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State Representative David Bly
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0171
For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
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2008 LEGISLATURE DELIVERS RESULTS AND ADJOURNS ON TIME BALANCED BUDGET, HEALTH CARE REFORM, EDUCATION FUNDING, AND PROPERTY TAY RELIEF
ST. PAUL, MN – Lawmakers concluded a successful 2008 legislative session with passage of a budget-balancing bill that closes tax loopholes for foreign-operating companies, and provides needed funding for public schools and nursing homes. In addition, the legislature passed a property tax relief bill that will deliver direct and permanent property tax relief to most Minnesotans. Rep. David Bly (DFL – Northfield) is pleases the Legislature delivered results on these issues that matter so much for the state.
"The bread and butter issues I wanted to address when I began my first Legislative session in 2007 was education, long-term care, and property taxes," said Bly. "After two successful legislative sessions, we have moved Minnesota forward substantially on each of these critical issues."
Bly said education funding was a top priority entering the session, and is pleased they were able to provide a funding increase to schools across the state despite the budget deficit. Every school district will receive a $51 per-pupil funding increase and have the option to transfer an additional $51 per-pupil from their capital fund to their general fund.
"Last time we had a budget deficit we harmed our schools badly with deep cuts. I am glad we learned our lesson this year," said Bly. "The balanced funding increase we made in our schools this year puts us on the right track to keep Minnesota schools the best in the nation."
Bly would like to see the Legislature go further on health care reform, but was pleased with the results in 2007 to cover over 30,000 previously uninsured kids with health insurance and the health bill is designed to emphasize preventative, quality health care.
"The health care crisis in this country isn't going away," said Bly. "We took some positive steps this year, but I look forward to continue working to substantially change the way we deliver health care so it can be truly affordable and accessible to every Minnesotan."
Bly said property tax relief is finally on the way after passage of a property tax bill that delivered $60 million in Local Government Aid to starved cities and counties and $25 million in direct property tax relief through the property tax refund program.
"Year after year Minnesotans have seen their property taxes increase dramatically and we had to put an end to it," said Bly. "I am glad we were able to work together and deliver property tax relief with a bi-partisan support."
Rep. Bly is available to discuss and comment on the end of the 2008 legislative session if you have any questions. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing this legislation with him.
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News Items
- Rep.-elect Bly Selected as Vice Chair of Housing Finance and Policy Committee - (Posted: Dec 21 2012 12:06PM)
- House Passes Flood Relief for Southern Minnesota in Special Session - (Posted: 2010-10-18 00:00:00)
- Governor signs eminent domain law to protect landowners - (Posted: 2010-05-03 00:00:00)
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