MNA Legislative Update, January 25, 2013 (Page 75)

Governor Dayton Releases Budget Proposal

On Tuesday, Governor Dayton released his proposal to address Minnesota’s budget deficit, fund important state priorities, and strengthen the middle class while making the tax system fairer.

MNA supports Governor Dayton’s budget plan to invest in the state by fixing the broken system of raising revenue and tip the scales back in favor of the middle class.

Health Care: The Governor’s plan increases and improves access to health care. The plan funds:

• 145,000 newly insured Minnesotans by expanding Medical Assistance eligibility for children 2-18 and pregnant women from 150% to 275% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• the 2012 Vulnerable Adult Felony Neglect bill to create a statewide common entry point for reporting abuse, raising awareness through public outreach and increases support to county adult protection units.
• efforts to solve some of the major problems affecting our State Operated Services mental health system.

The Governor’s plan also increases the cigarette tax by 94 cents per pack, not only creating new revenue for the state, but also reducing smoking, especially among younger generations.

Tax Fairness: MNA also supports measures to increase the income tax rate on the top 2 percent of Minnesota earners, restoring fairness to the tax system.

For further information, visit the Governor’s website.

Health Insurance Exchange

The bill implementing a state health insurance exchange, where individuals and small businesses can compare and shop for health coverage, continues through the legislative process. MNA is supportive of the bill, and its focus on consumer needs.

Legislators Scrutinize Worker Lockouts

The House Commerce and Consumer Protection committee held a hearing on Wednesday to seek more information about employee lockouts, the current union-busting tactic of choice. Representatives from the NHL, the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the American Crystal Sugar workers testified about the economic and personal impact of employee lockouts during labor disputes. Committee Chair Joe Atkins (DFL-Inver Grove Heights) has told the media he is considering legislation about the issue. MNA would be supportive of legislation that addresses the unemployment and personal as well as regional economic hardship that comes with lockouts, especially in cases where employers have received public tax dollars.

Nurses Day on the Hill

If you don’t speak up for patient safety and safe staffing, legislators will only hear the hospital administration side of the story. Join fellow nurses from across the state to bring the message loud and clear to the Capitol: Minnesota patients have a right to safe nursing care.

MNA makes it easy for you to make your voice heard. We will make appointments for you with your legislators. You will get the tools you need to be an effective citizen lobbyist and the information you need to advocate for safe staffing legislation. You will meet with your legislator with a team and

a leader who knows the way around the Capitol.

February 4: Education Session and Dinner, 5:30 – 9:00 pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel, St. Paul. Invited speakers include Governor Mark Dayton.

February 5: Capitol visits and action begin at 8:00 am

Sign up by logging in to the Member Portal at www.mnnurses.org. If you have any questions, please speak to your facility’s MNA chair or contact Eileen Gavin at eileen.gavin@mnnurses.org or 651-414-2871.