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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS COLUMN
Peppin Report - Budgets, Borrowing and GAMC
The 2010 legislative session is in full swing, and with it my continued efforts to promote quality job growth and economic opportunity. Equipped with the feedback from the small business forum and town hall listening sessions I recently held, I am committed to working for the needs of the northwest suburbs.
While the priorities of the legislative session are to balance the budget and promote economic recovery, the bonding/borrowing bill has taken center stage during the past few weeks of session. I have many concerns with the bill, especially with its cost and direction, and therefore voted “no” when it came before me.
The bill would commit Minnesota to over $1 billion in new debt at the same time we face a significant deficit. It included millions on civic centers, a snowmaking machine, a sculpture garden and sports arenas, but left out funds to house serious sex offenders and maintain local roads. At a time when we should be focusing on needs, the bonding/borrowing bill was full of wants.
The final bill passed in spite of the Governor’s promise of a veto. The majority leadership has now appropriately pulled the bill back, giving House and Senate leadership, the Governor’s office and all legislators another chance to work on an agreeable solution. Working in a collaborative, open manner will enable us to reach consensus on a bill that reflects the needs of Minnesota citizens and the realities of our budget situation.
The latter was made clear last week as we learned Minnesota is facing a deficit of $994 million in the current biennium, with a projected $5.8 billion deficit for the 2011-12 budget cycle. This deficit is further proof that we need to streamline Minnesota government and focus the state’s efforts on core priorities. Last month, I introduced a series of government reforms, including a Sunset Commission, to do just that. A balanced budget achieved through reforms to right-size and streamline government will further help free market job creators grow Minnesota’s economy.
On a positive note, last week also resulted in an agreement on the issue of GAMC, or general assistance medical care. GAMC is the existing program that provides health care to single adults, low income, homeless, disabled and others in need. Minnesota is one of just 3 states to have an additional health care program specifically for this population (most other states enroll these clients in existing programs similar to MinnesotaCare), and costs have been rising at an unsustainable rate.
The bipartisan solution utilizes innovative Coordinated Care Organizations (CCO’s) to serve the needs of this population while promoting improved health outcomes and reduced costs. It also saves taxpayers $700 million this year alone, and replaces an unsustainable program with a long-term solution. Led by Rep. Matt Dean (R – Stillwater), these reforms show Minnesota’s continued leadership in health care and health care reform.
With two months remaining in the legislative session, there are many important issues left to address. Although the budget situation is largely negative, the challenge facing the legislature is also an opportunity for real reform and positive results to right-size state government. Simply stated, it’s time for government to live within its means, just like families and businesses have been doing during this lengthy period of economic recession. By finding consensus solutions to balance the budget and open the door to economic opportunity, the legislature can free Minnesota’s job providers and families to achieve renewed opportunity and prosperity.
I invite you to contact me with your ideas, concerns and feedback. You can reach me via email at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn or 651.296.7806. U.S. Mail should be sent to Rep. Joyce Peppin, 279 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 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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