Legislative Update

By Joe Sellwood, Cook Girard Associates

A special session remains unlikely given the current impasse between Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders. Recently, the Governor and legislative leaders failed to agree on whether to hold a special session before Thanksgiving, and the closer we get to the 2022 regular session the more unlikely a special session becomes. At issue is how to allocate $250 million to frontline workers, implement COVID-related waivers, and allocate drought relief. Looking to 2022, the Minnesota legislature will have a healthy budget to work with. As of early December, the state is projecting a $7.746 billion surplus – much higher than expected in the February 2021 economic forecast. Additionally, Minnesota is expected to receive $6.8 billion (mostly going to roads and bridges) from the recently enacted federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, according to a White House Memo for Minnesota. The bottom line is Minnesota will have significant funds available in crafting the supplemental budget and policy proposals during the 2022 session. Throughout the past two years, the MFDA Legislative Committee has been working on crafting changes to 149A. Working closely with Dr. Michael LuBrant and the University of Minnesota, the Legislative Committee provided input on the recent survey of the mortuary science profession in Minnesota. The MN Funeral Directors Association is fortunate to have a strong relationship with Dr. LuBrant - his resources, time and expertise provide a great benefit to informing the course forward. A survey of this caliber is not standard practice among professional associations. Additionally, the volunteers on the Legislative Committee have put significant time into the entire 149A rewrite project (and the many other issues that come up) and serve the profession well with their diverse opinions on the issues. The Legislative Committee continues to evaluate, gather input, and refine different proposals on: relaxing the reciprocity requirements for licensure; changes to the internship including allowing interns to register during their education as well as allowing additional preceptors and locations for interns to learn from; an internship/apprenticeship program to permit individuals to get a hands on preview of funeral service prior to committing to a mortuary science program; certification requirements for cremator operators; numerous other administrative updates; and a possible program to register removal specialists (non-licensed) with required training and additional requirements on employment. Of course, input is welcomed on any of these proposals and nothing is set in stone at this point. The 2022 session which begins on January 31st, will pose challenges right out of the gate. The House has announced they will be remote for the 2022 session, while the Senate, with no official announcement yet, will likely be meeting in person. MFDA is well positioned to pursue changes to 149A, and defend its positions with the strong survey data and the expertise of the members.

Looking to 2022, the Minnesota legislature will have a healthy budget to work with. As of early December, the state is projecting a $7.746 billion surplus.