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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
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HOUSE WILL MOVE QUICKLY TO CREATE JOBS AND STIMULATE THE ECONOMY
St. Paul, MN – State Representative Patti Fritz (DFL-Faribault) said the 2008 Legislative session is off to a fast start, and she expects quick progress will be made on legislation that will boost the economy by providing jobs, making roads and bridges safer, and protecting the environment.
"This session, our first two significant bills will be a comprehensive and responsible transportation bill, and a bonding bill that will fund work projects across the state.
Together, these two bills could create over 40 thousand jobs, which are desperately needed with our economy in a recession."
On the first day, the House introduced the Safe Roads and Bridges Improvement Act, the 2008 omnibus transportation funding legislation. The bill invests $8.4 billion in Minnesota’s transportation system over the next ten years, with a good balance between rural and metro needs, and between transit and highways. It is expected this legislation could create over 33 thousand jobs in the first year alone.
According to Fritz, the legislation is a responsible combination of bonding and a five-cent increase in the state's gas tax, which has not been increased in 20 years.
"I'm from the old school, and I don't believe borrowing is the answer to solving all of our state's problems," said Rep. Fritz. ""In just the past five years, the debt on the Minnesota Department of Transportation's trunk highway fund has grown by 650 percent.
It troubles me deeply that we are passing this staggering debt on to our children and grandchildren, especially when you consider that the roads will crumble even before the bill is paid."
The bill also provides tax relief. Those over eighteen in the lowest tax bracket will receive a $25 credit to offset the increase in the gas tax, which will begin to apply for tax year 2009. Additionally, this increased investment will relieve pressure on local taxpayers by providing additional resources for county highways and city streets.
"The lack of funding from the state to fix local roads and bridges is one of the key factors driving up local property taxes," said Fritz.
In addition to introducing the transportation bill, the House also passed the Legacy Bill on the first day back. This bill will put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot asking voters to approve 0.375 of the state's sales tax to protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources, parks and the arts. The bill now moves to Conference Committee and is expected to return to the House floor for final passage on Thursday.
According to Fritz, in the next few weeks the bonding bill will be introduced, as well as a health care reform package designed to expand benefits and reduce costs, a stand-alone nursing home funding bill, and a school funding bill. Fritz acknowledges, however, that increased spending will be a challenge because of the growing state budget deficit.
"I share the fundamental values of the working people in our district," said Fritz. "There is not one ounce of pork, and there remain a lot of needs. We may need to be creative, and take a critical look at every aspect of the budget."
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: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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