Hello Neighbors,
Omnibus Budget Bills
Several of the large budget bills for this session have been introduced and others have yet to be announced. By the end of May, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget through more than a dozen large “omnibus” that outline spending for each area of the budget (education, transportation, etc.). The DFL have announced they intend to spend over $39 billion in the next two years, a substantial increase over current spending. You can track all of the omnibus bills online using these bill numbers:
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Commerce (HF 1682)
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Jobs (HF 729)
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Housing (HF 1344)
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Public Safety (HF 724)
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Judiciary (HF 1160)
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Environment/Natural Resources/Ag (HF 976)
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Legacy (HF 1183)
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State Gov (HF 1184)
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Capital Investment (HF 270)
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Transportation Finance (HF 1444)
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HHS (HF 1233)
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K12 (HF 630)
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Higher Ed (HF 457)
Bonding Bill Introduced
On Tuesday, House Democrats announced their bonding recommendations, which will borrow and spend $858 million of taxpayer money. I will not be supporting a bonding bill this year because I believe the state has a debt problem and must get its fiscal house in order first.
Civil Union Bill
You may have read in our local press that I am supporting a bill this year to recognize civil unions and protect individual rights. The main goal of this legislation is to end the divisive social issue battle that’s been taking place for three years on the marriage issue. I hope this bill will bring a solution to the issue and unite Minnesotans once again.
Of Community Interest:
Thank you to everyone who attended the Woodbury Expo last Saturday and visited with me. Many of you had important questions and comments for me to bring back to St. Paul. I appreciate your input.
Upcoming Listening Session – April 27
I will be holding another Library Listening Session on Saturday, April 27 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the R.H. Stafford Branch Library in Woodbury.
Bailey Elementary Visits Capitol
Thank you to the Bailey Elementary students who visited the Capitol and met with Senator Susan Kent and me.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Andrea
651-296-1147 or rep.andrea.kieffer@house.mn