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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
Early Action Budget Bill, Government Reforms and Nuclear Update
Dear Friends,
The 2011 session is underway and I wanted to take a moment to update you on events at the Capitol.
In this update:
1. Early Action Budget Bill
2. Government Reforms Move Ahead
3. Nuclear Power Update
1. Early Action Budget Bill
My Republican colleagues and I are wasting no time in promoting fiscal responsibility in government and job growth in Minnesota. This week we introduced our early action budget bill, which would immediately reduce the current projected deficit by $1 billion dollars. The bill has several key provisions. First, it makes the 2010 session’s one-time spending reductions permanent, preventing the auto-pilot spending increases that have driven government’s fiscal mess. It also prevents state agencies from spending unnecessary funds at the end of the year—so-called “Christmas in June.” We’re telling agencies that in these tough economic times, they need to stop all unnecessary spending so that we can put those funds toward priorities. And to that end, the bill sets forward that K-12, special education and universities cannot be cut. With our early action budget bill, House Republicans are making government live within its means and putting Minnesota priorities first.
2. Government Reforms Move Ahead
In addition to budget reform, my Republican colleagues and I recognize the need to bring lasting structural change to government. This week saw the re-introduction of the “15x15” initiative to reduce the size and cost of the state workforce 15 percent by 2015. My committee gave the bill its first hearing, and after testimony from all sides of the issue the bill gained approval on a voice vote.
The legislation offers many tools, including furloughs, cuts, wage freezes, benefit reforms and an early retirement option to achieve the 15 percent reduction. When combined with our other reform efforts like my Sunset Commission proposal, this bill will help restructure government for the future and enable us to deliver state services in a more efficient, results-oriented manner. By setting a goal and a deadline, the 15x15 initiative drives the reform we need to let go of the status quo and redesign government for the 21st century.
3. Nuclear Power Update
Last week I discussed my legislation to lift the nuclear power moratorium, and I also had the opportunity to debate the issue on TPT’s Almanac. If you didn’t get a chance to watch last Friday, you can find the video here: www.mnvideovault.org/mpml_player_embed.php?vid_id=21716&select_index=0.
As I said on the show, nuclear is a safe, cost-effective resource that brings power to our homes and quality jobs to our communities. I was pleased to see Sen. Al Franken support expanded nuclear energy this week, and I hope his Democratic colleagues in the Legislature will soon do the same. Nuclear can play a key role for our state and our nation in creating a more affordable, sustainable and independent energy future.
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As always, if you have questions or comments on any legislative issue, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Joyce
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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