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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
NEWS COLUMN
SIGNS OF PROGRESS EVIDENT IN OUR DISTSRICT
With the 2008 legislative session just around the corner, I thought it would be helpful to reflect on some of the progress we have made in our district over the past three years, as well as look forward to what lies ahead.
As we look around our community, we can see many examples of progress, beginning, of course, with the Faribault State Prison. The bonding bill of 2005 funded Phase I for over $85 million, and in 2006, Phase II received $28 million. I was very proud to offer this legislation during my first term in the House, and believe our community has benefited greatly from the jobs these improvements brought, as well as the increased security. I am proposing more funding for the prison in the 2008 bonding bill, and am optimistic it will be included in the final package.
We also have a beautiful new energy plant the result of my first legislative initiative, significant improvements have been made to South Central College and Frechette Hall at the School for the Deaf, and the Paradise Center for the Arts received funding for a handicapped accessible elevator. My "Remember with Dignity" legislation provides grave markers to those who have been forgotten at state hospitals or regional treatment centers, and veterans now have a 24-hour hotline to call in times of crisis.
There is no doubt many people helped me with this legislation. I worked with city officials, our mayor and our local police and fire departments to make these projects happen. I also know that as my experience has grown in the state legislature, the relationships I have formed and my increased understanding of the legislative process have contributed to our success.
When offering and voting for legislation, all representatives must do a balancing act between what is good for the state, and what affects the lives and safety of our constituents. I feel very fortunate that I have been able to not only bring these projects back to our district, but last year also helped pass statewide legislation that restores the funding cuts to early childhood education, offered the first responsible funding package for higher education in years, and poured $800 million into our schools the largest funding increase in years that does not depend on property taxes. We also passed nation-leading legislation to protect our environment.
There is much left to do, however. My priorities haven't changed I am still working for stronger funding for education, lower property taxes, improved roads and bridges, and increased funding for nursing homes, among others. This year we face the challenge of a budget deficit one that could deepen when the February forecast is released. I share the fundamental values of the working people in our district; I'm ready to tighten my belt and be frugal with our taxpayer dollars. However, I also know there is not one ounce of pork in this district, and there remain a lot of needs. This will be the balancing act of the upcoming session finding a way to support our traditional values as well as work within our budget constraints. I remain hopeful that we will find a way to do this, and I appreciate your support and feedback along the way.
Please feel free to contact me on this or any other issue. I can be reached at (651) 296-8237, 551 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.patti.fritz@house.mn.
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Lets Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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