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State Representative Leon Lillie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-1188
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
NEWS COLUMN
PROGRESS ACHIEVED AS LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS
For the first time in eight years, the Legislature has finished its budget work on time, without the need for a special session. We worked hard to put together a fiscally responsible plan that addresses current needs and paves the way for future progress in years to come.
Historic Energy Reform
The Legislature made historic and nation-leading achievements in energy reform this session. Sound scientific evidence, economic indicators, and Minnesotans from every corner of the state called on the Legislature to address the issue.
· We established the strongest renewable energy standard in the nation, requiring a quarter of Minnesota's energy to come from renewable sources by 2025.
· Minnesota is also on course now for an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 through the global warming mitigation act.
· Important investments were also made in community-based energy development of alternative energy resources.
It is in the best interest of our state to continue establishing similar policies that will improve our quality of life, protect our environment from further damage, harness great economic opportunity, and provide energy security for our state.
Stabilized Funding For Our Schools
We made important progress this session in stabilizing funding for public schools, passing legislation that will provide $800 million in new money for schools statewide. This was done by increasing the basic formula and funding the gap in special education costs – an area that has eaten up many schools' budgets. Unlike two years ago, none of the new K-12 funding is dependent on property tax increases.
Schools in our communities will benefit significantly from this additional funding over the next biennium:
· $5.9 million increase in funding for North St. Paul School District #622
· $3.1 million increase in funding for Roseville School District #623
The Education bill also restores funding for early childhood education programs that were cut significantly in 2003 and phases in voluntary all-day Kindergarten statewide over the next several years. This additional funding for early intervention programs will narrow the achievement gap and give our youngsters a head start on their studies.
Improving Our Health Care System
Health care reform was one of our main priorities this legislative session. I am happy to report that we have made some significant achievements in this area.
· Legislation was passed this year that will provide health insurance to an additional 37,000 children who are currently without coverage.
· Reform measures were also enacted that will help to lower heath care costs for the 93% of Minnesotans who do have health insurance.
· We also expanded access to mental healthcare, provided emergency relief for nursing homes, and more.
Preserving Our Environment
Some good initiatives were enacted this session that will preserve our environment and natural resources, particularly in protecting our waters and improving habitat for native species. Environmental legislation passed this year will:
· Provide funding to improve trails.
· Fight the growing threat of invasive species.
· Help dispose of toxic electronic waste.
· Increase funding for metro area parks.
· Design necessary water cleanup plans for our lakes, rivers, and streams.
This legislation will also address several critical emerging issues pertinent to endocrine disruptors, preservation and restoration of native prairies, and global climate change. By protecting our environment, we are ensuring that future generations will be able to experience the vast natural resources that make Minnesota such a unique and beautiful place.
Thank you again for allowing me to serve as your State Representative. It has been an honor representing our community this session. The Legislature has adjourned until February 12, 2008 and I am now returning to my full-time work at Northwest Airlines. Please feel free to call or write if you have any questions or concerns. You can contact me by phone at (651) 296-1188 or by email at rep.leon.lillie@house.mn. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
News Items
- SUPPORTING RESPONSIBLE HOMEOWNERS AND STABILIZING NEIGHBORHOODS - (Posted: 2012-03-01 00:00:00)
- Email Update -- Feb. 16, 2012 - (Posted: 2012-02-16 00:00:00)
- 2012 LEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW - (Posted: 2012-01-26 00:00:00)
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