Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
In this Issue:
- A Growing State Budget Surplus
- Uniform Labor Standards Act
- Sunday Sales Update
- Community Events
- Peppin’s MinnTriv
February Economic Forecast
Talking to the press on Tuesday about the February economic forecast and the need for tax relief
On Tuesday, the Office of Management and Budget released the February economic forecast, which legislators will use to craft a two year budget. According to MMB, Minnesota has a projected budget surplus of $1.65 billion for Fiscal Years 2018-19—up $250 million from $1.4 billion in November. Minnesota's budget is structurally balanced, with a $2.124 billion surplus projected for the 2020-2021 biennium.
This $250 million in increased surplus funds come primarily from a greater-than-expected revenue from individual income taxes, the general sales tax and the corporate franchise tax. The report also shows an improved economic outlook nationally which helped contribute to the growth.
With this surplus, the first thing that is clear is the state collected more than it needed to fund government. Expect House Republicans to advocate for a comprehensive tax relief bill this session. Minnesotans helped generate the surplus, and they deserve to have money returned to them.
In the coming weeks, House committee chairs will begin the important work of crafting a budget for each program area. The budget-setting process allows lawmakers to examine the state budget from top to bottom to find ways to save taxpayers money, eliminate wasteful spending, and ensure taxpayer dollars go toward our shared priorities.
I will share more information with you about budget targets and funding legislation as we move forward in the weeks ahead.
Uniform Labor Standards Act
On Thursday, on a bipartisan vote, the House passed legislation that makes private employer employment regulations uniform across the state. House File 600 prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing four types of regulations: a minimum wage higher than the state minimum wage; a requirement that a private employer provide paid or unpaid leave; a regulation relating to private employer work hours or scheduling; and a requirement that a private employer provide certain benefits or terms of employment.
Laws of this nature have been the responsibility of state government since statehood, and a patchwork of city ordinances discourages job growth and business expansion in Minnesota. In addition, it also creates enormous administrative burdens for businesses of all sizes.
I believe that local business owners and their employees can determine what wages and benefits work best for them. With a low unemployment rate and a competitive job market, we see more employers and employees coming to mutual agreements on wage and benefit packages, exactly as the free market is supposed to work.
Sunday Sales Update
Also on Thursday, the House concurred with the Senate version of House File 30, sending the bill to Governor Dayton that will legalize the sale of beer, wine and liquor on Sundays. The final version of the bill allows liquor stores to be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays if they choose. Once signed by the governor, the legislation will take effect July 1, 2017.
Community Events
BINGO - Enjoy an afternoon of bingo on Sunday, March 5 at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 21304 Church Ave. in Rogers. The games will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m., and 20 games will be called with prizes of $10-$20 per game in addition to a progressive cover-all game and five split-the-pot games.
YOUTH FIREARM SAFETY TRAINING – Registrations are being accepted for firearm safety training which will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Sundays, March 19, March 26, April 2, April 9 and April 23. All classes will be held at the Corcoran Community Room, 8200 County Road 116. For more information, visit the Corcoran city website, or contact Paula at 763-400-7002. This class fills rapidly, and space is limited to 75, so don’t delay.
Peppin’s MinnTriv
Thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s MinnTriv Question. The question was: What large Minnesota company got its start by two hungry brothers from a Minnesota Riverside town? Name the company as it is called today and the town where it all began. The answer was Cub Foods in Stillwater, MN.
There were no correct guesses this week.
Here is this week’s question: This controversial but popular game of the 1960s was first invented by a Minnesotan. What is the game called today and what was the game originally called before the idea was sold to Milton Bradley?
Respond to this email with your answer, and you could be featured in next week’s email update!
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In order to best represent our communities, I need to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact my office at any time. 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.
Sincerely,
Joyce
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/34A