Accessibility menu
State Representative Leon Lillie
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-1188
For more information contact: Ted Modrich 651-296-5809
NEWS COLUMN
2011 Legislative Session Update
The 2011 legislative session is underway and like last session, our economic and fiscal challenges will dominate our work at the Capitol. With over 200,000 Minnesotans still unemployed and a $6.2 billion budget deficit, it is absolutely critical that the legislature works with Governor Dayton to solve these difficult problems.
While the economy has stabilized and begun to improve for some, there are still far too many Minnesotans who can’t find work and those who have jobs are working harder while earning less and less. We passed several successful job-creating pieces of legislation last session and for this session we’ll look to build on that by streamlining licensing procedures and regulations for businesses, so they can expand and hire more employees without wading through red tape. As a member of the Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee, I will work closely on these initiatives.
In addition, I’m also sitting on the Rules and Legislative Administration committee — the committee responsible for setting the rules of House procedure — and the State Government Finance Committee, responsible for agency budgeting.
In another move to help boost job growth, Governor Dayton has also expressed a strong desire for another bonding bill this session; a move that I support. Former Governor Pawlenty vetoed several projects that would have provided much-needed jobs and economic expansion across the state. Those projects should be strongly considered this year. These jobs will help our deficits in the short term, while also helping our regional centers and strengthening our economy over the long-term.
With regards to that $6.2 billion budget deficit, there are no easy solutions. Balancing our budget will require tough decisions, but if we’re willing to make smart, courageous choices, we can set Minnesota on the path to long-term economic prosperity.
But as I’m working on these important issues, I need your input. Please feel free to contact me with your questions, suggestions and concerns. My office is room 281 in the State Office Building and I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-1188 and by email at rep.leon.lillie@house.mn. You can also monitor activities at the House, track bills and watch live video by going to http://house.mn.
Last, but certainly not least; while I understand times are still tough for many of you, please help others where you can in our community and beyond. Contribute to a local food shelter or support their work in some other way. Donate clothes or shoes that you never wear. Many in our community continue to struggle and might need just a little help. Thank you in advance for your generosity to these groups.
Leon Lillie
State Representative
District 55A
rep.leon.lillie@house.mn
(651) 296-1188
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)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.