Friends,
March is a busy time in Saint Paul with the High School Tournaments going on and deadlines at the Capitol. I am glad to have the opportunity to present my bill to guarantee admission to the University of Minnesota and other four year public institutions for Minnesota high school students that finish in the top 10 percent of their high school class.
Many other states already have programs similar to this. With Minnesota taxpayers providing over $1.4 billion in funding to our higher learning institutions, it only makes sense that Minnesota's top students have the opportunity to attend them. My bill received extensive coverage on KARE 11 this week, and that video can be viewed here.
Rep. Barr presenting a bill in committee
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 ending the terms of all current board members and provide greater oversight by the Legislature and a CPA.
$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. One of my priorities is making sure we deliver tax relief to hardworking Minnesotans.
Sunday Sales Signed by Governor
This week Governor Dayton signed the bill to allow sales of liquor on Sundays. This means that starting with Sunday July 2nd of this year Minnesota liquor stores will have the choice to be open on Sundays.
Productive Start to Session
A few fun facts about session to date:
- More bills passed than any legislature in an odd year since 2003
- Most committee reports adopted by legislature in an odd year since at least 2003
- Most bill intros in an odd year since at least 2003
- Second highest number of bills sent from the House to the Governor since 2003
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!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with me. You can schedule a time to meet with me in my office any time by calling me at 651-296-4192, or share your thoughts by emailing me at rep.regina.barr@house.mn.
Have a great weekend,
Regina