Dear Neighbor,
The start of the legislative session is less than two weeks away. Today, Minnesota Management and Budget announced that we have a budget surplus of $900 million, down from $1.2 billion. The forecast revealed that Minnesota continues to have low unemployment and a stable budget; however, the economic recovery hasn't worked for everybody. With this in mind, we need to be sure to treat the surplus carefully and not make large tax cuts we might be ill-prepared to take on in the longer term
In the upcoming session, Legislators and the Governor will work to use the surplus on targeted investments in Minnesota’s future and tax credits to help working families get ahead. After hearing from the people of our district, I believe we must use this surplus in a balanced way that invests in a brighter future for our children, families and ordinary Minnesotans. That’s especially true when it comes to programs that will help to end disparities we see too often in communities of color.
It’s time that we invest in pre-k and early childhood education programs that will benefit all children in Minnesota, especially to help close the achievement gap. We should increase opportunities for success by freezing tuition, making college more affordable and reliving debt for students, families and recent graduates. And we should fund vital improvements for our transportation, transit and statewide infrastructure that will boost local economies all across Minnesota. We must ensure that our investments, especially education and re
My top priority as your representative is to ensure that we make sure the economy works for everybody, not just wealthy special interests. This surplus provides us with an opportunity to do just that.
EAST SIDE FREEDOM LIBRARY
I also wanted to make sure you knew about the last of the East Side Freedom Library’s Black History Month Films. They will be showing “Their Eyes Were Watching God” on Monday, February 29th from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. You can find more information at the East Side Freedom Library.
As always, feel free to contact me with your thoughts on what areas you believe we should invest in or any other thoughts and concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Sheldon Johnson