Legislative Update: 1/17/13

• Legislators returned to St. Paul to begin the 2013-2014 biennium on January 8. With calls for bipartisanship, veteran and freshmen legislators alike took the oath of office, many with their families next to them on the House or Senate floor. The good feelings quickly turned sour in the Senate, as legislators fought over staffing and budgets. It’s likely that partisan fights will only become more prominent as legislators begin to grapple with a $1.1 billion budget deficit.
• The 2012 elections brought dramatic change to St. Paul, with Democrats re-taking control over both the House and Senate following two years of GOP control. With the change in partisan control comes new leadership of both bodies, as well as new chairs for all committees.
• The MNAAP Board of Directors met this week to consider its 2013 legislative priorities and agenda. Following extensive committee work and discussion, the MNAAP will be focusing its legislative work on preserving and expanding access to care for children and adolescents, strengthening the state’s newborn screening program, preventing bullying and harassment in our schools, and investing in early brain development.
• Mark your calendars for the 2013 Peds Day at the Capitol! Set for February 2013, it’s a wonderful opportunity to visit with fellow pediatricians, hear from legislative leaders, and meet your elected officials.