Hello Neighbors,
Here is what’s happening at the Capitol:
Budget Update
Thank you to everyone who has offered their voice in response to the Governor’s original budget plan. You may recall, his plan called for new business-to-business taxes and an expanded sales tax that would hit the middle-class hard. Governor Dayton and the House DFL both released revised budget plans which still grow government spending, but do so with higher taxes on the rich and an expanded metro transit tax.
The new fifth tier income tax idea will impact individuals and small businesses in our district and is meant to target one income class for the benefit of growing the size of state government. I believe state government should be living within its means like families and businesses have to do every day. That means only spending what we take in. The plan currently under consideration brings spending to record levels and then decides later how to pay for it.
Update on Gun Bills
We’ve again spent much of our week examining gun legislation, much of which has very little public support. Last night, the House Public Safety Committee passed a revised gun restrictions bill that includes a provision for background checks at gun shows – a proposal most law-abiding Minnesota gun owners oppose. I will not vote for this bill when it comes to the full House in a few weeks.
HF 142 Moves Ahead
My bill to increase penalties for repeat sex offenders is moving forward after passage by the House Public Safety Committee. It is an important step to improving our sexual violence laws in Minnesota.
A group of Seniors from Burnsville High School visited me at the Capitol to offer support for HF 142
Legislative Survey
My annual legislative survey can now be found online through my official web page. If you haven’t completed it already through the mail or online, please do. I look forward to hearing from you!
Of Community Interest:
The Woodbury Guild of the Children’s Hospital Association will be holding a fundraiser called “Open Your Heart” on Thursday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at the Prom Center in Oakdale. Click here to learn more and register.
Easter/Passover Break Next Week
The Legislature will not be meeting next week as the House and Senate are home in their districts. We will return to the Capitol the week of April 1.
Woodbury Expo – April 6
Save the Date! Saturday, April 6th 2013 is the 4th annual Woodbury Community Expo! It is a GREAT event where businesses and organizations connect with the community, and I will be there to speak with residents about my work at the Capitol.
As always, it is an honor to serve you,
Andrea
651-296-1147 or rep.andrea.kieffer@house.mn