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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
2008 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN REVIEW
By Joyce Peppin
State Representative, District 32A
The 2008 legislative session has ended, and with it, comes good news for residents of the northwest suburbs. We balanced the budget, lived within our means and delivered property tax relief to Minnesota families.
The tone for session was set when we learned in February that the state was facing a $925 million deficit. That understanding loomed in our minds as we struggled to make improvements for our state, especially in the area of schools, health care, roads and property taxes. My goal was to resolve the deficit without raising the tax burden on Minnesota families.
I was pleased legislative leadership and Governor Pawlenty were able to set aside their differences the last few days of session and work in a bipartisan way to find the solution. The deficit was erased by cutting $355 million in spending, using $500 million from Minnesota’s rainy day fund, and adjusting Minnesota’s corporate tax system to secure $100 million in additional revenue.
While eliminating the deficit was our biggest success, our second strongest accomplishment was the property tax relief package that passed in the tax bill. We have struggled for years to help homeowners cope with yearly property tax increases. The package that passed provides $25 million in a dedicated property tax relief program, $60 million for additional Local Government Aid (LGA), and a 3.9% property tax cap for the next three years in order to protect property owners from excessive local levy increases.
Another piece of good news this session was a health care reform initiative that promotes patient-centered, consumer-driven health care over a government-run health care system. Health care is the largest and fastest growing part of the state budget, and we were able to limit its growth and take steps to make health care more affordable. Small business owners and employees benefited most from the reform package, as the new legislation provides tax credits for individuals and small employers who enroll in what are known as Section 125 plans. It also provides grants to encourage employers to set up these plans – which will lead to federal and state tax deductions.
Other successes include a cost of living increase for nursing homes, a temporary funding increase for schools and a tax credit for our military veterans.
I am also pleased to report that some of my personal initiatives moved forward, including:
1. Energy independence: As our state’s need for alternative energy continues to grow, I have been successful in including the expansion of nuclear power in the mix of energy options discussed by state officials. It’s time for an expansion of this reliable, affordable, environmentally friendly and safe energy source.
2. Ethanol subsidies: Earlier this year, I introduced HF 4175, a bill to save taxpayers more than $90 million by ending “producer payments” to corporate ethanol producers. After 22 years of subsidies, it’s time for the industry to succeed or fail on its own.
3. Medical records protection: The Minnesota Department of Health currently keeps a database of DNA records of all newborn babies in Minnesota for 20 years or more. I successfully sponsored legislation that will make it much easier for families to opt out of this program and keep medical records private.
4. Welfare reform: There are too many able-bodied people who receive welfare benefits in Minnesota. I successfully passed legislation in the House that would prevent people from receiving a welfare check by simply “volunteering” to work on political campaigns, a blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars.
It is an honor to serve you in the Minnesota House. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the legislative session. Thank you for the privilege of representing you.
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News Items
- PEPPIN REPORT: FORECAST SHOWS THIRD CONSECUTIVE STATE SURPLUS - (Posted: 2012-12-06 00:00:00)
- A Look Ahead to the 2012 Legislative Session - (Posted: 2012-01-26 00:00:00)
- A Call to Caucus - (Posted: 2012-02-04 00:00:00)
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