Accessibility menu
State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
Press/News Releases
HOUSE ADJOURNS ON TIME; PASSES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT SCHOOLS, NURSING HOMES AND PROPERTY OWNERS
St. Paul, MN – The 2008 legislative session adjourned on Sunday, May 18th, finishing on time for the second year in a row. State Rep. John Ward (DFL-Brainerd) said that despite facing a budget deficit, he believes the final budget package makes important investments in key areas such as education, property tax relief and health care.
"When I came into office two years ago, I joined my colleagues in the House in laying out our top priorities for the two-year budget cycle," said Ward. "I'm very pleased with the progress we made over the last two years, and believe our communities, schools, seniors and families are better off as the result of the work we did."
The House plan to offer a 1% funding boost for every school in the state was incorporated into the final budget bill. As a result, every school will get an additional $51 per student, as well as the flexibility to transfer another $51 per student from the capital budget into their general fund for critical needs.
"We all know the tough decisions our schools have been forced to make over the past few years because of inadequate state funding," said Ward. "While I know this short-term funding boost does not solve all of those problems, it is still significant money that can help pay for things like teachers, extracurricular activities, or just to help cover rising food and transportation costs."
Property owners will see some relief as a result of this bill, as well. The compromise budget calls for levy limits capped at 3.9 percent over the next 3 years. To help fund critical local costs such as public safety and infrastructure, an additional $60 million will be allocated to local governments and $25 million will go directly to homeowners.
Nursing homes, another top priority for Ward and House Democrats, will see a 4 percent cost of living adjustment over the two years of the biennium.
"Budget negotiations are never easy, especially when you have to make cuts," said Ward. "This is a balanced, reasonable and solid budget that makes good use of the budget reserve and strategic cuts to address the critical needs of our state. I'm proud to vote for it."
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)
- Archived News Items
- Subscribe to RSS News Feeds
- Read more about RSS.