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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
NEWS COLUMN
UNEXPECTED REVENUE MAY PROVIDE RELIEF FOR SCHOOLS AND TRANSPORTATION
A report released recently by the Minnesota Department of Finance showed that the state brought in more tax revenue than expected this year collecting approximately 159 million additional dollars. This news, combined with a report showing that Minnesota's unemployment rate is back below the national average, is an indication that our state's economy may be getting stronger.
Additional revenue can also be expected in future budget projections due to the round of vetoes last session that killed several strong pieces of legislation that would have appropriated necessary funding for our transportation system, property tax relief, and more this biennium.
All Minnesotans can benefit if these additional resources are used in a wise and fiscally responsible manner. While the relatively small, unexpected surplus in state revenue can't solve all of the state's looming needs, those funds in combination with the unexpended funds from 2007 budget can be used make serious improvements in several areas of the budget that are currently in need.
Because of good legislation passed this year, schools statewide are receiving strong funding in the first year of the next biennium. But because of a previous lack of revenue to work with, schools are still facing less than impressive funding in the second year. We need to find fiscally sound means to fill this gap in school funding because our schools deserve better. This extra state revenue might be the answer our schools have been hoping for.
On top of that, major transportation maintenance and improvement measures have been put on hold once again for a serious lack of funding. This lack of state funding has cost us over $4 billion in federal matching funds a state that receives about $7 back for every $10 we pay the federal government. Bad roads and an ineffective transportation system harm our economy and steal precious time and resources from both businesses and citizens. It's time we faced the transportation needs that have been overlooked in this state for far too long.
It is also essential that we in the Legislature reform the tax system, making property taxes based on the ability to pay so that all Minnesotans can receive the significant and permanent property tax relief they both need and deserve.
Schools must to be our top priority. We must continue to invest in our transportation system, move boldly ahead with necessary health care reforms, reform the tax system, and introduce other initiatives that will continue helping our economy grow.
In the coming session, I pledge to continue working hard with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to make sure that all Minnesotans get the most out of their tax dollars. I am also strongly committed to ensuring that Rochester is included appropriately in the Bonding Bill, which will be the main focus of the upcoming 2008 legislative session.
We have a great community, and live in one of the best states in the nation we need to work together to keep it that way.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- Its Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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