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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
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E-Update
Legislative Update -- March 2, 2012
Dear neighbors,
The legislative session is just over a month old and the big news of last week was the release of the redistricting maps last Tuesday. The new district lines will go into effect for this fall's election meaning Minnesotans will certainly have an interest in learning about their new lines. The judicial panel redistricting maps are posted at the following website: http://www.gis.leg.mn/html/redistricting.html.
The new maps certainly bring a lot of intrigue at the State Capitol, but we need to remain focused on the job at hand. Historically, the primary focus of each even-year legislative session is passing a bonding bill. A month into a reportedly short session, we’re still waiting for a bonding bill proposal from the majority. I’m hoping we will see a proposal soon so negotiations with the Governor’s office can begin.
I remain committed to collaboration and bipartisan legislation to help rebuild Minnesota’s middle class, lower property taxes, improve schools — pre-K through higher education — for our children, and set our great state on a path to long-term prosperity.
As session continues to move along, I welcome input on these or any other legislative issues. Thank you again for the honor of serving you in the legislature.
Kim Norton
State Representative
District 29B
(651) 296-9249
rep.kim.norton@house.mn
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CONSTITUENT MEETINGS
I continue to hold regular constituent meetings throughout the year to discuss state and community issues. The next meeting will take place at 8:30am on Saturday, March 10 at Dunn Brothers Coffee (120 Elton Hills Drive NW). Please attend if you can!
Saturday, March 10 – next constituent meeting
8:30am – 9:30am Dunn Brothers Coffee 120 Elton Hills Drive NW, Rochester
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UPDATES FROM THE CAPITOL
Basic Skills Exams for Teachers: Governor Dayton recently signed a bill requiring teaching candidates to pass a basic skills exam before being granted an initial teaching license. Previously, the law allowed a person who completed a teacher preparation program but did not pass the basic skills exam to receive up to three one-year licenses to teach under certain conditions.
The bill passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support. The bill was crafted with input from legislators on both sides of the aisle and with a serious intention on working together. I hope this can be a model for us going forward.
February Budget Forecast
This week, Minnesota Management and Budget announced that the state has a $323 million surplus. Current law states that $5 million of the surplus must go to budget reserves with the rest beginning to pay back the $2.75 billion borrowed from Minnesota schools.
While any surplus is certainly better than a deficit, our state is still left with billions in debt and deficits over the long-term. Last year’s final budget agreement — which I voted against — borrowed $700 million more from our schoolchildren, borrowed another $700 million through the use of tobacco bonds, and has left us with a $1.1 billion budget deficit next year. That deficit balloons to $2.1 billion when inflation is included.
In total, according to non-partisan House Research, it would take $5.339 billion to pay off our debt and deficits next year.
I fully support paying back our schools and kids — and the sooner the better. I also support balanced approaches to future budgets that don’t rely on short-term gimmicks. The time has come for lawmakers to sit down and dedicate themselves to the hard work of restoring Minnesota to responsible budgeting. No more using our kids’ schools as piggy banks. No more budget gimmicks. They’ve been tried, and they haven’t worked.
Vikings Stadium
On March 1, Governor Dayton, Vikings owner Zygi Wilf, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and a number of legislators introduced a plan to build a Vikings stadium adjacent to the Metrodome in downtown Minneapolis.
The total cost of their proposal is $975 million, with the state paying $398 million, Minneapolis paying $150 million and the Vikings paying $427 million. In addition, Minneapolis would pay $7 million a year in operating and capital expenses, with the Vikings paying $13 million annually. Overall, the state pays 26.7 percent of the cost; Minneapolis pays 22.7 percent, and the Vikings pay 50.6 percent.
The state’s share of the costs would be paid for through the use of charitable electronic pull tabs in bars and restaurants. You can find more detail on the proposal here: http://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/pressreleasedetail.jsp?id=102-37065
Please contact me with your input and opinions on this proposal. As always, your views will help guide my actions on this complicated issue.
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STAY INFORMED
In addition to these email updates, there are a number of ways for Minnesotans to follow major issues and get a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to subscribe to this listserv at www.house.mn/29B.
Follow me on Twitter @knorton29 to receive regular updates and insight into the legislative process.
Watch the latest editions of Rep. Kim Norton’s Journal, on YouTube. I bring weekly updates and insight on legislation and events at the Capitol. My most recent broadcast was Wednesday, recapping the recent events of the legislative session: http://youtu.be/4G4vPvjpPc0
The Senate and House produce award-winning weekly and daily news magazines during the legislative session online and in print. To subscribe or for general information about the House (651) 296-2146, Senate (651) 296-0504, and legislative process, visit the Legislature’s website at www.leg.state.mn.us and click on “general information."
You can also track bills I’m working on at my House website: www.house.mn/29B.
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- It’s 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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