Dear Neighbors,
The House has passed all of its omnibus finance and policy bills, and conference committees are now meeting to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions.
I am proud of the work we have done in the House, based on the belief that government budgets should not grow faster than family budgets. I am hopeful that many of our provisions will be included as part of the final budget deal, and if there are any policies or appropriations you are particularly concerned about, please let me know. I would also encourage you to contact members of the Senate and the Governor regarding provisions you support or are concerned about.
Welcoming & Honoring Veterans
On Monday I was honored to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for a home in Ramsey, specially designed for a wounded veteran. The home is being constructed as part of a partnership between the Builders Association of the Twin Cities and Homes for our Troops, an organization that seeks to bless our returning soldiers in a very tangible way. For more information on this program, visit https://www.hfotusa.org/.
I am grateful for the work that these organizations do to help our veterans and was incredibly touched by how welcoming Ramsey officials, business owners and neighbors have been. I am truly privileged to serve this community.
I'd also like to take a moment to say thank you to all our military servicemen and women and their families, and let you know that Minnesota will now become the second state to have a holiday to honor service members and their families. Rep. Lohmer carried a bill this week that passed unanimously off the House Floor, designating the Sunday before Memorial Day as "Military Spouses and Families Day in honor of the vital support and sacrifice that the spouses and families of military personnel make for the betterment and support of this country. Each year, the Governor shall issue a proclamation honoring this observance".
Join me in saying thank you to the wives and families of these amazing servicemen and women!
Survey Results
Thanks to those of you who took time to complete my 2015 legislative survey. It was great to hear from so many of you on a wide variety of issues that are being debated at the Legislature. I value your input and encourage you to contact me if you ever have a question regarding a piece of legislation or a state agency.
Here are the results:
The February forecast showed that Minnesota is projected to have a $1.9 billion surplus for Minnesota's 2016-2017 budget. What should the legislature do with that money?
Increase Spending: 14%
Return it to taxpayers: 41%
Keep it in the reserves: 34%
Other: 11%
Governor Dayton and the Senate DFL Majority have proposed adding a 6.5% sales tax to fuel at the whole sale level to fund transportation projects. Do you support this proposal?
Yes: 21%
No: 70%
Undecided: 8%
What is the best approach for addressing the problems with the Obamacare exchange (MNsure) in Minnesota?
It isn’t working, repeal it entirely: 44%
It can be fixed by enacting significant reforms: 21%
It’s working, keep as it currently is: 11%
Give Minnesotans more options outside of MNsure: 25%
Do you believe state funding for nursing homes and long-term care programs for seniors and the disabled should be:
Increased: 51%
Kept the same: 44%
Reduced: 5%
From your perspective, what is the best way to grow jobs in Minnesota?
Increase state funding for construction projects across Minnesota: 8%
Pass tax relief and incentives to encourage business growth and job creation: 33%
Limit state spending to the amount of revenue taken in and slow government growth: 27%
Use surplus funds to offer income tax relief so taxpayers can keep more of their hard-earned money: 13%
Raise taxes and increase spending on state programs: 2%
Increase education funding and focus on workforce development: 15%
Other: 3%
Currently, in tight budgeting times, school districts make layoff decisions based on teacher seniority. Some legislators are advocating for a reform that allows schools to also consider teacher effectiveness in those decisions. Do you support making this change?
Yes: 72%
No: 16%
Undecided: 11%
Under Minnesota law, Sunday liquor sales are illegal in Minnesota. Do you support repealing this law, allowing liquor stores to sell alcohol on Sundays?
Yes: 50%
No: 45%
Undecided: 5%
Happy Mother’s Day and Fishing Opener!
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and encouragement I received from my mom. Please make sure to say thanks to your mom, call her, get her flowers - you wouldn't be here without her!
This weekend is also the fishing opener. Governor Dayton, Speaker Daudt, and Senate Majority Leader Bakk will be spending the weekend on Lake Vermillion. I wish them and everyone else heading out to enjoy our great lakes and the best of luck!
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or concerns on anything related to state government. It would be an honor to discuss your ideas on how we can make Minnesota better for everyone. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. You can also stay up-to-date on everything that is happening in St. Paul by visiting my Facebook page and Twitter account.
Thank you and enjoy your weekend,
Abigail