May 2016
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Now that the 2016 legislative session has concluded, I want to take a moment to share with you my perspective on the outcome. For the second year in a row the session can, at best, be characterized as one of modest accomplishments and major missed opportunities.
As legislators gathered in St. Paul on March 8, Minnesota’s financial footing was strong with a forecasted budget surplus at about $900 million. Minnesota’s economy was stable and yet families across Minnesota and America are still struggling to get ahead and many are struggling just to meet basic daily needs.
While I was pleased that the Legislature adopted some tax relief for Minnesota families, students, veterans, farmers and others, including expanded child & dependent care and working family tax credits; a new student loan tax credit of up to $1,000; deductions and credits for contributions to 529 Savings plans; and a military pension exemption, those modest victories left far too much unaddressed.
Nowhere was that lack of meaningful action more evident than in the Legislature’s failure to adopt a comprehensive, long-term multimodal transportation plan. Without question, when the session convened there was a broad consensus about the need to solve our transportation problems once and for all by adequately funding infrastructure improvements (roads, bridges, highways, transit, rail, ports, airports). These improvements had my full support, yet another year has passed with this critical challenge unmet.
Lack of progress in meeting our transportation needs was compounded by the Legislature’s failure to adopt a “bonding” package to improve other segments of Minnesota’s public infrastructure which fuels key investments in schools, colleges, wastewater treatment plants, flood prevention, parks and trails, and other vital elements of our society. These missed opportunities are to say nothing of the myriad of other concerns Minnesotans expected their public leaders to effectively address, such as college affordability, improved K-12 educational outcomes for our children, getting the secret money out of politics, REAL ID, and paid family leave and earned sick time.
There were two items that I was particularly pleased were addressed by the Legislature this year. First, the Legislature reformed Minnesota’s drug sentences to ensure that low-level, nonviolent addicts get the treatment they need, while dangerous drug traffickers receive strong criminal sanctions. For example, the Legislature established a non-waivable mandatory minimum sentence for possession of a firearm in connection with a 1st or 2nd degree sale offense, but at the same time expanded the availability of diversion for certain less serious offenses in order for offenders to obtain treatment. This rebalancing of our state’s sentencing structure as it pertains to drugs was long overdue.
A second issue I was pleased saw action related to disparities. The Omnibus Supplemental Appropriations Bill allocated $35 million to various nonprofit organizations that primarily serve people of color, low-income Minnesotans, and women. The goal of this funding is to improve their economic outcomes. Some of the groups or program areas that will benefit from this funding include:
Youth at Work
Women in High-Wage, Non-Traditional Jobs
Economic Disparities in Southeast Asian Communities
Emerging Entrepreneur Program
White Earth Nation Integrated Business Development
Pathways to Prosperity
Capacity Building Grant Program
Somali Youth & Community Resiliency
Neighborhood Development Center
Ujamaa Place
Enterprise MN
YWCA St. Paul & Minneapolis
EMERGE Community Development
Twin Cities RISE!
Metropolitan Economic Development Assn
CLUES (Latino Communities United in Service)
Centers for Independent Living (CILS)
While this funding is a small fraction of what is needed, it is a beginning.
For two straight years, nearly the entire budget has been negotiated in the dark of night behind closed doors – a terrible process that shuts Minnesotans out, handing over power to the insiders and well-connected special interests. This must change. We need to get our work done on time and in an open and transparent manner so that all Minnesotans can have a say in the process.
I am particularly proud of the people in our District who, despite extremely limited access to our beautiful Capitol building due to its necessary and long overdue renovation, came to the State Office Building to grab a few minutes with me between committees or running to Caucus, just to make sure their voices were heard. Some met me for coffee in the district and even came to my law office when that was the only feasible way to grab time to meet. The huge volume of phone calls and emails continues to be an indication of your desire to be involved with and make our community better! I applaud and welcome your participation.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share with you my thoughts about the work of the Legislature this year. While talk of a Special Session is in the air, I wanted to take the opportunity to write and let you know I share your disappointments but, more than that, it is truly an honor and a privilege to serve you in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Sincerely
Susan Allen
State Representative