'Good News' Tax Bill, Funding Health and Human Services Initiatives

With an influx of significant federal funds, key lawmakers were able to craft a health and human services funding package that some legislators have described as the best in a generation. Health and Human Services Committee Chair Michelle Benson joins Capitol Report moderator Shannon Loehrke to highlight some of the major initiatives, including efforts to expand telemedicine, support mothers of newborns, contain health care premium costs and improve children's mental health.

The tax bill passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz provides nearly one billion dollars in tax reductions, incentives for job creation and bonuses for frontline workers. Senate Tax Chair Carla Nelson talks with Shannon about key aspects of the tax bill, which received strong endorsement from Republican and DFL legislators.

Also in the program, highlights from the Senate floor debate over the extended special session held to review some of Governor Walz's agency appointments, the timing of the confirmation votes and the sudden resignation of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Laura Bishop.