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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
PRESS RELEASE
2012 Legislative Session Underway
PEPPIN TO CHAMPION INITIATIVES TO REFORM GOVERNMENT,
PROMOTE PRIVATE SECTOR JOB GROWTH
St. Paul – State Representative Joyce Peppin (R-Rogers) and fellow Republican representatives convened the 2012 legislative session with a slate of initiatives designed to restore economic confidence, grow the private sector, reform education and health care, and reduce the size, scope and cost of government.
“As chair of the Government Operations and Elections Committee and author of several reform initiatives, I look forward to continuing my efforts to bring structural change to government that not only saves taxpayers money, but also promotes free market job growth,” Peppin stated.
The Republican-led Legislature heads into the new year with a projected $876 million surplus created in part by a partial economic uptick and the passage of a fiscally responsible budget.
Peppin said the 2012 focus will continue to be job growth and economic development. “Our jobs agenda will expand economic freedom through the removal of red tape, excessive commercial taxation, and obstructive barriers that inhibit job growth and entrepreneurial innovation,” Peppin explained. “When we allow our local businesses the freedom to take risks and add jobs, we increase the overall quality of life for Minnesotans.”
Another additional topic to be discussed this year includes a possible capital investment, or bonding bill. Capital investment bills use the state’s credit authority to issue bonds to pay for improvements to colleges and universities, prisons, bridges, wastewater treatment plans and other public safety and environmental projects.
“It is important lawmakers take a close look at the Governor’s capital investment recommendations to ensure they have statewide significance. I am concerned that many of the Governor’s bonding proposals are strictly local projects that favor powerful political constituencies and run up debt on the state’s credit card. That is not an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars,” Peppin stated.
The legislature also has another opportunity to pass a redistricting bill this session. Every ten years, the legislature is tasked with the job of redrawing legislative district lines to reflect changes in population. Due to strong growth in the northwest suburbs, Peppin’s current district, 32A, is overpopulated and will be reduced in size. The legislature must pass a bill before February 21 or a court drawn plan will be implemented.
“I look forward to hearing from constituents and welcome your calls, email and visits to the Capitol this session,” Peppin said.
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Representative Peppin serves the residents of Rogers, Maple Grove, Corcoran, Dayton, Greenfield, Hassan, and Hanover. She encourages constituents to contact her on any issue of state or local concern. She may be reached at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn or 651.296.7806. 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: 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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