Dear Neighbor,
On Friday June 12, the legislature held a Special Session to conclude work from the regular session. Like many of you, I was frustrated by the need for a special session and disappointed that a bipartisan compromise was not reached sooner. I refused to take any extra pay for the special session. I am pleased that the special session has concluded and that all sides were able to come to an agreement.
Here is some information about the legislation we passed during the special session and the work that remains going forward.
Why did we need a special session?
On the final night of this year’s regular legislative session, the House Majority and Governor Dayton were just $25 million apart in their proposals for funding education, but they failed to reach a compromise. After session, three bills, including the education bill, were vetoed by Governor Dayton. A special session was required to pass these budget bills before July 1, 2015.
What happened with the final budget?
I advocated for and am pleased that the final budget improved upon our investment in Minnesota’s kids and future. After years of cuts to the classroom during the Great Recession, the 2% funding increase for each student for the next two years will help to prevent larger class sizes and teacher layoffs. It will help keep up with inflation, adequately fund classrooms, and provide more opportunities for our earliest learners.
What else was resolved in the special session?
The legislature was able to somewhat improve the jobs and energy bill, although I opposed the provision that lessens incentives for people to use solar for their energy needs. We also fixed some of the drafting errors that occurred in the rush to finish the regular session. In addition, the legislature passed an omnibus environment and agriculture bill that included some good provisions to address our state’s avian flu crisis and implemented ag buffers. I opposed the rollbacks on protecting our water and environment including a provision allowing nurseries to label plants that are potentially toxic to bees and butterflies as “pollinator-friendly.” I also opposed the elimination of the Minnesota Pollution Control’s Citizen Board. We need to increase opportunities for citizens’ voices to be heard, not decrease them and protect our pollinators, not hurt them.
We also passed a bonding bill that includes infrastructure projects throughout the state.
What didn’t get done this year?
Unfortunately, the legislature left much work undone. Fixing our state’s roads, bridges and transit was a top priority for many, but a dimly lit “lights on” transportation bill was all that was passed because the legislature could not agree on a way to fund our needed transportation repairs. Tuition at our public colleges and universities are also expected to go up next year due to underfunding in the higher education budget. I was hoping we would be able to continue our two year college tuition freeze. The House Majority also failed to pass a tax bill this session—meaning tax initiatives to help working families, seniors, and small businesses were not addressed,
What should be our priority next year?
With a $1.9 billion surplus and growing economy, we missed many opportunities this session to keep moving Minnesota forward. From 2013-2014 we made progress by improving our state for hardworking Minnesota families, students, and seniors. We ought to look for ways to make college more affordable and reduce student debt, pass a bipartisan transportation compromise that will fix our state’s transportation system for all people, and continue to improve our state’s world class education system for all children.
How can you reach me?
With the special session concluded I invite you to stay in touch. We have more work to do next session and I’d love to hear your priorities, concerns, and ideas. Please contact me anytime. As always, thank you for the honor of representing you at the Capitol and the community in which I grew up.
Warmest regards,
Connie Bernardy
State Representative
Fridley, New Brighton, and Spring Lake Park
PS Dan and I will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this weekend. I plan to not read or reply to emails until after our anniversary on June 22. Thanks for your understanding.