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State Representative Jim Davnie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0173
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
HOUSE BRIEFS
Newsletter, 2011 #2
Dear friends,
The speed of events here at the Capitol is an unusual combination of slow thoughtful pacing and rushed activity. Many committees’s continue to provide members with background briefings and reviews by the departments they oversee. At the same time the House last week passed a $1 billion budget cut proposal on a largely party-line vote. I’m concerned that the bill, HF 130, was rushed through the process, hop scotching around committees that should have had jurisdiction over sections of the bill.
I’m also concerned that the bill also falls far short of a full, thoughtful plan to solve our budget deficit. Piecemeal approaches simply won’t get the job done. We all know that spending cuts need to happen, but they need to be part of a comprehensive solution with long-term financial stability and economic growth in mind.
HF 130 cuts almost $200 million from higher education, making it more difficult for students to afford college. The bill cuts almost $500 million in local government aid, forcing cities and counties to cut services like police, and fire, while raising your property taxes by over $300 million. The bill also reduces support for the some of the most vulnerable in our state including eliminating state funding for child protection services.
Finally, this bill, in what I consider an abdication of legislative responsibility, passes the buck on $200 million in immediate cuts in state agencies to Governor Dayton and his cabinet. These cuts must come from unobligated funds, some examples of which include funding for tuition reimbursement and reintegration for National Guard members, funding for the State Soldiers Assistance Program, disaster relief, student grants, and even state services for the blind. Currently the best estimate is that there are about $195 million in unobligated funds available.
The legislature should not avoid its responsibility and pass the burden to Governor Dayton. Cuts that we make should also be thoughtful and selective, ensuring that we stop placing the entire burden on the middle class and most vulnerable in our state.
In addition to voting on HF 130, the House also considered amendments to the Permanent Rules of the House. I offered an amendment that stated that no representative can solicit or receive campaign contributions from corporations and special interests during the legislative session. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United, it is extremely important that our constituents know that members are not bought and paid for by corporations and special interests. The proposal passed on a unanimous voice vote.
Lastly I want to invite you to the two Town Hall meetings that Senator Torres Ray and I are hosting. The first one will be Tuesday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m. at Peace Coffee Wonderland Park store, 3262 Minnehaha Avenue. The other will be Saturday, February 19, 10:00 a.m. at Longfellow Park, 3435 36th Avenue South.
During this important legislative session, I encourage you to offer your insight, feedback, questions and concerns. My office door in St. Paul is always open, or you can reach me by phone at 651-296-0173 or by email at rep.jim.davnie@house.mn. Thank you for the honor of serving you in state government.
Jim Davnie
State Representative
District 62A
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