Dear Neighbors,
We are heading into the home stretch of the 2016 legislative session. Here’s an update from the Capitol.
Senate's Bonding Proposal
The second year of a biennium is often considered a "bonding year" at the Capitol, meaning it is the typical session where legislators pass legislation that bonds for capital investment projects across the state.
The House has set a $600 million target for capital investment, while the Senate released their bonding proposal this week that borrows a whopping $1.5 billion. That is a huge amount to put on the state's credit card and will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions in interest payments down the road. When the Senate brought their bonding bill for a floor debate on Thursday, it did not garner enough votes to pass due to its excessive size. Any bonding bill must originate in the House, and requires a three-fifths majority to pass out of each legislative body.
Currently, our state spends about $750 million per year paying off our debts from previously approved capital investment projects, and it is among the fastest growing categorical expenditures in our General Fund. Furthermore, our budget forecast only funds an $800 million bill, which has been the average size of a second session bonding bill over the past decade. I think it's fiscally irresponsible for the Senate to propose such expensive bonding proposals and to add to our state debt at such a high level.
Furthermore, seven DFL Senators recently stated that they would refuse to vote for any bonding bill without the inclusion of $135 million for Southwest Light Rail. That total cost of that project has grown nearly 50 percent in cost to $1.77 billion, and I believe many Minnesotans don't see this as the best use of transportation-related dollars.
A majority of Minnesotans have shared that their top two priorities this session are tax relief and a transportation bill to fix our roads and bridges, and I believe those should be addressed before we do any bonding bill. Our $900 million surplus can fund those two priorities without raising the gas or metro area sales tax, as well. Too often, politicians look at funding state government projects and initiatives that aren't the priority of the taxpayers who fund them. I believe the Senate's bonding proposal does not respect taxpayers and obligates our state to expensive General Fund payments for the foreseeable future.
Rogers High School is One of the Best in the Nation!
Congratulations to Rogers High School for being named one of the country's top high schools by the U.S. News and World Report, earning a Silver Award from the publication. RHS is ranked 32nd in Minnesota, and is among the top 1500 high schools nationally. RHS received this accolade for their outstanding student performance record, as well as for college-readiness.
Our community is blessed to have strong schools, excellent educators and wonderful parents. Congratulations to RHS students and staff for this outstanding recognition!
Happy Mother's Day!
I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy Mother's Day! I hope you get a chance to spend some time with your family and loved ones this weekend, and get outside since the weather is going to be beautiful.
To all of the hardworking, caring and dedicated moms out there, I hope you enjoy your day!
Peppin's MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in last week's Peppin's MinnTriv quiz!
"Fletcher Village (previously Walburga) was named after Loren Fletcher in 1900. Fletcher was a Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, as well as a U.S. Congressman from the 5th Congressional District" was the answer to our MinnTriv three-part question: What is the name of the small village located adjacent to the city of Rogers? For who is it named? What is this person's claim to fame?
Congratulations to David Thull from Maple Grove who had the first correct response!
Here is this week's question: Minnesota has one __________________ per every six people— more than any other state.
Reply to this email with your answer, and I'll share the winner of the Peppin MinnTriv question in my legislative update next week.
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As always, if you have any questions or concerns on an issue relating to state government, my office is available to help. My direct line is 651-296-7806. My email address is rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn and my mailing address is Room 459 State Office Building, 100 Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A