Dear Neighbor,
I continue to receive questions from local citizens who are concerned about legislation that would establish new gun restrictions. This issue has been quiet in the House since hundreds of citizens showed up to provide their testimony during recent committee hearings.
The Senate conducted hearings this week and leaders in that body indicated a ban on certain guns and other restrictions would not be under consideration. Instead, the Senate is gearing its discussions toward universal background checks. I will continue monitoring this situation and let you know what transpires.
Our biggest news in the House this week pertains to components of Gov. Mark Dayton’s budget proposal. A House committee this week reviewed the details of his K-12 budget for the next biennium. Dayton’s plan would increase school spending by $344 million over the next two years with a $52 increase to the per-pupil funding formula. The governor also calls for $44 million to be used in providing opportunity scholarships or “vouchers” that empower parents to send their kids to early childhood programs of their choice.
A chief concern is Dayton's proposal does not pay back $1.1 billion in delayed K-12 payments until 2017. I believe this should be a top priority as education is one of two state constitutional requirements, along with transportation. The governor’s plan also fails to provide contingency plans if the across-the-board federal budget cuts go into effect March 1.
There was an attempt to permanently end discussions on Dayton’s proposal to raise taxes by $3.7 billion this week, but it failed in the House. Newspapers from all across the state have expressed opposition to various taxes the governor is proposing, especially the business-to-business tax which officials say would cost businesses $1.5 billion in 2015 alone. Businesses have indicated that they will have no choice but to pass those increases on to their customers, which in the end is us, the consumers.
Budget discussions will pick up in earnest after a new economic forecast is issued Thursday. The last three semi-annual forecasts all have exceeded projections, with a combined $2.5 billion in surplus revenue. I am eager to see what this new report shows. Another round of surplus funds would make it even more difficult for proponents of tax increases to make their case during the budget process.
I have received a lot of great feedback since I began sending email updates. Your input is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to direct friends and family to www.house.mn/13a if they would like to sign up to receive them.
Sincerely,
Rep. Jeff Howe