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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Mark Uglem (R)

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News from Representative Uglem 03-15-2013

Friday, March 15, 2013
Dear Friends,
 
Some updates from last week at the Capitol:
 
Governor's budget: Take two
This week, Governor Dayton released details of his updated budget proposal. In light of an improved budget forecast, and much opposition to portions of his initial proposal, the Governor's updated budget will not include the much-criticized business-to-business taxes, nor will it include most of his sales tax proposal that would have lowered the rate but broadened the tax to include a number of never-before taxed goods and services.
 
I've been clear from the beginning that I think the business-to-business taxes would have been bad for jobs and a hidden tax increase on working Minnesotans, and am grateful that Governor Dayton listened to the chorus of opposition to his plan. I look forward to reviewing his updated proposal in the coming days and weeks.
 
Bipartisan Gun Legislation
Last week, I attended a press conference to unveil a piece of bipartisan gun legislation that I have signed on to as a co-author. The bill is chief authored by DFL Rep. Debra Hillstrom, and has the support of GOP Rep. and major gun rights proponent Tony Cornish, the NRA, as well as a number of law enforcement leaders.
 
The bill would help keep guns out of the hands of violent felons, and improves information sharing between our state and local law enforcement agencies. These are common-sense measures with broad bipartisan support -- a good example of what we can get done when the two sides come together to work on an issue.
 
2013 Legislative Survey
Over the next week, many District 36A constituents will be receiving my 2013 legislative survey. If you do not receive a copy in the mail, I hope you'll consider taking the survey online. You can access the survey by clicking here.
 
Constituent feedback is important to help me better represent our community, and I look forward to hearing your opinions and input.
 
Have a great week,
 
Mark Uglem
State Representative, District 36A