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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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REP. WARD CO-AUTHORS BILLS THAT ADDRESS TOP PRIORITIES
ST. PAUL – State Representative John Ward (DFL-Brainerd) joined his colleagues in the House today to roll out the first bills to be introduced in the legislative session. The bills all reflect the "stick to the basics" agenda the new majority promised, focusing on the key issues of a great education for our kids, access to affordable health care and lower property taxes.
Rep. Ward is a co-author of several of the first bills, including one to provide health care coverage for all Minnesota children and two related to education - all day kindergarten and a funding increase for Early Childhood Family Education.
Ward is also co-author of a bill to address skyrocketing property taxes through a combination of aid increases to cities and counties, more school aid and levy support and direct credits and refunds to homeowners. He has signed on to a proposal to increase the percentage of retail electric sales that must be generated from renewable sources, and a bill to continue state appropriations at the current level if the Legislature and Governor are unable to agree on a budget bill, as well. One final tax bill offers over $20 million in tax relief by conforming state tax laws to three federal tax laws.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to co-author legislation that addresses our campaign priorities of education, health care and property tax reform," said Ward. "I'm pleased we are moving so quickly and based on initial indications from the Governor, it appears all of these bills have a good chance of becoming law."
The three percent budget surplus announced in November offers an increased opportunity to address these priorities, according to Ward.
"All of these proposals fit into the current budget projections," said Ward. "This legislation will help our cities, townships and counties, as well as our children and families."
News Items
- 2013 Legislative Session Preview - (Posted: Jan 11 2013 8:39AM)
- Assistant Majority Leader Rep. John Ward Sworn-In as Legislative Session Starts - (Posted: Jan 8 2013 2:39PM)
- Rep. John Ward Elected Assistant Majority Leader and Selected to Serve as Vice Chair of Capital Investment Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-19 00:00:00)
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