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State Representative Bob Dettmer
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4124
For more information contact: Jodi Boyne 651-296-0640
NEWS COLUMN
April 5 Legislative Update
Neighbors,
This week was a busy one - the House was on the floor everyday this week getting bills passed and sent to the Governor. On Tuesday in the House Higher Education Committee, we heard from the candidates interested in the role of being a University of Minnesota Board of Regents member. Then yesterday evening, the House and the Senate held a joint convention in the House Chambers and appointed Thomas Devine of Chanhassen as the University's newest Regent. He said he will start his term immediately.
This morning, we learned that Governor Dayton had vetoed the Legislature's plan to pay back the K-12 school shift. Having been a public school teacher for 30 years, this news is very disappointing - I believe that it is very important to pay back the money owed to our schools, our children deserve it. Our plan paid back the entire shift borrowed as part of the 2011 budget agreement with Governor Dayton last summer, as well as made the first payment on the remaining K-12 shift from the 2010 legislative session's budget agreement. This plan was economically responsible and properly prioritized. After learning of the state's $1.2 billion budget surplus for the current biennium, many Legislators wanted to use that money to pay back the school shift. In reality, if a family pays all of their bills and they still have money left, shouldn’t they use some of that money to pay down any other debts? When there is extra money, the first thing you do is pay off debt. That is fiscal responsibility. Paying off our debt saves money in interest costs, leaves more money for hiring teachers, and upgrading classroom equipment.
This week the House and the Senate passed the photo ID bill, and it will be on the ballot in November. Photo ID is a positive, common sense piece of legislation that will protect the integrity of our elections in Minnesota.
The City of Forest Lake has asked to extend their existing TIF (Tax Increment Financing is a means of public financing used to fund redevelopment, infrastructure, and other projects). Because the House Committee deadline has passed, it is too late for me to request a hearing in the House, but Senator Vandeveer has requested a hearing in the Senate. I would also recommend that the City of Forest Lake hold a public City Council hearing on this matter.
The House will be taking a break next week for Easter and Passover, and will convene again on Monday, April 16th.
Have a good weekend,
Bob
News Items
- Memorial Day Message - (Posted: May 27 2013 2:18PM)
- Dettmer Statement on HF956 - Omnibus Energy Bill - (Posted: May 8 2013 3:10PM)
- Minneapolis Veterans Deserve Better - (Posted: May 3 2013 3:31PM)
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