Dear Neighbors,
First, let me say that it has been an honor to serve and represent you. Although this is my final term, please know that I will continue to be your State Representative until the next person is sworn into office in January - so please contact me with any legislative questions or concerns that you may have until that time.
I also want to give you a quick update on the legislative session and what might lie ahead. This year was, understandably, disappointing and frustrating for Minnesotans to observe.
The following is my take of what happening at the Capitol this session:
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Session started late in the season (March) and in a building under major renovation and construction.
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Member bills were heard, or not heard, in short order and without knowledge of budget targets.
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Some major bills (taxes & transportation) were still being negotiations in conference committee from the unfinished 2015 session. Others, such as bonding were not produced until the final days of session.
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On the final night and hours of the session, legislators were presented bills for the very first time that were hundreds of pages in length and with hundreds of millions in spending, tax relief, and infrastructure projects.
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Some of these bills had significant errors in them and most were not fully understood by (esp. House minority) staff or members due to the poor process and rushed timing.
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Most of the decisions about legislation were made by only a few people dealing behind closed doors in in the final days.
- < >he tax bill contained a $100 million error, therefore drawing the Governor’s veto. He says he will sign the bill after the error is corrected in a special session.
The bonding bill, contained a $1 billion error and many projects were left out that GOP House leadership promised were included in the bill (ultimately the bill didn’t pass. It is also available for inclusion in a special session agenda-along with a transportation bill, also unfinished business this biennium.
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The Governor would like a short special session to pass a tax and bonding bill and is traveling across the state suggesting this. I believe he would also support a transportation bill if compromise could be met.
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House & Senate leaders met again this week to try and work out a deal for special session, but little progress has been made. July 1st seems to be the deadline day for several projects and tax provisions, so that is the target at this time.
Thankfully, a public meeting has been scheduled for next Tuesday to review a corrected version of the bonding bill. I am hopeful that in the next few days both sides can come together and compromise on a bonding bill that moves Minnesota forward and supports an economy that works for everyone, not just the well connect special interests.
On a happier note, I did pass three bills this session on Child Support Reform, a Child Support Task Force, on Non-emergency Medical Transportation and for UMR's "Recovery On Campus" program. I also helped with several amendments concerning the opioid epidemic/Naloxone distribution and other issues.
With the regular session over I thought it would be helpful to post a complete schedule of the local coffee hours I will be hosting. As always I will be meeting people at the Dunn Brothers Coffee (120 Elton Hills Drive NW) in Rochester. I will be there from 8:30 – 9:30 A.M. Please note that the coffee hours in July and August are on the third Saturday, but the rest of the coffee hours will be take place on the traditional second Saturday schedule. The dates are as follows:
June 11th
July 16th
August 20th
September 10th
October 8th
November 12th
December 10th
In the future I would suggest watching the website for changes to any of these dates: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/25b .
Sincerely,
Kim Norton
State Representative