In the coming weeks, state lawmakers will return to St. Paul to begin the 2016 legislative session. In 2015, we approved a number of laws that were positive for Pine and Kanabec counties.
Included was a $138 million funding infusion for nursing homes, which will not only assist care centers locally but help them retain employees though better wages. Minnesota's schools also received $400 million in new funding. This led to a funding increase between $343 and $453 per pupil through Fiscal Year 2017 for local schools. The legislature also approved small town transportation revenue, giving communities with less than 5,000 residents a funding source to help them complete street improvement projects.
But agreement between the House, Senate, and Governor Dayton could not be found on several other important topics, and because of this, finding consensus on these bills will be the top priorities of the 2016 session.
TRANSPORTATION: While lawmakers did agree on a two year transportation funding bill, a long-term solution was lost. In the House, lawmakers approved a plan that would provide nearly $7 billion to statewide road and bridge needs without raising anyone's taxes. Funding sources include reallocating revenue from a number of taxes that are already being collected, such as sales taxes on auto parts and rental cars; bonding, and general funds. Meanwhile the Minnesota Senate approved a plan that would ultimately raise the cost of gasoline by a minimum of 16-cents per gallon.
TAX RELIEF: Last session the House approved a $2 billion tax relief proposal that would have allowed hardworking families, senior citizens, veterans, college students, farmers, and small business owners to keep more of their hard-earned money. By contrast, the Senate approved a $460 million tax bill.
House and Senate leadership failed to reach agreement on these two bill due to tax increases. When the House refused to consider raising gas taxes – which was unnecessary considering Minnesota had a nearly $2 billion surplus at the time – the Senate refused to consider our long term transportation or tax relief proposals. Now that leadership has had several months to cool off, and a surplus of roughly $1 billion remains, I'm hopeful we can reach a compromise in these two areas.
BONDING: Even-numbered years at the Legislature usually result in a significant capital investment bill, which borrows money in order to fund statewide construction projects. 2016 will be no different, and I expect a bonding bill to be high on to-do list before session adjourns.
BROADBAND: Last session lawmakers did reach agreement on a proposal that dedicates more than $10 million to the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program. Having worked hard on this issue last year, I can tell you Republicans and Democrats in both legislative bodies clearly understand that more needs to be accomplished in this area. Reliable broadband access is critical to Greater Minnesota's success, and I am confident we will continue building on these investments in 2016.
If you have legislative questions or comments, you can contact me anytime at 651-296-0518 or by email at rep.jason.rarick@house.mn. Thank you for the privilege of representing you interests in the Minnesota House, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!