Budget Deal, EMS, Health Bill - The Backer Tracker
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It has been a very crazy week here at the capitol. On Monday we heard and passed the health omnibus bill off the house floor. Yesterday, we received the state budget targets that were negotiated by legislative leaders and Governor Walz. I am proud to report that we secured many GOP wins in the budget.
The recently negotiated budget targets represent a major step forward in the state’s budget process. While these targets form the framework of the overall deal, they primarily outline funding levels, leaving most policy decisions to be finalized in conference committees. The bulk of negotiations now shift to those committees, where the legislators will work through the details.
Importantly, this budget deal includes the largest cut to government spending in Minnesota’s history. It eliminates nearly half of the structural deficit created by Democrats after they expanded government spending by 40% and increased taxes by $10 billion just two years ago. Republicans successfully held the line ensuring that not a single Minnesota family will face a tax increase in this budget.
Key GOP wins include maintaining funding for non-public education options, a near-total repeal of illegal immigrant healthcare coverage, capping the payroll tax for the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, and blocking a proposed increase to the provider tax. Additionally, the budget stops the costly Northern Lights Express train project, updates the Social Services Information System (SSIS) to save counties money, and extends measures to keep health insurance premiums affordable for individuals. Simply put, Republicans are cleaning up the fiscal mess left behind by one-party DFL control and putting Minnesota back on a path of responsible governance.
EMS Funding
In this year’s health bill, House Republicans secured critical wins for emergency medical services (EMS)—a top priority for our caucus and for me personally as chair. When you or a loved one dials 911, every second matters, and we must ensure that lifesaving care is available no matter where you live in Minnesota.
One major win was securing funding for “no transport” calls which is when EMS responds, but the patient doesn't need or accept transport. Under the new provision, services will now be reimbursed for those calls, recognizing the value and cost of simply showing up. We also included funding to raise medical assistance reimbursement rates and set aside support for services facing operating deficits. These are meaningful steps to prevent EMS deserts and make sure all Minnesotans, rural and urban, have access to timely, professional emergency care. House Republicans will keep fighting for the people who save lives every day, because your family’s safety matters!
Click here to watch the video below.
Health Bill
I’m proud to say the House GOP health bill is a strong pro-life, pro-taxpayer, and pro-healthcare access plan!
Click here to watch the video below.
 We secured some other great GOP wins in the health bill including:
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Doesn’t fund illegal immigrants MinnesotaCare.
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Funds hospitals through a budget neutral directed payment program, accomplishing the hospital association’s top legislative priority.
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Cuts a net $8.5 million from general fund spending at MDH over four years.
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Cuts MDH spending on things like long covid and DEI.
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Repealed the public option implementation authority and the attached HCAF spending.
There are only a few days left in the legislative session and we have much left to do, but us House Republicans keep working hard for you. Since it is the last weekend, we will be in St. Paul both Saturday and Sunday so that we can complete as much business as possible before adjournment on Monday. We are certainly in a time crunch, which was not helped by the Democrat's boycott at the beginning of session, but I am optimistic that we will be able to wrap up in the next week!
Staying in Touch
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