Dear Neighbor,
Here is an update from the Capitol.
Conference Committees and Budget Targets
Over the last couple weeks, conference committees worked diligently to negotiate differences between the House and Senate versions of budget bills. Meeting Governor Dayton’s requested deadline, we passed budget bills out of committee by the end of March and set joint budget targets by April 28th. Our budget targets include more than $1 billion in meaningful tax relief, $372 million in new funding for transportation infrastructure and $1.1 billion in new funding for our students and schools over the current biennium.
Now that the Legislature has advanced their joint budget proposals, I look forward to Governor Dayton and his commissioners joining us for negotiations so we can work out an agreement that best serves the people and priorities of our state. There are a number of wonderful initiatives and funding proposals in our current agreed-upon bills, as well as some provisions I have concerns about. In the end, I am hopeful that we will work out differences to come to a commonsense agreement.
The good news is the House and Senate is ahead of where we have been in past budget years, which makes me hopeful we can work out a bipartisan compromise before legislative adjournment later this month. I will keep you updated.
Bonding Bill
In an effort to move forward with negotiations, House Republicans also unveiled a capital investment package this week which focuses funding on transportation needs, clean water infrastructure and maintaining state facilities. The bill totals $600 million.
While the first year of a biennium is not typically considered a year for bonding legislation, I know many important projects across the state were put on hold after the bonding bill stalled at the end of last session. I am sure this will be another component to budget negotiations as we move forward in the final few weeks of session.
Around the Capitol and Community
Thank you to all of the constituents and visitors who have come to see me at the Capitol over the past couple weeks. I appreciate you stopping by to share your thoughts with me!
Additionally, I had a wonderful time this week celebrating the retirement of Superintendent Ric Dressen. He provided more than a decade of great leadership for our kids in Edina. I also wish our incoming Superintendent John Schultz all the best as he comes to work on behalf of Edina students, educators and schools. We are fortunate to have great administrators, educators, and parents dedicated to providing a world-class education for our students!
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I welcome you to contact my office at any time to share your thoughts, concerns and ideas about what you would like to see happen this session. Your input is invaluable and helps me better represent the voices and priorities of our community. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-4363 or by email at Rep.Dario.Anselmo@House.mn.
It is an honor and privilege to serve as your voice at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Dario
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