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State Representative John Lesch
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4224
For more information contact: Nick Halter 651-297-1934
NEWS COLUMN
Finishing Strong
The DFL’s mantra for this Legislative session has been jobs. It’s the battle cry that has allowed us to get so much done half-way through session. We’ve passed more than 80 bills and have ensured basic healthcare for the poorest and sickest among us. More importantly, the Legislature has passed two packages that align with our overall jobs agenda.
The House approved that second jobs bill this past Monday. It will save and create around 10,000 jobs across the state in sectors like bioscience, manufacturing, construction, and the green economy. It is a mixture of tax credits and Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The tax credits will bring high-tech companies to our state and provide funding for fixing our historical structures.
TIF increments can be used to help finance private development that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. This means that construction companies and trade unions will be able to get off the bench and work on worthwhile projects. The best thing about this bill is that it combines funding for innovative green technologies while bolstering our infrastructure projects.
While these measures will benefit all Minnesotans there is more work to be done. Our main goal after the Passover break is to finish fixing our budget deficit. This week we patched up one-third of the $994 million hole the state faces. The plan is to fix the rest through two more budget bills. By breaking up the budget into chunks we avoid having to tangle with the entire $994 million at the end of session.
There is another important reason for separating the deficit. With the historic passage of brand new healthcare legislation Minnesota is poised to capture new federal funding. This could mean that instead of solving our entire deficit through cuts we could use these federal dollars to shore up our budget.
At this point we’re waiting to hear just how much Minnesota will receive. Even with that added bonus there will still be another cut bill. The next round will focus on health and human services. Just like with the first third of cuts we face difficult choices. But Minnesotans elected us to not back down when the going gets tough. So we’ll endure and develop the best solution for the state with the means at our disposal.
I’m determined to end the session just as strongly as it started. When the smoke settles the DFL will have led the way in balancing the budget and getting Minnesotans back to work.
Of course we can’t escape reality. The simple fact remains that in the next biennium we must tangle with a deficit of enormous proportions. When you factor in inflation it could be as high as $8 billion dollars. Our bad habit of giving tax breaks to jet-setters while everyday Minnesotans endure a drop in quality-of-life must end.
With this looming problem, it is time to take a look in the mirror. Where do we want our state to go? There was a time when our state could boast of a world-class education system, pristine lakes and forests, and thriving communities. But now, universities are shuttering programs, schools are concerned about budgets, and local governments are forced to cut crucial public services.
This is not the path I envision for Minnesota. It’s time we stand up for a more equitable state that provides the tools our citizens need to start a career and family.
News Items
- Rep. Lesch, Senator John Marty and Revenue Commissioner Frans to talk tax reform with area residents at St. Paul town hall meeting - (Posted: 2012-12-12 00:00:00)
- Rep. Lesch Named Chair of the House Civil Law Committee - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- EARTH DAY A CHANCE FOR REFLECTION, ACTION - (Posted: 2012-04-17 00:00:00)
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