It was Building Trades Day at the Capitol on Tuesday
With high school page Jaelah Lymon from Ramsey
Dear Neighbors,
Committees are continuing to hear legislation as the first deadline approaches. Here is an update with the latest news from the Capitol.
February Economic Forecast
On Tuesday, Minnesota Management and Budget unveiled the February economic forecast, revealing updated budget numbers which state leaders will use to craft a biennial budget for Fiscal Years 2018-19.
The good news is that this is the eighth straight forecast showing a surplus, which grew by another $250 million to $1.65 billion.
I believe this surplus demonstrates that Minnesota has collected too much from hardworking taxpayers.
When crafting a budget this spring, one of my top priorities will be a comprehensive tax relief bill that returns money to families, small businesses and other taxpayers in our community. Additionally, even with a surplus, House Republicans will continue to look at ways to reduce the cost of government, check government growth so it doesn’t grow faster than family budgets, and invest in our shared priorities like education and transportation.
Budget targets are expected to be released in the coming weeks which committees will use to craft their respective budget bills. I will keep you updated as more on that becomes available.
Uniform Labor Standards Act
On Thursday, the House passed House File 600—a bipartisan bill that makes private employer employment regulations uniform across the state.
More specifically, this bill prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing regulations including a minimum wage higher than the one set by the state or other benefit requirements like paid leave or work hours.
This legislation is being advanced this session as more communities consider ordinances which would create a patchwork of local laws. I believe this would discourage job growth and business expansion in our state, as conducting commerce when regulations are vastly different from city to city or county to county is an incredible burden administratively. It costs employers time and money that could otherwise go toward increased wages and benefits.
Additionally, I believe that it should be up to businesses and employees to find mutually beneficial agreements on wage rates and benefit packages that work best for them. This legislation will provide the flexibility to offer competitive wages and benefits in a way that is compatible with its workplace.
Streamlining workplace regulations which has been historically done by state government is commonsense, and I supported House File 600.
House File 1434
This week, I presented House 1434 to the House Transportation and Regional Governance Policy Committee. It was referred to the Transportation Finance Committee.
This bill codifies a number of recommendations put forth by the non-partisan Office of the Legislative Auditor to increase transparency in the highway road construction project selection process by MnDOT.
In essence, the bill seeks to rebuild trust between legislators/local stakeholders and MnDOT because historically there has been a lack of transparency in how and why MnDOT has prioritized and picked highway construction projects.
With important transportation needs in our district like Highway 10, and other project needs across the state, I think this is a commonsense bill to move forward this year. I will keep you updated on this bill’s progress.
Student Essay Contest
The governor’s office announced a statewide student essay contest which will be held as part of the State Capitol grand opening event later this August. Students from across the state grades 3-12 are invited to participate, writing an essay about “either what their Capitol building means to them and to their fellow Minnesotans, or the gravity of the history that has already been made and is yet to be made in the Capitol building.”
The winners of each age group will read their essays as part of the ribbon cutting ceremony, and will also be given a $1000 college savings plan.
More information on the contest can be found here: http://mn.gov/admin/capitol-restoration/grand-opening/essay/.
Staying in Touch
Please know my office is available should you need assistance on a matter of state government. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. I also welcome your input and ideas on legislation and matters moving through the Minnesota House. I am here to serve you! Thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Abigail