Friends,
This past week was another busy one at the Capitol. My Hands Free bill had its first committee hearing this week, the February budget forecast was released, and Sunday Sales moves on to the Governor’s desk. See more below and have a great weekend!
Hands Free Bill Hearing
This Friday my Hands Free bill was heard in the Transportation and Regional Governance Policy Committee. The bill, HF1180, has bipartisan support and will limit cell phone use by drivers to only hands free devices. It is a bill about safety and saving lives. Distracted driving is among the leading causes of accidents and deaths on our roads.
The committee passed the bill on a voice vote and will next be heard in the Public Safety and Security Policy and Finance Committee. I will keep you up to date on the progress of this important bill.
You can read more about what the bill does by reading the FAQ in a previous update.
$1.65 Billion Surplus
The February budget forecast showed that Minnesota has a $1.65 billion surplus for the 2018-19 biennium. While this means Minnesota's economy is strong and projected to continue growing, it also means that Minnesotans are being taxed far more than necessary.
I will now work with my colleagues to put together a budget that funds our shared priorities - like education, taking care of our seniors, and fixing our roads and bridges - while respecting the hard-working tax payers. Once we fund these priorities, it’s time we deliver tax relief for Minnesotans.
Sunday Sales to Governor's Desk
The Senate passed their version of Sunday Sales this past week and on Thursday the House re-passed that version meaning that the bill is now just waiting the signature of Governor Dayton. The Governor has said he will sign the bill. Bottom line is that starting July 1st, liquor stores will have the ability to be open and sell alcohol on Sundays.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 651-296-5513 or emailing me at rep.mark.uglem@house.mn.
Thank you and have a great weekend,
Mark