referral

Early Childhood Resource and Training Center, Minneapolis

This project plans to focus on American Indian providers and the children they care for in Minneapolis. Trainers will speak specifically to issues affecting the American Indian community. The program will make connections with providers using urban centers, clinics, and libraries.

Partners include: All Nations Early Education Center, Franklin Library, Native American Community Clinic, University of Minnesota Pediatrician and the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center

Library Foundation of Hennepin County, Minneapolis

This project will develop and implement a community outreach model utilizing current immigrant care providers and their families to build community relationships. Services will be connected to early childhood education programs, school districts, parent education programs and family services providers.

Partners include: Alliance for Early Childhood Professionals, Minneapolis Public Schools, NW Family Services Collaborative, City of Minneapolis Dept. of Health and Family Support, Hennepin County Child Care Licensing, Hennepin County Medical Center

Health Care for All: The Path to the Future

2007-12-04T10:20:00.000-06:00

When I joined my freshman colleagues in the Minnesota House, I joined a chorus of voices advocating for health care for all. I have heard the same concerns, as did my classmates, that health care coverage is growing too expensive; people are paying more for less coverage or losing coverage outright; people are feeling insecure about getting the care they needed if, and when, they needed it, and they are expressing strong support for change.

Over the past several months, I have worked closely with other DFL lawmakers to evaluate policy ideas that will make affordable coverage available for all Minnesotans, improve the health of our population, and ensure that cost effective care is provided to the sick. These are the benchmarks that will guide me as the Legislature reviews its options next session and in the sessions to come.

As a registered nurse, I know how important health coverage is to a person's health, peace of mind and their financial security. I recall clearly my conversation with a woman being treated for cancer. She was scheduled to lose MNCare coverage resulting from state budget cuts. She did not know if she could continue her treatment. While some argue that everyone has coverage through Minnesota’s emergency rooms, this woman was left without options. How we care for the most vulnerable among us is an important measure of society and in the case of this woman, we failed.

My background in nursing is very useful in my new profession -- contemplating care delivery reform and helping to evaluate how the state's health policy decisions influence the care that people in Minnesota receive. As a lawmaker, I am still guided by the important values I developed as a practicing nurse: compassion, dignity, and the need to treat every patient with equality.

I am very encouraged about the transformative health care policy efforts underway. Over the past decade, the health care debate has divided those hoping to extend coverage to the uninsured against those opposed to expansion of public programs, like Minnesota Care. Our current health care crisis offers a unique opportunity to bridge that philosophical divide. We are beginning to realize that 100% coverage is less meaningful when that coverage is unaffordable for hard-working Minnesotans and their families. Affordable insurance requires real value for each dollar spent; a real effort to improve the health of our population through timely preventive care services; and real investments in our public health system. We have begun to understand the cost drivers of health care inflation and we are working to develop solutions to address those cost drivers. Health care costs that rapidly outpace a regular family's paycheck have resulted in the growth in the numbers of uninsured.

Not since the early 1990’s has the Minnesota Legislature engaged in an intentional and deliberative process on health care. With the passage of the Health and Human Services Omnibus Bill, the work of the Legislative Commission on Health Care Access (HCAC) and the Governor’s Transformation Task Force (Task Force) was set. By 2011, Minnesota must cut overall health care costs by 20% and extend coverage to all. These are noble and necessary goals.

Since July, the Task Force, the HCAC, and its eight working groups have engaged in a thorough examination of the current delivery, payment, and financing mechanisms. The eight working groups are as follows:

Cost Containment: Identify Health Care Costs and Savings, Health Care Home and Care of those with Chronic Conditions
Cost Containment: Restructure The Health Care System Through the Identified Savings
Development of New Cost Containment Strategies
Public Health
Insurance Market Reform
Health Care for Long Term Care Workers
Single Payer Health Care
Bridging the Health Continuum

Each group was charged with discreet goals and working groups produced recommendations to the HCAC in early November. The recommendations can be found on the HCAC web page at www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/lchca.

The HCAC will debate the recommendations, review fiscal notes tied to the proposals, and begin to assemble policy proposals. Upcoming meetings of the HCAC can be found on the HCAC web page.

The Governor’s Transformation Task Force continues to meet and will produce its recommendations at the start of next year. You can learn more about the work at
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpsc/hep/transform/resourcebookcontents.

Throughout this process, I am working hard to ensure your views are well represented at the table. I served on the Governor’s Commission on Long Term Care and Vet’s Home. I also chaired a Legislative Health Care Access Commission Working Group with Senator Tony Lourey. This working group addressed cost containment, analyzed the idea of a health care home (a concept which Mayo Clinic physicians have found saves as much as 10 percent in total health care costs), and the need to improve care for those with chronic conditions. I am also a member of an additional working group studying the utility of voluntary pools as another reform option

We still have a lot of work ahead of us before the next legislative session begins in February. I invite you to share your health care ideas and questions with me at rep.erin.murphy@house.mn. If you would like to receive email updates on our progress, send an email to me at rep.erin.murphy@house.mn and put “health care e-updates” in the subject line. We will add you to the list.

Give Thanks

2007-11-21T08:53:00.000-06:00

Friends and Neighbors~
There is lots of work ahead! Next week (11/28) the Legislative Commission on Health Care Access begins deliberations on work group recommendations. More action to come on health care soon. But for a few days, we can rest and reflect. I hope the holiday turkey is tasty, the guests engaging and the team of your choice wins. Have a delightful Thanksgiving. Erin

The Work of the Rock Tenn Community Advisory Panel (RCAP) and the Health of our Community

2007-11-14T16:19:00.000-06:00

So what’s up with Rock Tenn?

The Rock-Tenn Corporation owns and operates the state's largest paper recycling plant in St. Paul. The factory lost a major power source this past summer when Xcel Energy shut down its steam line, transitioning from coal to natural gas. As a result, there is a major effort underway to identify a new energy source for the plant. Rock Tenn is an important part of Minnesota’s recycling effort and there are 500 living wage jobs at risk if a new source of energy is not employed.

The legislature, in the omnibus energy bill, funded a study process to identify potential energy sources. Both the Minnesota Department of Commerce, serving as a fiscal agent, and the St. Paul Port Authority are involved in the study. The legislation also created the Rock-Tenn Community Advisory Panel to bring citizen voices to the discussion.

The RCAP, comprised of 15 local citizens, now holds public meetings on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month to discuss and analyze options. By next spring, the RCAP is charged with bringing recommendations regarding a new fuel source to the St. Paul City Council.

There is great involvement in this process from our neighborhoods. Citizens are clear that the energy source selected must be clean in order to protect the health of the people. Finding a clean and affordable replacement for the steam that once fueled the operation is a major challenge. Because the Rock Tenn plant is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, a clean and sustainable energy source is critical. For the future of the plant, it must be affordable. And for our future, we must chart a course that is renewable. We are fortunate to have bright and engaged participants on the RCAP.

You can participate in this discussion. Visit www.rtadvisory.org. to learn more. The next RCAP meeting will be on Monday, November 26th at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony Park United Methodist Church in St. Paul. The meetings are open and well attended.

Fall is Upon Us

2007-11-01T12:13:00.000-05:00

Hey Neighbors,

Most Minnesotans love the four seasons we experience and fall is one of our favorites. It is also a predictably busy time of the year as we work on projects, hoping to finish or make progress before holidays and the cold of winter. As is typical, it is a busy fall.

Over the course of the interim, I have served on the Governor's Commission on Long Term Care, addressing the issues at the Minneapolis Vet's Home and the Minnesota Veteran's Homes. The Commission is addressing governance, care delivery and operational improvements and the future care of Minnesota Vets. I have learned a great deal about the funding of long term care, the differences between the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Vet's Home and about the challenges we face in caring for this population, especially considering the new returning vets from the war in Iraq. The Commission will meet one more time in November to finalize our recommendations. I am pleased with the work of the group and the concerted efforts to address the immediate issues in Minneapolis and the future of care delivery for Minnesota Vets. I look forward to sharing the recommendations with you.

I have attended a number of events in the past weeks preparing for the upcoming session.

Fresh Energy held an energy justice event and shared their agenda on justice, housing and energy conservation on the indian reservations in Minnesota.

Friends of the Mississippi is holding stakeholder meetings, dicussing the urban critical access area. I attended and listened to a variety of citizens and organizational representatives describe their experiences and ideas for the future. The meeting was constructive and folks in attendance had variety of ideas that would protect and enhance the river. Very Cool.

Merriam Park Neighbors for Peace held a forum entitled "Health Care in Crisis" and had speakers share perspectives on current reform discussions underway at the state capitol, models of financing in other nations and the ideas coming from the federal level. Senator John Marty spoke about his bill "The Minnesota Health Act" of which I am a house author.

The Wilder Foundation held its annual fundraising breakfast. We heard a number of stories of individuals whose lives are improved as a result of the work of the Wilder Foundation. Tom Kingston, Wilder Foundation CEO, reminded us of the growing gap in human and social services over the past five years and challenged all of us not to tire in our efforts to reach out and serve the least among us. I am grateful for the efforts of Wilder and its generous supporters. And I reminded of the work ahead to advance public policy to address the economic, social and educational inequities that foster continued poverty.

Finally, I attended the celebration of the lives and Paul and Sheila Wellstone, their daughter Marcia, and their staff and friends mary McEvoy, Tom Lappick and Will McLaughlin. The event was held at the College of St. Catherine and was a bittersweet celebration of the lives and contributions of those lost on October 25, 2002.

It is daylight savings time-- remember to turn your clocks back on Saturday night. I hope our paths cross soon. Don't hestiate to call or email! Peace, Erin

Welcome Mighty Citizens

2007-10-24T11:34:00.000-05:00

Greetings!

One of the most important parts of my job as a state representative is to listen and express the views of the citizens in the district I am fortunate to represent. Our form of government is predicated upon a strong citizenry and when engaged together, we are mighty. I am grateful for the regular and thoughtful input I receive from our neighbors. I feel obligated to share information as well and I am developing the means to share more information more regularily. Welcome to my blog!

I will post updates here about my work in committees and in the community. There is so much happening this interim; health care policy development, transportation oversight, the Minneapolis Vets Home and the Rock Tenn Community Advisory Panel are among the many issues on which I am working. I will share more with you on these and other issues on the blog.

As always, I welcome your views and look forward to hearing from you.
Welcome! Erin

2007-09-05T15:14:00.000-05:00