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*May 12, 2023*






Happy Mother's Day

Dear Friends,

I want to wish every mom a very happy Mother?s Day. I know I am so grateful for my mom and my wife who do so much for our family, and I look forward to celebrating them this weekend.

This week we have slowly started voting on Conference Committee Reports as the House and Senate have reached agreements on our new state budget. Despite a $17.5 billion surplus, I am disappointed that these bills are set to raise taxes by $10 billion. Keep reading for more information on where these bills stand:

*Higher Education Omnibus Bill*

On Tuesday, the House passed the Higher Education omnibus bill. I am disappointed that this bill came back from conference committee with a major change. The Senate added a provision to provide students with free college for families who make less than $80,000. We should not be investing over $100 million for a program that was never vetted in the House.

Enrollment has been declining at the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State for the last decade. Minnesota State?s enrollment is down 27.9% systemwide since 2013. Additionally, we are facing an enrollment cliff in 2025 because of declining birth rates.

This will not stop the decline in enrollments. In order to pay for this program we are cutting funding for other programs that have a proven track record, like funding for workforce development scholarships which help students studying in high-demand fields. By holding institutions accountable, we can support students to ensure college is affordable. I voted no on this bill.

*Education Omnibus Bill*

The Education omnibus bill is still being negotiated. However, I am very disappointed to report that the Senate?s amendment to remove the PSEO statement of faith has been added back in. This policy is blatant religious discrimination. I encourage you to reach out to members of the Education conference committee [ [link removed] ] and urge them to remove this provision again from the bill. ??

*Gun Provisions in Public Safety and Judiciary Bill*

On Wednesday, the all-DFL Public Safety Conference Committee adopted gun control provisions that will threaten your Second Amendment rights. These provisions were posted publicly just 14 minutes before the hearing. No debate or discussion occurred.

Democrats are adopting the Red Flag and Universal Background Check provisions. These policies threaten the Second Amendment right of every gun owner. The Majority has little regard for your voice. They are shutting Republicans out of key conference committees, and they are pushing through their extreme policies that have little support outside the metro.



Charitable Gambling Press Conference
Charitable Gambling

Last week I joined Representatives, NHL All-Star Devan Dubnyk, Stanley Cup champion Tom Chorske, former NHL Defensemen Nate Prosser, and other leaders of local charities to urge the Taxes conference committee to remove changes to charitable gambling from the final Taxes bill (pictured right). Current plans will change the definition of e-pull tabs which will impact Veterans organizations, firefighters, Lions Clubs, youth sports, and other charities across our state who depend on the proceeds from these games.

I strongly urge you to reach out to members of the Taxes conference committee [ [link removed] ] and tell them to remove this provision.

*Veterans Omnibus Bill*

I like to end on good news, so I am pleased to report that the Veterans omnibus bill was unanimously approved this week. The Veterans omnibus bill will provide bonuses for Veterans, construction of new military and museum facilities, a new Army Fitness Field House, and staffing for three new Veterans Homes.

I am proud to support our Veterans and I was pleased to vote yes on this bill. ??







Please Contact Me

Please continue to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-5185 or by email at [email protected].?

Have a great weekend!?

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Ben











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329 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.5185







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