Dear Neighbor,
Thanks to all who have contacted or visited me at the Capitol. Your feedback is invaluable, and I’ve enjoyed the many diverse conversations. Hearing from each of you helps me better represent you throughout session.
MNLARS Issues
Little has changed with the MNLARS boondoggle since my last legislative update. The system still isn’t functioning properly, and Deputy Registrars and everyday citizens continue to face numerous issues on a daily basis. Those in charge of MNLARS are demanding $10 million in immediate funding from the legislature or they say they will have to layoff programmers. Our solution is simple. If the judiciary found it acceptable to transfer funds between accounts to satisfy the expediency of the moment, Governor Dayton and his Commissioners at MnDoT can juggle internally until the system is functional and then come to the Legislature and explain what went wrong, what they had to do to fix the problem, and how much funding was necessary to make the system functional.
MNLARS has already wasted $100 million. To ask taxpayers to continue to fund a black hole without a clear path to the solution is unacceptable. "We need $10 million more to keep the programmers on the job," is not a clear path forward.
Budget Surplus
Recently, we learned the state has a $329 million budget surplus. A surplus is a sign to us that the state has overtaxed Minnesotans. We have been presented with an excellent opportunity to overhaul our state tax system. Now is the time to think big and give serious consideration to eliminating the entire system of taxing income and move to the Fair Tax (HF2716 - Drazkowski). Let people keep all of their wages and learn just how much the state has been confiscating from each of their paychecks. Transparency!
Please Contact Me
If you ever have any questions, comments, or concerns regarding any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact me. It is important for me to hear from you, and I hope you will reach out if you need anything.
Sincerely,
