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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: Austin Bleess 651-296-5529
NEWS COLUMN
Session Midterm Report ----------------------- LOOK FOP MY LEGISLATIVE SURVEY IN YOUR MAIL BOX
By Joyce Peppin
State Representative, District 32A
I’ve recently mailed my 2006 legislative survey to homes throughout the district. I want to urge you to complete the survey and return it to me as soon as possible. The 10-question survey seeks your input on issues from taxes and education to stadiums and the environment. Many of these issues will come to a vote in the closing weeks of the 2006 legislative session. It’s important to hear your opinion about these and other issues.
Mid-Session Update
The 2006 Minnesota legislative session just passed its midpoint, and with just weeks remaining until the May 22 adjournment, I’m happy to report that the Minnesota House of Representatives has made significant progress on many issues, from passage of a bonding bill to needed reform of the state’s eminent domain law. Here’s a look at some of that legislation:
• MAPLE GROVE HOSPITAL. Already signed into law, the legislation grants a waiver from a state moratorium on new hospital construction. It will allow the construction of a $120 million facility in Maple Grove by North Memorial Health Care and Fairview Health Services. The much needed facility will open in 2009.
• BONDING BILL. In a non-budget session, passage of the $949 bonding bill for capital investment projects was a major issue. The bill that the Minnesota House passed focuses on the state’s infrastructure priorities – higher education, economic development, transportation, the environment and public safety. But I am concerned about the cost of financing such debt.
• EMINENT DOMAIN. The House approved legislation that would prohibit the use of eminent domain for economic development purposes. The legislation comes in response to a 2005 recent Supreme Court ruling that would allow government entities to take property and turn it over to private developers. Protecting property rights is vital.
• WELFARE REFORM. In light of a recent Legislative Auditors report decrying mistakes in welfare applications, House panels passed measures to close welfare loopholes. One would require state and county employees to report violations of federal immigration laws by those applying for public benefits. Another bill would extend the residency requirement to 90 days for full benefits for those applying for General Assistance.
• K-12 EDUCATION. In a supplementary K-12 education bill that passed out of committee, one important provision would greatly expand the opportunities for students for increased participation in advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs (AP/IB). In addition, funding is provided to help schools redesign curriculum and facilities to improve student access to science, technology engineering and mathematics.
Some issues that will still need to be resolved include passage of a tax bill. There is strong support to eliminate the marriage penalty in the state tax code and House leaders have recently proposed giving property tax rebates in the fall, with the average household receiving about $200. The Senate proposes to increase other taxes to provide property tax relief. I will not support legislation to increase Minnesotans’ tax burden. It’s worth noting that State Finance officials recently reported that tax revenue to the state in February and March was $114 million more than projected. We do not need to raise taxes.
Another issue in the spotlight is stadiums. The House already passed legislation to provide funding for new football stadium for the University of Minnesota. In exchange for 3,000 acres of U of M land in Dakota County, the state will pay the University $9.4 million annually for 25 years to help construct the facility. I have some concerns about the proposal. Both the House and Senate committees have held hearings about a bill to allow Hennepin County to fund a stadium for the Minnesota Twins. Can a Vikings proposal be far behind?
Rep. Peppin represents District 32A, which includes the communities of Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Hanover, Rogers, Hassan Township, and southwestern Maple Grove. Peppin invites anyone to share their questions or comments about state government with her. She may be reached by email at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn; by phone at (651) 296-7806; or by U.S. Mail at 411 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.
News Items
- PEPPIN REPORT: NW SUBURBAN FAMILIES WILL BE HIT HARD UNDER DAYTON AND DFL BUDGET - (Posted: May 28 2013 4:35PM)
- Rep. Peppin’s bill would lessen unfair fiscal disparities tax burden on Rogers - (Posted: Apr 3 2013 9:36AM)
- PEPPIN REPORT: FEBRUARY FORECAST REVEALS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE STATE SURPLUS - (Posted: Feb 28 2013 12:00AM)
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