Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On Friday, June 12, the legislature held a special session to repass several bipartisan bills vetoed by the governor, as well as three other bills relating to legacy, bonding and technical corrections. I am pleased that the legislature and Governor Dayton were able to come to an agreement because Minnesotans expect us to get our work done in St. Paul. Not only that, but with these final bills signed into law, we prevent 9400 state employees from losing their jobs, ensure funding for vital programs in our state and implement real government reforms that protect hardworking taxpayers.
Here are highlight of the legislation passed in Friday's special session:
Education
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$525 million in new spending for our schools (up from $400 million in the vetoed bill)
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A 2 percent increase to the per pupil formula for 2016 and 2017, giving school districts the ability to spend that money where they need it most
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$95 million more for early learning initiatives including targeted early learning scholarships, school readiness aid and Head Start
Agriculture and Environment
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Provides $23 million to state agencies to respond to the avian flu outbreak which has devastated turkey farms across the state
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Increases funding for Soil and Water Conservation Districts to help keep local control over local projects
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Reforms to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and DNR along with funding for those agencies
Jobs and Energy
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$10.6 million for broadband grants
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$1.8 million for job training grants
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Requires legislative oversight of President Obama's Clean Power Plan
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Special unemployment insurance for people laid off due to the avian flu outbreak
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Spends $24 million less than last biennium
Legacy
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Funded by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment passed by Minnesota voters in 2008
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Includes reforms to protect taxpayers and ensure fiscal responsibility, preventing funds from being renewed for projects if the Office of the Legislative Auditor finds funds were not used appropriately
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Improves water quality standards by developing lake and stream clean up and protection plans
Capital Investment
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$27 million for two facilities that will help Minnesota respond to avian flu and other animal diseases
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$33 million for State Capitol renovations
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$32 million for transportation projects
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$23 million for flood prevention and disaster relief
Overall, I am pleased with the work we did this session. We put more money into education, defeated the largest gas tax in state history, increased reimbursement rates for nursing homes, and implemented additional government oversight and efficiencies to protect taxpayers.
As your voice in St. Paul, if I can be of any assistance to you or your family on a matter of state government, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I can often be found at the Kowalski's Starbucks on Saturdays between 10:30 and 11:30 AM, talking to friends and constituents. If you are ever there, feel free to say hi or email ahead of time to make sure I'll be there if you would like to meet one on one.
I wish you and your family a happy summer!
Sincerely,
Kelly
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