Dear Neighbors,
Last week, the Minnesota Office of Management and Budget (MMB) released the February Economic Forecast, revealing a projected surplus of $900 million for Fiscal Years 2016-17. While this is a decline from the November forecast by about $300 million, there is still significant money to focus on two important priorities this session: tax relief and transportation.
First, you may recall last year, House Republicans advanced middle-class tax relief legislation that would benefit families, college students, small business owners, farmers, veterans and aging adults in our community. Putting more money back in your pocket with tax relief means families can save more and spend more in our economy, helping local businesses grow, thrive and hire. Tax relief is an important issue for folks, and since our state has collected too much from hardworking taxpayers, I will be advocating to return money to you.
In addition to tax relief, fixing our roads and bridges is another priority this year. Last session, House Republicans put forth a $7 billion, 10-year transportation plan that will improve transportation infrastructure across the state — all without a harmful gas tax increase. In total, the Road and Bridge Act will help fix more than 15,000 lane miles and 320 bridges throughout Minnesota from Warroad to Worthington.
Northwest Minnesota towns have a number of much-needed transportation improvement projects, and rural roads in our small communities are a priority in the Road and Bridge Act. In addition to the $12.5 million passed in 2015 for small city transportation funding, if our proposal becomes law, there will be more than $27.5 million a year in additional funding for the small cities program.
This money comes from dollars already collected by state government through a rental car tax and will fund repairs to roadways in cities with fewer than 5,000 people.
For the communities in Northwest Minnesota, that's more than $1.2 million in the first year of implementation to fill potholes and fix local streets. We all know how harsh the winter weather can be in our part of the state, and this small city transportation funding is essential for the commuters, commerce and citizens who drive on our roads each and every day.
Greater Minnesota priorities will continue to be well represented at the Capitol when the 2016 legislative session begins March 8th. If you have ideas or input on what you would like to see happen in St. Paul this year, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am here to serve you!
Caucus Tomorrow
Neighbors, please don't forget that tomorrow you have an opportunity to participate in grassroots democracy and support your favorite presidential candidate! Caucuses are the first stop for selecting and nominating candidates whose names will be on the ballot, as well as deciding on a political party’s platform and electing precinct officers.
You can find the location of your precinct caucus by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website at www.mnvotes.org. The site also details caucus specifics and orients newcomers to this year’s electoral events, as well as lists contact information for the DFL, Republican and other minor political parties in Minnesota.
Remember, all caucuses convene at 7:00 PM. I hope you will attend and take part in this civic process!
Follow me on Facebook!
To stay up-to-date on what’s happening at your State Capitol, feel free to “like” my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/RepDanFabian.
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My door is always open to the needs and priorities of our area. Please feel free to let me know if I can be of assistance to you and your family. I am here to serve you!
Dan
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/01A