Friends,
March is an important month in the legislative session as we are approaching deadlines in committee and beginning to put together budgets for the next biennium. Here is my weekly update from St. Paul.
Bill to reform MSFA overwhelmingly passes House
Following story after story detailing improper benefits given to family and friends by board members of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the group appointed by Governor Dayton & the Mayor of Minneapolis to assist in operating the Vikings Stadium, the House overwhelmingly passed a bill to reform the MSFA 122-7.
The reforms include limiting the use of MSFA-controlled suites to be used exclusively for marketing purposes and making major reforms to the MSFA governance structure. The bill will clean house by immediately end the terms of all current board members and provide greater oversight by the Legislature and a CPA.
I was also honored to be appointed to the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Sports Facilities by Speaker Daudt that will oversee the operating and budget of the MSFA moving forward. We will provide strong oversight and make sure that the MSFA works in the best interest of Minnesotans moving forward.
Rep. Loonan on the House Floor
$1.65 Billion Surplus
The February budget forecast revealed that Minnesota has a $1.65 billion surplus forecasted for the 2018-19 biennium, which is a $250 million increase over the previous forecast. While this is good news as it 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. It is a top priority of mine to deliver tax relief so more of your money is kept where it belongs - in your own hands.
Save your receipts!
Want to lower your taxes and get a larger refund? You can with the K-12 Education Subtraction & Credit. Textbooks, laptops, musical instruments for music class, and educational summer camps may qualify. Just be sure to save your receipts! You can see if you qualify here.
Essay Contest
In order to commemorate the restoration of our Capitol, there is an essay contest for Minnesota students to write about what the Capitol means to them. The contest will have winners for three different age levels with the winner of each winning $1,000 towards college. Visit the website here for more information and to see the prompts. Encourage your students to enter!
If you have any other questions on any of my bills or anything else going on at the legislature, please reach out to my office at (651) 296-8872. You can also reach me via email at rep.bob.loonan@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Bob