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State Representative Michael Beard
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8872
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
NEWS COLUMN
LEGISLATIVE NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE
We are in the closing days of the 2008 legislative session. Some issues are resolved but the major work is yet to be done as legislative leaders and the governor negotiate a “global agreement” under which the budget can be balanced.
Negotiations at this point could best be called slow, but steady. We started out on items that we generally agree on, passing bills for agriculture, public safety and veterans. As time progresses, things get more difficult and we’re now at the point where we are dealing with the core issues: health care, education, taxes and a balanced budget.
HEALTH CARE
The House gave tepid approval to a health care bill Monday night, but without the votes to override the inevitable veto the chances of it becoming law are slim. It would expand subsidized health programs at a rate that would bankrupt its funding in five years. These programs are already some of the fastest growing parts of the state budget, expanding them when we have a budget deficit is not fiscally responsible. It remains to be seen whether or not a second bill will come forward after the veto. This is one of the most frustrating things about the last two years. I wish leadership would take a more realistic approach and not make us spend weeks on end hearing bills that we know will be vetoed. If they managed our agenda better, I think we could avoid this end of session rush.
TAXES
The tax bill is another bill that could get vetoed if it reaches the governor’s desk without major changes. As it passed the House, it centers around “reform” in the property tax system that would actually end up raising taxes on more people than it lowers them. That’s clearly not the direction we need to go.
EDUCATION
Details for a small funding increase are still being negotiated. The main sticking point is where the money will come from. The original idea of taking it from the QComp program is not going to work out. Expect this to be one of the last things to be worked out before the session adjourns.
THE BUDGET
As I’ve said before, we have a $935 million budget deficit that needs balanced. Other proposals to revive funding for the Minneapolis to St. Paul light rail line will have to wait until the deficit is resolved.
Lastly, I want to note a correction to my last update where I incorrectly mentioned that income limits for property tax relief programs increase for families of five or more (two parents and three kids). What I should have said is that income limits increase for families with five or more dependents (two parents and five kids). I apologize for the mistake and any confusion it created. Again, for more info on property tax relief programs, please visit www.taxes.state.mn.us. The filing deadline is August 15.
Expect another update or two later this week or into the weekend as the final details of the session are settled.
Sincerely,
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