Friends,
The Legislative Session has wrapped up, schools are letting out which means one thing: Summer is right around the corner. It looks like we have a beautiful weekend ahead of us and I hope you all get a chance to get out and enjoy it. Read more about how session wrapped up including a bit of controversy and another of my bills being signed into law. Congratulations to all seniors graduating from high school in the upcoming days. Have a great weekend and kickoff to summer!
Governor Dayton signs budget compromise...
On Tuesday, the governor signed the compromise budget that was negotiated between his office and the Legislature. In total the budget included nine budget bills, the tax largest tax relief package in nearly two decades and a bonding bill focused on updating our aging infrastructure.
A few highlights from the bills include:
- Investing in our Students. The K-12 Plan increases the funding going into schools by $1.35 billion or 7.8%, including targeting dollars towards proven early learning initiatives and meeting the local school districts request of adding 2% to the yearly per-pupil funding. The Higher Education bill also makes investments to help lower the costs for students and families attending Minnesota's great colleges and universities.
- Protecting the Environment & Land Owners. The plan balances protecting Minnesota's natural beauty with the interests of farmers, landowners, and everyday Minnesotans from government overreach.
- Taking Care of Veterans. The State Government Finance bill fully funds government agencies and increases funding for military and veterans programs. We also make a push to increase state agency transparency and accountability to the public.
- Funding for Roads & Bridges. The Transportation Plan uses existing resources, NOT raising taxes, to make the largest investment in roads and bridges in over 10 years. The plan represents a multi-billion dollar investment in roads and bridges that is badly needed.
...and causes a Constitutional controversy
While Governor Dayton signed the compromise budget bills, he took an unprecedented and unconstitutional step to defund the Legislature, attempting to silence both the House and Senate for the next four years. It isn't right to eliminate an entire branch of government just because we have different principles -- Minnesotans like you elected both of us. After such a productive session, his actions are disappointing. As a result, the Legislature is seeking outside counsel in an effort to defend your voice and your representation at the Capitol
Bill to aid home ownership signed into law
Governor Mark Dayton signed my bill, HF 1538, to remove barriers in Minnesota law that has hindered development of multi-family housing such as condos and townhouses. The legislation passed with overwhelmingly bipartisan support, 122-7 in the House and 61-3 in the Senate, and received support from all areas of the state.
As more young adults look to make home ownership a reality, too many are finding it simply out of reach due to high demand and not enough affordable homes on the market. The changes in my bill help will remove barriers that are keeping many developers from building townhouses and condos, opening up the dream of home ownership to thousands of young adults and families across the state of Minnesota.
An improved townhouse and condo market will especially benefit middle and low income Minnesotans looking for the financial stability of home ownership. I am pleased the governor agreed the changes put forth in my bill are good for Minnesotans and am glad we were able to make this important piece of legislation into law.
Rep. Smith on House Floor during end of session debate.
Congrats to Maple Grove's own Miss Minnesota!
Maple Grove's own Jamie Whitehead was crowned Miss Minnesota this spring and went on to finish second runner-up in the Miss United States competition. Read more about her journey and how she plans to highlight those in public service during her time as Miss Minnesota.
Maple Grove leads Metro Area Population Surge
Maple Grove is one of the best places to live and people have taken notice. Our population has increased by 7.9% and isn't expected to slow down anytime soon.
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis