St. Paul – Today Rep. Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester) joined other DFL members of the Minnesota House from all over the state to launch a “Greater Minnesota for All” agenda. This package of proposals is aimed at creating jobs, improving transportation infrastructure, providing property tax relief and enabling better care for seniors.
“Following a 2015 legislative session in which these areas were largely bypassed, I’m happy to join my colleagues in a renewed commitment to deliver a level playing field for all Minnesotans,” Norton said. “Residents of greater Minnesota face unique challenges, and they are counting on us to make investments in the things that matter most such as property tax relief, education and job training, broadband, transportation and senior care support.”
The “Greater Minnesota for All” agenda calls for $100 million toward broadband expansion, a focus on rural job training and technical education, increased local government aid and other targeted property tax relief, smart investments in transportation, and a new respite care program making it easier to provide care to family members with dementia.
“We heard a great deal of rhetoric from my friends on the other side of the aisle last year about the need to invest in greater Minnesota, but many of these issues seemed to go by the wayside,” Norton said. “I look forward to working with them to pass these real solutions to these ongoing problems. With over a $1 billion budget surplus, the time to make these key investments is now.”
The 2016 legislative session convenes on March 8. Rep. Norton can be reached by phone at 651-296-9249 or email at rep.kim.norton@house.mn.