Friends,
Over the past few weeks hundreds of bills have made it through committee. Now that we have our budget forecasts, the budget targets were set and it is finally time to see the budget bills come together. This week two of the biggest that were introduced include the Transportation Plan and the Tax Plan. Read more about them below.
Transportation Plan - Putting Roads & Bridges First
The Transportation Omnibus bill was introduced this week and it’s a welcome sight for the millions of Minnesotans who travel on our roads and bridges every day. The bill addresses our statewide need to invest in roads and bridges and does so by using existing resources, not raising taxes.
The plan totals $6 billion over 10 years and includes:
- $25 million for the Small Cities Assistance Program that benefits greater Minnesota
- $25 million to fund 80 bridges that are a priority of MnDOT
- $98 million for counties and $30 million for city transportation projects
You can read about the plan here.
Tax Plan
The House Republican Tax bill uses the $1.6 billion surplus to give Minnesotans long overdue tax relief. The surplus was built by hard-working Minnesotans and our tax bill delivers $1.35 billion in tax relief, prioritizing middle class Minnesotans. Our plan delivers that relief while maintaining our state’s financial stability.
A few key things our tax relief plan does for Minnesotans include are:
- Increasing the income limit at which social security is taxable for Minnesota seniors;
- Providing refundable student loan payment and college savings plan credit for students and their families; and
- Providing expanded education deductions and child dependent care credits for working families
And here is Chair Greg Davids announcing the official name and song of the tax plan here.
Girl Scouts Visit the Capitol
It was great to meet and chat with a fantastic group of Girl Scouts from my District at the Capitol this week. So full of energy and passion it reminds me of back when I was a Girl Scout!
Rep. Barr with a group of girl scouts
On this day in history
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
The Third Amendment to the US Constitution is often the forgotten one, but we probably have today's date in 1765 to thank for it having such a prominent place in our Bill of Rights. On March 24th, 1765, English Parliament passed the Quartering Act, which required the colonies to house British soldiers in barracks provided by the colonies. If the barracks were too small to house all the soldiers, then localities were to accommodate the soldiers in local inns, livery stables, ale houses etc. Read more here.
Rep. Barr meeting with University of Minnesota Students
Job Fairs
- March 30th there will be a jobs fair at the Eagan Civic Arena. Click here for more info.
- April 11th the South Metro Student Job Fair is taking place at Burnsville High School. Call Marcia Sexton at 952-707-2339 or msexton@isd191.org.
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