Dear Neighbor,
If you’re following the action at the Capitol, you know we’re approaching the constitutionally mandated ending of this year’s legislative session. As a minority member of the Minnesota House I don’t have as much input as the GOP members in control.
With reports of budget deals between Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt and Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk, I want you to know that there are several positions that I disagree with in their prospective deals.
The number one issue making headlines today is the budget target of our school children. I was disappointed with the House and Senate positions which left the school districts in our community behind. Their budget short changes our schools and will result in teach laying offs. We have a nearly $2 billion surplus. Local school districts will have to ask for significant property tax increases to make up for the lack of investment by the Minnesota Legislature if their deal would move forward. I find that unacceptable.
Governor Dayton has threatened to veto bills if the legislature leaves our communities holding the bill for what the legislature should take care of. Our communities aren’t filled with wealthy people. We all work hard to provide for our families and we all know how important it is to provide our kids with a quality education. And a good education should be available in our communities as it is in many others. I vowed to make education a priority when I was first elected and that hasn’t changed. I stand with Governor Dayton.
My colleagues and I sent a letter to Governor Dayton supporting his call for supporting education.
I won’t mince words here. I am concerned we will be heading into a special session. We have almost no time to finish what needs to be done.
The Minnesota House Republicans have all but given up on a transportation and tax bill. That’s doesn’t help Minnesota grow and thrive. I am more than disappointed.
It’s going to be a rough ending of the session. I’ll keep you posted.
Don’t forget if you’re on twitter you can follow me: @danschoen54a or on facebook at repdanschoen.
Sincerely,
Dan Schoen