Dear Neighbor,
The Legislature is returning to the Capitol for the 2018 session on the heels of one of the most productive sessions in recent memory in 2017.
Last year we passed Real ID legislation, increased education funding, made progress on health care reform, delivered the largest investment in roads and bridge infrastructure in state history without a gas tax increase, and delivered the largest tax relief package for Minnesotans in nearly two decades.
We also passed into law a number of bills with benefits specific to District 14B, including:
- $19 million renovation project at Saint Cloud Prison (HF616)
- $18.6 million Eastman Hall renovation at SCSU (HF339)
- Day care reimbursements raised in Saint Cloud area (HF139)
- Funding for St. Cloud United Way Partners for Student Success program (HF734)
- Funding for Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Boys and Girls Clubs (HF1588)
- Economic opportunity grant program for Saint Cloud area (HF2266)
- Funding for St. Cloud emergency response team (HF1179)
As for this year, one of the Legislature’s main issues will be a capital investment bill to fund construction projects throughout the state. The House’s focus will be to assemble a package that is geographically balanced and focuses on infrastructure and transportation needs.
Gov. Mark Dayton proposes a $1.5 billion bonding package, which is $700 million more than state officials have accounted for in the budget forecast. It will be difficult for the governor to generate legislative support for a bill that large.
While this is not a budget year by name, the Legislature also will be entertaining a tax conformity bill this session. Tax conformity is performed in order allow state provisions to match those at the federal level and make it simpler for people to do their taxes. The sweeping federal tax changes recently make it both more important and more difficult than usual to conform our state tax to the federal law. We will do our best to make sure any plan crafted is good for Minnesota taxpayers.
Another top priority this year will be to fix the new Minnesota Licensing and Registration System that has fallen flat since its launch several months ago. The MNLARS debacle has caused frustration all around the state by making it difficult or even impossible for people to complete basic vehicle licensing transactions. Even beyond unnecessary delays, some taxpaying customers have even suffered fines for expired tabs because of this system’s inadequacies.
Minnesota taxpayers have paid nearly $100 million over 10 years for a system that does not function and now the Governor, whose Commissioner has overseen the project, is asking for another $43 million. The House will continue working to put an end to this debacle to protect taxpayers and provide the working system Minnesotans deserve.
On a separate note, in addition to opening day for the 2018 session, legislators are eagerly awaiting Feb. 28, the day we will receive an updated state economic forecast. That report not only will provide an updated picture of our economy’s condition, but its information regarding revenue totals also will impact decisions we make this session. Look for more thoughts on that issue once we have received the forecast.
Until next time, your correspondence always is welcome on these and other issues. I am honored to continue serving the people of District 14B at the Capitol and I look forward to another successful session this year.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jim Knoblach