Legislative briefs

State Rep. Greg Blaine, R-Little Falls, said the Minnesota House took another step toward preventing abortion by including pro-life policy language in its Health and Human Services budget bill.

The bill requires that no state funding be granted to an agency that provides abortion services and includes the Woman's Right to Know legislation.

"This bill is meant to provide the opportunity for women in a crisis pregnancy situation to consider all the facts before they make this life-changing decision," Blaine said.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Samuelson raps House Phase II plan

The Minnesota House's Phase II plan to balance the budget could mean hundreds of layoffs in Brainerd, Walker, St. Peter, Willmar, Fergus Falls and Anoka, said state Sen. Don Samuelson, DFL-Brainerd.

Samuelson said the cuts in health care would shift the burden for health care for the poorest people from the state to the county.

The $12 million in cuts to state-operated services would affect the Brainerd Regional Treatment Center, he said, including developmental disabilities, mental health and chemical dependency programs.

Blaine bill extends relief act

National Guard members who are called to active duty will be given the same benefits as other military personnel under a plan authored by state Rep. Greg Blaine, R-Little Falls.

The bill, approved Thursday by the House of Representatives, extends the benefits of the federal Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act of 1940. It allows Guard troops to be eligible for certain benefits if they are called to active service on either the state or federal level.

The bill was approved in both the House and the Senate and will be sent to the governor for his signature.