Dear friends,
This last Tuesday, March 8th, we convened the 2016 Legislative Session. Judging from the first day, we can expect some heated debates over the next ten weeks as we try to address Minnesota’s most pressing issues.
This session we will be looking for how to best use the $900 million budget surplus, which is slightly down from the $1.2 billion previously predicted by the Minnesota Management and Budget Office. In the Republican Caucus, a top priority remains improving transportation infrastructure by repairing highways, as well as local roads and bridges. We will also be focusing on tax relief for middle class families.
We currently have a comprehensive tax relief bill on the table, and a transportation bill that would invest $7 billion into building and repairing our transportation infrastructure without raising taxes. We are sure to be very busy during this short, 10 week session.
This year we will also be assembling a capital investment, or “bonding” bill. This legislation would give low interest loans to construction projects around the state. Last year the legislature passed a small bonding bill, so that will factor in to how much we are comfortable bonding for this session.
We are also currently discussing what the best approach is to address the Real ID issue as well. A solution should be on its way to the House floor for a vote in the near future.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns regarding session or a legislative issue.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Roz