I am heartbroken by the tragic incident that occurred in Cyrus. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and colleagues of Deputy Owen, and I continue to pray for the two law enforcement officers who were injured. We must never take for granted the daily risks of our law enforcement officers.

On Tuesday, April 18th, the Human Services bill package passed off the Senate floor.  This package includes three pieces of legislation that I authored. These bills will help individuals with disabilities live more independently, expand access to substance abuse treatment, and ensure more dollars go to a Fergus Falls long-term care facility.

To ensure individuals with disabilities can live more autonomous and independent lives, I authored Senate File 2397. Supported Decision-Making is recognized as a best practice to help individuals with cognitive or other limitations make informed choices while respecting their autonomy. During the 2020 legislative session, meaningful reforms and updates were made to recognize Supported-Decision Making as an alternative to court-ordered guardianship. Yet guardianship is still too often used as the state’s default support.

Also included in the Human Services budget package is legislation to provide supplemental funding to Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge facilities in Alexandria, Senate File 2529.

Under this bill, the individual county could negotiate a reimbursement rate of up to $750 per month. There has been precedent for this, as there have been several supplemental rate exemptions granted for many different organizations located throughout Minnesota.

Finally, the Human Services budget bill includes Senate File 1769 to adjust the property rate for Fergus Falls-based PioneerCare, which operates a nursing home and provides other long-term care services. This bill would put PioneerCare on a fair rental value property rate system that more closely matches facility costs. 

Unfortunately, Tuesday was Tax Day.  I am working to ensure that we see permanent tax relief so all Minnesotans have more money in their pocketbooks.  My Give It Back Plan has long term income and property tax cuts that would allow for people across the state to have more in their pocketbooks as we see the rising prices of goods and services.  Additionally, this bill would completely eliminate the state income tax on Social Security benefits.  

Giving back the $18 billion surplus to our state's tax payers is my number one economic priority this session.  The government is withholding the people's money and it is time to give it back.

As always, it is a pleasure to meet with constituents here in St. Paul.  Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with the wonderful people at the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless and CAPLP. 

With Gratitude,

Senator Jordan Rasmusson

District 9