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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
2008 LEGISLATIVE SESSION GETS OFF TO A RUNNING START
This week marked the beginning of the 2008 Legislative Session. With a lot to accomplish before the close of session on May 19, we got off to a running start taking action on a number of important bills including:
· Final passage of the "Legacy Act" took place on the third day of session, giving voters the choice this November to dedicate a new portion of the sales tax (3/8 of one percent) to the environment and natural resources, parks, and cultural heritage.
· A comprehensive transportation package for roads, bridges, and transit improvements statewide is moving quickly through the committee process and is scheduled for a final vote in the House and Senate next week.
· Legislation to adequately compensate victims of the I35W Bridge collapse passed out of its first committee and is scheduled for further hearings in House and Senate committees in the coming weeks.
· An important capital investment bill capable of creating as many as 10,000 jobs in our state is moving quickly as the Legislature considers hundreds of bonding proposals from communities statewide.
Forefront in the minds of all legislators is the looming state budget deficit brought on by an economic downturn in Minnesota. Experts predict the February budget forecast will reveal an even larger deficit brought on by worsening economic conditions. My top priority in the upcoming session will be working with my fellow legislators to correct the state budget deficit, and find long-term economic solutions that will create and sustain good-paying jobs in our state.
Minnesota's State Economist Tom Stinson said it plainly, "Clearly the state needs more jobs." I couldn't agree more. In Minnesota job growth is currently at 12,000 new jobs per year, while the national average is at 30,000 annually. Without providing incentives for job growth here in Minnesota, our economy cannot reach its full potential.
Delivering a strong bonding bill this session will be essential in the effort to stimulate our economy. In doing so we can fund work projects throughout Minnesota in areas such as transportation, education, wastewater, and the environment. I anticipate the House and Senate will reach agreement on a bonding bill early in the session as we strive to get projects started quickly and create thousands of jobs across the state.
While a good bonding bill will be extremely important, putting our economy back on track is going to take more than a short-term solution. Policymakers must consider the state's role in fostering an economic climate that supports small businesses, workforce development, and entrepreneurial growth. In doing so, we need to partner with business leaders statewide in an effort to put Minnesota on the cutting edge of high-potential 21st Century industries that will create jobs and ensure economic stability well into the future.
By acting responsibly in a time of uncertainty, we can help create economic security and pave the way for further improvements in transportation, property tax relief, changing the way we fund education, and comprehensive reform in our state’s health care system. After solid progress made on these issues last session, continued work on property tax relief, education, and health care reform is taking place currently in a number of committees in both the House and Senate.
This is an exciting time to be involved in the legislative process. A flurry of activity has consumed every corner of the Capitol at the start of what I am hopeful will be a productive legislative session. In the coming weeks and months, I strongly encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns you have on any issue. Your input during these crucial days is extremely important. Please take a moment to drop by the Capitol and see me in person to speak about the issues and specific bills most important to you. I look forward to hearing from you.
You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-1188 or by email at rep.leon.lillie@house.mn. 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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