Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Early Childhood Finance and Policy Committee met virtually, took roll, established a quorum, and approved the minutes from the February 22 meeting. Chair Dave Pinto opened by noting the committee’s focus on child care and early learning in greater Minnesota and introduced a presentation on rural child care challenges, followed by testimony from several stakeholders. The committee did not take final action on a bill during the portion provided, but members were told they would later hear Representative Olson’s bill creating a grant program to support rural child care providers. Marnie Werner of the Center for Rural Policy and Development presented research showing that child care access has worsened for decades in rural Minnesota, with family child care declining sharply and center-based care not keeping pace outside the metro. She said family providers remain the backbone of rural child care, but reimbursement rates under the Child Care Assistance Program have been stagnant for years, and she urged more flexible policy, including a possible “child care desert” premium and support for alternative models such as pods, school-based care, and repurposed storefronts. She also emphasized that child care is an economic development issue and cited employer concerns about child care shortages affecting hiring and retention. Amber Glaser of the Minnesota Farm Bureau said reliable child care is critical to rural communities and supported the upcoming grant bill as a way to help providers in different local settings. Caitlin Keck, a Farm Bureau young farmers and ranchers leader from Owatonna, described the difficulty of finding infant care, the strain caused by pandemic-related staffing and closures, and the added challenge of after-school care for school-aged children. Charity Bold, a licensed provider from rural Pope County, testified that her county has lost about half its providers and more than 180 child care spots over 15 years; she said rising operating costs and low reimbursement make it hard for providers to earn a living wage, and that grants have been a lifeline. Overall, testimony stressed that rural child care shortages are limiting workforce participation and that solutions must balance affordability, provider viability, and local flexibility.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Transportation Finance and Policy Committee met on February 24, 2022, and heard informational presentations on three bills that were technically in the jurisdiction of the Capital Investment Committee: Senate File 1090 (Sen. Miller) on recapitalizing the Port Development Assistance Program, Senate File 2787 (Sen. James) on funding for the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority, and Senate File 2621 (not discussed in the excerpt). The committee also took up Senate File 3226 (Sen. Duckworth), which was laid over for possible inclusion. No formal action was taken on the informational bills. On SF 1090, Sen. Miller and Lucy McMartin of Winona described the importance of Minnesota ports on the Mississippi River and Great Lakes, emphasizing their role in agriculture, wind energy shipments, and broader freight movement. They said the bill would support a $28 million state request tied to roughly $35 million in near-term port projects, with a 20% local match required, and noted that the four-port project list totals about $125 million. Committee members and the chair expressed support for the ports as a key part of the state transportation system. On SF 2787, Sen. James and Commissioner Bob Fox described ongoing rehabilitation of 94 miles of short-line rail in the Minnesota Valley Regional Rail Authority, with nearly 37 miles already completed and 10 more miles planned for 2022. They said the rail line supports grain movement, reduces truck traffic, and helps local shippers remain competitive; Fox noted that rail users pay per-car lease fees and that the authority reinvests those revenues into the track. Members asked about railroad contributions and the broader value of freight rail, and the chair said the committee would support the request, though no action was taken because the bill is in Capital Investment jurisdiction. SF 3226, by Sen. Duckworth, sought $750,000 from the rail service improvement account for planning and engineering a freight rail car storage facility in Lakeville. Mayor Doug Anderson and city administrator Justin Miller said the project would address longstanding public safety, neighborhood, environmental, and traffic concerns caused by rail cars stored along an obsolete line through residential areas, while also supporting economic development in the Airlake Industrial Park. They said the city and Progressive Rail were already sharing $20,000 in preliminary study costs, the project could ultimately cost $4 million to $7 million, and the city would lease land from the Metropolitan Airports Commission and sublease it to Progressive Rail. Several senators voiced support and asked about costs, ownership, revenue, and federal preemption; the bill was laid over, with no immediate committee action.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee first handled routine business, approving the February 22, 2022 minutes and welcoming new staff member John Beeler. It then took up two confirmation hearings for appointments to the Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board: Stephen Swanson, a Hennepin County district court judge and administrative law judge with prior board service, and David Asp, a Minnesota attorney with campaign-related legal experience and community board service. Both nominees emphasized neutrality, clear guidance, and applying the law fairly, with Asp also saying he would use rulemaking only within the limits of existing statutes and to improve clarity where appropriate. Members asked both appointees about impartiality, the role of the board, and whether rulemaking should be used to clarify older campaign finance laws. Swanson said transparency builds public trust and that he wanted to help people comply with the law. Asp said he did not view the board as an advocacy role, but as a neutral body that should apply the law consistently to all parties. Representative Nash used a baseball analogy to stress the need for consistent, nonpartisan decision-making. The committee voted to recommend both appointments for confirmation, with Swanson advancing on an 11-1 vote and Asp on an 11-0 vote; both recommendations were sent to the House floor. The committee then heard House File 3035 from Representative Hornstein, which would direct the Legislative Auditor to review cost overruns and delays on the Southwest Light Rail Transit/Green Line Extension project and appropriate $200,000 from the general fund for the work. Hornstein said the bill responds to repeated overruns, a recent $200 million increase, and concerns about project management; he described the request as unusual but necessary given the scale of the project. Legislative Auditor Judy Randall said the office had already begun a special review and that the bill’s language appropriately routes a program evaluation through the Legislative Audit Commission. Representative Nash supported the audit request, calling the project badly managed, and the bill was then moved to the Ways and Means Committee.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee approved the minutes from February 22 by voice vote and then heard House File 2992, a towing-related bill authored by Representative Baker. Baker and MnDOT explained that the bill cleans up existing towing permit and weight-restriction language so towing and recovery operators can legally respond to law enforcement calls and recover stranded or crashed vehicles, including large exempt vehicles, during spring load restrictions. Testifiers said the bill, as amended, adds a 20,000-pound-per-single-axle cap, clarifies that the exemption applies only when requested by law enforcement, and includes a definition for recovery vehicles. MnDOT also noted a technical issue with permit fee revenue and recommended directing it to the trunk highway fund. Township and county groups were described as neutral, and members discussed safety concerns about larger tow rigs. The committee adopted the DE1 amendment and laid HF 2992 over for possible inclusion in the omnibus transportation finance and policy bill. The committee then took up House File 3134, authored by Representative Mueller, and the motion was to refer it to the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. Mueller and legal aid testifier Hannah Anderson described the bill as a fix to an existing law that lets eligible low-income, homeless, or otherwise destitute vehicle owners retrieve personal belongings from towed vehicles without paying towing and storage charges if they provide qualifying documentation. They said the current law lacks an enforcement remedy, and cited cases where towing companies allegedly demanded extra documentation or disposed of belongings despite proper requests. The bill would allow injunctive relief if the vehicle is still held and limited compensation if belongings were wrongfully destroyed. A towing association representative said the industry was willing to keep negotiating and had concerns about the current proposal, but was working on a framework for notice and documentation requirements. Members asked about current holding periods for scrapping vehicles and about why towing companies would retain personal property; the association said the issue was mainly about getting paid for the tow and recovery work. The transcript ends before any final committee action on HF 3134 is shown.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard from the DHS commissioner about proposed changes to the behavioral health division and the governor’s budget for mental health, substance use disorder, and opioid-related services. The commissioner argued against separating behavioral health from DHS before ongoing process-improvement work is finished, saying the division is still addressing overpayment issues and that integration with physical health is the preferred model. He cited examples from other states, noted that some have found separate structures difficult, and urged a deeply researched approach before any reorganization. Members also discussed the need for a state leadership structure, a summit with counties and providers, and whether the current system is producing the desired outcomes. A major portion of the discussion focused on workforce shortages in the “caring professions,” including nursing homes, assisted living, group homes, behavioral health, home care, child care, and health care. The commissioner said these jobs make up about 15% of Minnesota’s workforce, pay roughly 30% below the state average wage, and are especially vulnerable because of demographic shifts and competition for workers. He outlined governor’s budget proposals totaling about $670 million for these sectors, including a $115 million workforce incentive fund that could support retention bonuses, tuition or loan reimbursement, and child care or transportation assistance, as well as a health care workforce revitalization package and child care supports. He also described a temporary staffing pool proposal in the waiver bill to help facilities with short-term staffing needs. Senators raised urgent concerns about group home closures, especially Cardinal Homes in Olmsted County, and the impact on residents, families, and staff. One senator asked whether the National Guard should be called in again as an emergency measure until funding is enacted, referencing its earlier use in long-term care facilities during COVID. The commissioner said temporary staffing pools and National Guard deployments were designed for COVID-related purposes and would not be a simple fit for the current workforce shortage, though he acknowledged the need for stronger supports. No votes were taken in the portion shown, and the discussion ended with a call to keep the issue alive and continue hearings on specific proposals, including provider rate increases and other workforce measures.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Neil Lloyd, president and CEO of the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV), on the organization’s work to end veteran homelessness. Lloyd described MACV’s statewide services, including housing, employment, legal, healthcare navigation, street outreach, and justice-involved veteran programs. He reported that MACV served 1,438 veterans in 2021, provided direct financial assistance to 837 veterans, placed 193 veterans into employment, and operated 151 beds of transitional and permanent supportive housing, with additional units coming online in North Minneapolis. He also said MACV had reduced its use of hotel emergency shelter by nearly 50% from its peak and was working with only 26 veterans still in that program. Lloyd emphasized that state appropriations, federal funds, and private/philanthropic donations are all important to MACV’s work, especially for veterans who do not qualify for other programs. He said the organization raised more than $1.5 million in private support and used those funds for flexible assistance such as car repairs, pet-related housing support, and other gap-filling needs. He also discussed MACV’s landlord engagement program, which has housed more than 110 veterans with significant barriers without any evictions, and its justice-involved initiative, which begins working with veterans before release from incarceration to prevent homelessness and reduce recidivism. Members asked questions about the hotel shelter outcomes, housing safety, funding sources, employment services, eligibility for veterans with less-than-honorable discharges, and coordination with veterans courts. Lloyd said 65% of hotel program exits were reported as positive, with 58% moving into longer-term housing, and explained that MACV uses a mix of public and private funds to help veterans who fall outside standard eligibility rules. He also noted that MACV works with correctional facilities to identify veterans about 90 days before release and connect them to housing. No bills were taken up or voted on during this portion of the meeting.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Education Finance Committee met on February 24, 2022, with a quorum present and approved the minutes from the previous day by voice vote. The committee began with FFA Day remarks from Minnesota FFA student leaders Bailey Peterson and Kyle Thomas, who highlighted the value of agricultural education, career and technical education, and legislative support for student organizations. They emphasized that FFA and AFNR courses help students build leadership skills, explore careers, and access opportunities across the state. The committee then heard testimony from More Screenless, which had received a $1 million one-time grant for a student digital well-being program. Co-executive director Marie Hampton described the organization’s equity-centered approach, including listening sessions with families and culturally responsive parent outreach. Liv Volkman Johnson and Cece Hawley discussed the effects of social media and screen use on young people, the importance of youth voice, and the organization’s peer education and resource hub work. Amy Webster described student workshops at Faribault High School and how students identified both benefits and harms of digital media, including cyberbullying, stress, and exposure to disturbing content. Catherine Myers closed by describing training for teachers and the organization’s effort to measure impact through evaluations; in response to a question from Representative Feist, Hampton said the group uses surveys and assessments and has hired an external evaluator to measure effects on teachers, students, and parents. Finally, the committee took up House File 3393, sponsored by Representative Sandell, relating to economic education. Sandell and former Representative Julie Bunn testified in support of continued funding for the Minnesota Council for Economic Education, arguing that many teachers are underprepared to teach economics and personal finance and that MCEE provides unique professional development statewide. The bill would appropriate $150,000 in fiscal year 2023 and $300,000 annually beginning in 2024. The committee’s stated intent was to lay the bill over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill, and Representative Youakim moved that action.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The House Taxes Committee met remotely on February 24, 2022, approved the February 23 minutes, and then continued hearing testimony on House File 3669, Governor Walz’s tax bill, which had already been laid over. The chair asked testifiers to keep remarks brief and noted there were roughly 11 or 12 speakers. Early testimony focused on the governor’s proposed updates to the K-12 education tax credit. Matt Norris of Youthprise supported raising the income limit, indexing it for inflation, and simplifying eligibility, arguing the credit helps low-income families pay for tutoring, computers, school supplies, and other out-of-school learning needs; he said demand for the program had surged and that the current income cap was outdated. Representative Hertos later asked whether the program should be broadened or simplified further, and Norris said his organization would support expanding access, including removing the income cap. Several witnesses supported tax conformity provisions affecting federal pandemic relief. Beth Kadoon of the Minnesota Chamber backed conformity items and the angel tax credit, while warning against one-time tax relief paired with large ongoing spending increases. Melissa Reed of the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance and Ben Wagsland of Hospitality Minnesota urged the committee to conform to federal treatment of Shuttered Venue Operators Grants and Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants so those emergency funds would not be taxed in Minnesota, saying the grants were lifelines for venues and restaurants still struggling with debt, inflation, supply-chain problems, and workforce shortages. Wagsland also noted a 65% drop in Minneapolis reservations during the city’s vaccine mandate period and said the industry remained far below pre-pandemic employment. Other testimony supported Article 3’s sales tax exemption simplification for construction materials used by local governments and nonprofits. Gary Carlson of the League of Minnesota Cities said the current exemption process is cumbersome and that the bill would let jurisdictions pay sales tax up front and later seek refunds, making the exemption more workable. John Thorson of LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota also backed the provision, saying it would improve the value of public infrastructure investments and support union apprenticeship jobs. Nan Madden of the Minnesota Budget Project began testimony near the end of the excerpt, describing the session as an opportunity to advance policies that help all Minnesotans thrive, but her remarks were cut off before any further action was taken.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Energy and Utilities Policy and Finance Committee heard a presentation from Xcel Energy on its recently approved integrated resource plan (IRP). Farah Mandic explained that an IRP is a 15-year roadmap for generation resources, filed every two to three years, and that Xcel’s planning balances four main objectives: cost, environmental goals, reliability, and risk mitigation. She described the stakeholder and regulatory process, including modeling, comments, hearings, and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s role in approving a preferred plan. Xcel said the approved plan includes retiring all coal plants by 2030, adding about 5,800 megawatts of renewable capacity by 2034, extending the Monticello nuclear plant to 2040, and adding firm dispatchable resources such as gas combustion turbines to preserve reliability as renewable generation grows. The company also said it will expand energy efficiency and demand response programs. Mandic stated the plan would put Xcel on track for its carbon goals, including 80% carbon-free energy by 2030 and 100% carbon-free energy by 2050, while remaining lower-cost than a business-as-usual case. Committee members raised concerns about affordability, reliability, and the pace of the transition away from coal and toward renewables. Senator Utke questioned whether the grid could maintain reliability with much higher renewable penetration, and Senator Matthews criticized the plan’s reliance on a future, yet-to-be-determined 800 megawatts of firm dispatchable resources and argued that stakeholder input from host communities supporting gas generation was not adequately reflected. Xcel responded that the MISO market and its own reserve planning help ensure reliability, that the commission agreed a firm dispatchable need exists, and that the exact technology and location for those resources will be determined in later proceedings. The company also noted that Prairie Island was evaluated but not included in this IRP, and that Monticello’s extension still requires additional state and federal approvals. No votes were taken by the committee.

Keywords: 1183, house

Summary: The committee took up House File 3667, a bill to provide $330 million in federal relief funds for emergency rental assistance through June. Chair Hausman moved the bill and an author’s DE1 amendment, which was adopted. Hausman explained the bill as a short-term emergency measure tied to the end of the eviction moratorium off-ramp and the closure of RentHelpMN, saying the goal was to keep renters and landlords stable while longer-term housing solutions are considered. Testimony was overwhelmingly in support. Representatives from HomeLine, Minnesota Community Action Partnership/Homes for All, the New American Development Center, the Housing Justice Center, and the Alliance for Metropolitan Stability described continued high demand for rental help, rising calls after RentHelpMN closed, and urgent risks of eviction and displacement. Several witnesses shared client stories about job loss, illness, childcare burdens, mental health, and fear of homelessness. Supporters said the need remains especially acute for very low-income households and communities of color. Members asked about the size of the remaining need, how the $330 million figure was determined, whether the money would be enough, and how funds would be administered. Hausman and staff said the amount was based on backlog and agency/advocate input and was intended as a short-term fix through June, with administration costs built in. Some members raised broader concerns about workforce and other support programs, and one asked about possible Senate and general-fund support. After closing comments, the committee voted 9-3 to re-refer HF 3667, as amended, to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate met under a call of the Senate, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a lengthy prayer, and the secretary then called the roll. A quorum was declared present, and several members were noted as intending to vote under Rule 40.7. The chamber then moved through executive and official communications, which were received and referred with no action required. Under committee reports and orders, the Senate adopted the committee report printing the agenda. Several Senate files were read and given second reading, including SF 908, 1391, 2909, 2429, 3251, 3105, 3241, and 2950, with a correction noted from 3105 to 3107. In the introduction and first reading portion, bills on the introduction calendar were given first reading and referred as indicated; SF 3408 was specifically referred to the Committee on Human Services Reform Finance and Policy. Senator Wiklund moved to withdraw SF 3379 from the Committee on Education Finance and Policy and re-refer it to the Committee on Human Services Reform Finance and Policy, noting permission from both committee chairs; the motion prevailed. During announcements, members were reminded about the traditional class picture in the Senate chambers at 10 a.m. on Monday, and Senator Champion was excused from the session. The Senate then adjourned.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The Senate Tax Committee heard Senate File 3220, the Department of Revenue’s policy and technical bill. The department explained that the bill was intended to make clarifying, technical updates to tax law and improve administration, with an amendment adopted at the start of the hearing (A22-0329) deleting sections 3 and 4 so the bill matched the department’s current presentation. The committee heard that the bill was noncontroversial, did not change tax liability, and had no revenue impact. Testimony covered several parts of the bill. Article One made retroactive clarifications to the pass-through entity tax and partnership audit statutes, including clarifying that certain LLCs may qualify and that audited partnerships that elected the pass-through entity tax must file amended reports and pay additional amounts due. Article Two included a deadline realignment for the gasoline debt service surcharge and a sales tax conformity change to include U.S. territories in the definition of state for streamlined sales tax purposes. Article Three proposed a broader recodification and modernization of fire state aid and police state aid statutes, updating definitions, filing requirements, deadlines, appeal procedures, and eligibility criteria, including new references to fire department identification numbers and 911 dispatching. The department said these changes were developed with stakeholders and intended to make aid distribution more efficient and accurate. The final portion of the bill addressed property tax refund provisions in Article Four, including clarifying the homestead classification deadline for eligibility and allowing the department to authenticate the identity of owners or managing agents who e-file certificates of rent paid, while keeping taxpayer identification numbers off the renter copy. Committee members asked about implementation and outreach; the department said it would notify stakeholders through its website, GovDelivery, and direct letters when appropriate. After no further questions, Chair Nelson laid the bill over as amended and adjourned the meeting.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senate Democrats held a press availability to criticize Republican tax proposals as premature and fiscally reckless in light of global uncertainty from the war in Europe and an upcoming state budget forecast. Speakers argued the GOP plans would primarily benefit the wealthiest Minnesotans and consume too much of the surplus, leaving less room for property tax relief and other priorities. They said Democrats would instead focus on targeted tax relief for working families, seniors, and property owners, including the Working Family Credit, child care credit, education credit, and property tax refund. Democratic senators also emphasized other spending priorities they said were overdue, especially frontline worker pay and drought relief. They said the Senate had not yet introduced a proposal to fulfill the commitment made to frontline workers last June, while the House was moving on that issue. Several speakers stressed that the legislature should wait for the forecast before making major tax or spending decisions and should remain prudent to avoid a future deficit. The discussion also turned to Social Security taxation, with one senator defending a proposal to increase the subtraction for Social Security income as a modest way to help seniors cope with inflation, while noting it could be scaled back if needed. Later, senators addressed the impact of the Ukraine invasion on Minnesota families, especially constituents with relatives in Ukraine and Poland, and said the crisis reinforced the need for caution. The final exchange focused on representation in the legislature, with senators expressing concern about the loss of women and women of color due to redistricting and retirements, and saying they hoped future elections would produce a more representative body.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: Senate Republicans held a press event to roll out what they described as the largest tax relief package in Minnesota history, citing a roughly $7.7 billion surplus and arguing the state is collecting too much from taxpayers. Senators outlined two main components: lowering the first income tax bracket from 5.35% to 2.8% for all filers, and permanently eliminating state income taxes on Social Security benefits. They said the plan would provide immediate, ongoing relief, with examples including about $1,066 per year for a family of four earning $100,000 and an average Social Security tax savings of about $1,313 for more than 400,000 filers. Senators Miller, Nelson, and Coleman framed the proposal as a response to inflation, rising gas and heating costs, and pressure on family and senior budgets. They argued that permanent tax cuts are preferable to one-time rebate checks and said the Social Security change would end what they called double taxation on benefits already paid into by retirees. In response to questions about the governor’s view that the Social Security proposal would mostly benefit higher-income recipients, they said they were hearing from seniors across the state who are feeling squeezed and that the goal is to eliminate the tax for all seniors receiving Social Security income. The senators said the proposal would be effective for tax year 2022 and would move through the committee process, with the bill still being drafted. They estimated the package would cost about $3.5 billion in the current year and roughly $8.5 billion over the next three years, while saying they expected to stay within available budget forecasts. They also said the updated forecast due Monday could affect the final numbers. In other discussion, they said the Senate had already passed a bipartisan unemployment insurance bill matching the governor’s proposal, that they were open to an early deal on that issue, and that drought relief remained an ongoing discussion but no new Senate bill had yet been introduced.

Keywords: 1187, senate, all

Summary: The meeting was a Minnesota House event focused on frontline workers pay, with speakers urging passage of legislation to provide $1,500 bonus checks to essential workers who worked in person during COVID-19. Ibrahim Kony of SEIU Local 26 said frontline workers helped keep the state running, many lacked PPE and hazard pay, and some union members became ill or died; he argued the state’s surplus should be used to honor their sacrifices. Mary Turner of the Minnesota Nurses Association described the fear and risk faced by ICU nurses early in the pandemic and said workers deserve recognition for continuing to serve despite danger and lost pay. Brian McNeil of MAPE and the Department of Veterans Affairs spoke about conditions in state veterans homes, ongoing exposure risks, and the need to support workers caring for veterans. Representative Cedrick Frazier, the bill’s House lead, said the House vote was an important step toward fulfilling a promise made to frontline workers and called on the Senate to act. Senator Erin Murphy said the state has a strong economy and surplus because frontline workers kept people healthy and the economy moving, and she criticized Senate Republicans for blocking earlier efforts and failing to advance a proposal. Other speakers echoed that the bonus pay was long overdue, that the House was moving forward, and that Senate Republicans were a roadblock to final passage. The event ended with calls for continued pressure on the Senate majority and an invitation for workers to gather at the Capitol later that day. No final vote tally was announced in the transcript, but speakers repeatedly said the House was taking a vote and described it as a major step toward enacting frontline worker bonuses.