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Hudella
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Hello from St. Paul,
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The biggest news of the week is the unveiling of agreed-upon budget targets by the governor and the House and Senate Democrat majorities. With a nearly $17 billion budget surplus, many of us were hoping this would be the year that we would enact significant and permanent tax relief for all Minnesotans. Instead, the Democrats are going to spend all of it and then some.
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*BUDGET TARGETS SHOW 35% INCREASE IN STATE GOVERNMENT SPENDING*
Only in government can you have a mammoth surplus of $17 billion, and watch as Democrat leaders decide the best thing to do is increase spending by $17.9 billion over the next two years. As you can tell, the math doesn?t add up.
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The Democrats will be raising taxes and/or fees despite the $17 billion windfall; it?s just a matter of them deciding where to raise them and how much to charge. A Metro Area sales tax increase (which will hit all of us), increases in vehicle tabs, and a delivery tax ? meaning you?ll pay more for each package that?s dropped off at your front door or every time Domino?s delivers off your pizza ? are all in play.
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We are currently spending $52 billion in our current budget on state government programs. As Democrats have complete control of state government, they have now agreed to spend nearly $70 billion in our next budget, a whopping 35 percent increase in state spending. Most of their spending priorities will also be permanent.
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It is extremely disappointing that we?re spending the entire $17 billion surplus without delivering tax relief for working Minnesotans and our seniors.
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*PROBLEMS BEING ADDRESSED AT HASTINGS VETERANS HOME*
I was pleased to learn that two senior officials from the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) had been fired due to the toxic work environment allegations that had been brought against the Hastings Veterans Home.
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When the St. Paul Pioneer Press first broke the story regarding whistleblower allegations at the Veterans Home in Hastings, I was both shocked and incredibly concerned. I immediately launched my own investigation into the allegations, and recalled by motion on the House floor, House File 1687 that I authored to appropriate $78 million Minnesota taxpayer dollars to the Hastings Veterans Home campus renovation project.
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As dialogue progressed with current and former employees and residents of MDVA and the Hastings Veterans Home, I felt it was appropriate to file a Data Practices Act request with MDVA for all communications concerning the allegations. Additionally, I conducted an initial meeting with the Office of the Legislative Auditor to talk through the process for potentially requesting a full audit of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
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This past weekend, I was incredibly pleased to see that Commissioner Herke has taken swift and appropriate action to address the concerns stemming from the allegations. I applaud his commitment to our Veterans, his candor in addressing a need for change in leadership and oversight for the Hastings Veterans Home, and his willingness to create a new culture with listening sessions for the staff and residents, conducted by his office.
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According to an article in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, [ [link removed] ]?a dozen current and former caregivers at the Hastings Veterans Home described what they say is a toxic workplace culture in the domiciliary program that includes harassment, retaliation and bullying of workers who raise safety and staffing concerns. Caregivers and residents say the problems have led to an exodus of workers and present hazards for both veterans and staff.
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In response, the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs announced that Doug Hughes, deputy commissioner for veterans? health care, and Mike Anderson, administrator of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Hastings, had been relieved of their duties on March 19.
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With the Commissioner?s actions, I am closing my investigation and will be withdrawing my Data Practices Act and OLA requests and I look forward to continuing to push for funding and legislation in support of the much-needed campus renovation project at the Hastings Veterans Home. I will always place our heroic Veterans, and those who care for them, at the top of my list of Minnesotans to fight for at the Minnesota State Capitol.
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The Hastings Veterans Home provides shelter and service to roughly 150 residents.
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*SPECIAL GUEST ON THE HOUSE FLOOR!*
Rev. Dr. Kenneth Beale, Jr., US Army Colonel (Ret.) and head chaplain of the Ft. Snelling Memorial Chapel, recently served as ?Chaplain for the Day? in the Minnesota House and offered the opening prayer.
Chaplain
Rev. Beale is not only a longtime family friend, but also performed my marriage ceremony and baptized all of my kids. It was great to see him and catch up, and hear his uplifting message on the House floor!
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Have a good week,
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Shane
289 State Office Bldg.
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-3135
[email protected]
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