Dear Neighbors,
The Legislature will be on adjourned next week for the Easter/Passover break and when we return, we’ll have multiple important issues to sort out in the last weeks of session. Here are some updates from the Capitol:
State Employee Contracts
On Monday, the Minnesota House approved labor contracts for state employees. These were fairly negotiated in 2017 and I’m glad we moved these to Gov. Dayton’s desk where he signed them on Tuesday. Around here, we know the positive impact these employees have on making Minnesota a great place to live, so it’s good to have these resolved after numerous delays.
Gov. Dayton’s Tax Bill
After the federal code was changed with the Republican tax bill in 2017, legislators have to decide how much of state code we’ll conform to it.
Gov. Dayton’s plan to respond to federal tax changes would cut taxes for more than 2 million Minnesota families and provide more than $100 million in tax cuts to small businesses and farmers for their equipment expenses. I support this proposal and will be working to build support for it at the Capitol.
Meetings and Events
I was proud to attend the March for Our Lives in Mankato last weekend and see the incredible student leadership on display. It was a snowy day, but hundreds showed up to support them and the cause.
This week at the Capitol, I met with members of the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester to discuss the new Mankato location set to open this fall, along with MSU and Bethany Lutheran students. Thanks to all of them for stopping by and sharing their thoughts.
Pension Bill
While the Senate approved a bipartisan plan to secure the pensions of 500,000 former state employees on Monday, we’re hearing the House may not take the bill up until later in session. Since this is a strong bill that has earned broad support, we shouldn’t delay sending it to Gov. Dayton.
On top of securing the pensions for employees who have dedicated their careers to our state, it also provides a $6 billion reduction in current and future costs by lowering state, school district, county, and city liabilities.
Looking Ahead
When the Legislature returns from break, we’ll be finishing supplemental budget proposals and tackling tax conformity and bonding legislation. I’ll be pressing to have my bills funding the MSU Clinical Sciences building and the Minnesota River watershed improvement projects included in this session’s bonding bill.
Feel free to reach out with your thoughts and concerns on legislative matters.
Sincerely,
Jack Considine
State Representative