Dear Neighbors,
I hope you and your family have had a great summer so far and have had a chance to enjoy some of the many outdoor activities that Minnesota summers have to offer. It’s hard to believe it’s almost the end of July – it will be Labor Day and back to school time before we know it.
I have really enjoyed seeing many of you out and about at events so far this summer. It has been great meeting folks and having the opportunity to discuss some of the great things that were accomplished at the legislature the last two years.
In 2018, House Republicans finished our work on time and passed a bill to simplify and reduce taxes as well as a supplemental budget bill. Unfortunately, Governor Dayton chose to put politics ahead of Minnesotans’ best interests as he vetoed both bills shortly after the end of the legislative session.
One of House Republicans’ highest priorities this year was a tax bill to address federal tax conformity and provide additional middle-class tax relief. Our bill would have simplified tax filing and delivered the first income tax rate cut in nearly two decades, lowering the taxes of more than 2.2 million Minnesotans. As a result of the governor’s veto, neither happened this year.
The governor’s vetoes also prevented the enactment of important legislation to protect students and ensure safety in our schools; help small businesses hurt by the state’s broken DMV system; fix roads and bridges; protect aging and vulnerable adults, and combat the opioid crisis.
Despite the governor’s harmful vetoes and the challenges of divided government, the 2017-18 biennium saw House Republicans accomplish a tremendous amount for Minnesotans. We balanced the budget, delivered the biggest tax cut in 20 years and made the largest investment in roads and bridges in state history without a gas tax increase. In addition, Republican-led health care reforms helped reverse four straight years of double-digit premium increases and expand families’ health care choices – particularly in rural areas.
Staying in Touch
Beginning tomorrow, there is a moratorium on sending legislative email updates. Because of a 60-day, post-session rule, I cannot send updates until November.
Although I won’t be sending out news from the Capitol, my office is here to serve you. Please contact me if you or your family need assistance, or to share your views and feedback. I’d love to hear from you, so please stay in touch. You can reach me via email at rep.kurt.daudt@house.mn or by phone at 651-296-5364.
Have a great summer and fall.
Sincerely,
Kurt