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State Representative John Benson
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9934
For more information contact: Charlene Briner 651-296-5809
NEWS COLUMN
LOOKING FORWARD TO A PRODUCTIVE LEGISLATIVE SESSION
The 85th Legislative Session convened Wednesday, January 3. As I raised my hand to take the oath of office to represent the citizens of District 43B, I was filled with a sense of optimism for Minnesota's future and a sense of awe about the responsibility I've been given. The change in leadership in the House, and an influx of newly elected legislators represents an historic opportunity to make Minnetonka and our state a better place to live, work and raise a family.
Taking their oaths alongside me were 35 new members, 29 Democrats and 6 Republicans, as well as a new Speaker of the House, Margaret Anderson Kelliher. In fact, of the current slate of elected members in the Minnesota House of Representatives, over half of the members are serving either their first or second term. That bodes well for a fresh approach on issues and legislation, and an enthusiasm for generating results.
This week, the House unveiled the first bills to be introduced in the 2007 legislative session. Each of them reflect a focus on core issues Democrats promised, centering on education, health care, lower property taxes and renewable energy. These initiatives will have a significant impact on the quality of life for people across the state, they are affordable, and they will save the state money in later years.
As a former teacher, I'm particularly pleased with the education bills that are a part of the initial package of bills. Among them are a Full-Day Kindergarten Bill that would make voluntary full-day kindergarten available in every school district in the state, an Early Education Bill that restores funding to 2003 levels, and a K-12 Funding Bill that would increase the basic formula by 3% in 2008 and 3% in 2009. Here in Minnetonka, Hopkins and Wayzata, we're fortunate to have some of the finest schools in the state, but like districts across Minnesota, we've not been immune to the increasing financial pressures that come from uncertain state funding. If passed, these bills would go a long way toward expanding educational opportunities for our youngest learners and preparing our graduating seniors to develop the knowledge and skills they'll need to thrive in a changing world.
Rounding out the parcel of key bills are a proposal to provide health coverage for all Minnesota children, a call to increase the percentage of retail electric sales generated from eligible renewable sources to 25% by the year 2020, and a pair of tax bills addressing property tax relief, and one providing $20 million in tax relief to Minnesota taxpayers, including college students and their families, teachers and military personnel.
All of these bills now begin the complex legislative process. However with a majority party in both houses committed to bipartisan progress for the state, and widespread support throughout the legislature, prospects for the bills passage appear bright.
There truly is a sense of anticipation in the air in the halls of the State Capitol. You can see it in the faces of my newly elected colleagues and hear it in the intense conversations of old allies and new friends. It's the anticipation of building on Minnesota's sturdy foundation to create a better, stronger and more secure future for all Minnesotans. I'm ready to get to work.
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News Items
- Rep. John Benson: Southwest Light Rail Transit Good For Businesses, Communities, and Our Future - (Posted: 2012-09-13 00:00:00)
- Legislature Passes Bonding & Vikings Bills, Neglects Skyrocketing Property Taxes - (Posted: 2012-05-10 00:00:00)
- Legislative Update - May 8, 2012 - (Posted: 2012-05-08 00:00:00)
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