Greetings!
The 2017 Legislative Session came to a close early last Friday morning and on Tuesday evening, the Governor signed all budget bills into law.
I am proud of the bipartisan work that has been accomplished and I would like to share some of the highlights that will benefit Minnesotans, specifically residents of Lakeville and Burnsville.
Break Down Of The Budget:
Taxes: The tax bill provides $650 million in tax relief over the next two years (2018-2019) and $790 million in 2020-2021; the largest tax relief package in almost 20 years!
- Nearly 284,000 senior citizens will receive tax reductions; 72,000 of those will no longer pay any state income tax on their social security benefits.
- A family of four making $50,000 a year will receive an additional $1,200 toward their child care expenses.
- 65,000 students will receive an average of a $414 reduction in their taxes through a new tax credit for student loan payments.
- Every Minnesota business owner will see relief from an “extra” business tax.
Transportation: The transportation budget responsibly prioritizes Minnesota’s dire need of road and bridge repairs and improvements by using existing revenue sources. In the next two years alone, an additional $300 million will be invested in the state’s transportation infrastructure, which will be the largest investment in state history in our roads and bridges without raising taxes.
There is also funding included in the bonding bill for the Metro Transit Orange Line (Bus Rapid Transit). The Orange Line is a planned high-speed bus service that will connect Minneapolis to Burnsville with stops in Bloomington and Richfield and an eventual extension to Lakeville. The Orange Line will upgrade and replace the existing 535 route by adding around-the-clock service in both directions, seven days a week.
Education: The K12 education budget invests an additional $1.3 billion in our students, as well as make some meaningful reforms:
- Ending the default "Last In, First Out" layoff policy to ensure schools can keep the best teachers in the classroom.
- Expanding pre-K scholarships.
- Overhauling the broken teacher licensure system in order to help schools address teacher shortages.
Freeway Landfill: I was able to include a provision within the environment and natural resources budget bill that is intended to end the liability of potentially responsible parties (PRP’s) for investigation and remediation activities at the Freeway Landfill. Some of these PRP’s include schools, cities, and small businesses, many of whom previously settled with the state decades ago.
Additionally, $3 million has been appropriated to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to perform activities such as remedial investigations, feasibility studies and other clean-up activities at the Freeway Landfill.
Grand Opening of Minnesota Riverfront Park:
This Saturday, June 3rd, from 10 AM to noon, will be the grand opening of Minnesota Riverfront Park and the Black Dog Segment of the Minnesota River Greenway through the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Click here for event details!
‘I Love Burnsville Week:’
‘I Love Burnsville Week’ will be taking place starting this Saturday, June 3rd to the 9th. Hopefully the weather holds up for a good first weekend of activities! Click here for the full list of events.
Capitol Grand Opening:
After an extensive 4 year restoration, the Capitol is ready to be officially reopened to the public. There will be celebrations held on August 11, 12, & 13; events include: fireworks, concerts, tours and more. Click here for more information! I highly recommend either attending these events or taking a tour of the Capitol this summer on your own time. Tour Information.
Contact Me:
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me at either 651-296-5387 or rep.roz.peterson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
