Dear neighbor,
Last week I was officially sworn in as the state representative for District 49B. I am honored and humbled to represent our community at the State Capitol. I am excited to get to work and can assure you that I will work hard on bipartisan legislation to address our state’s problems.
Economic forecasts revealed early last month that we’re facing a $1.1 billion budget shortfall this year. When the money still owed to schools and inflation is included the shortfall rises to over $3 billion.
While the budget forecast certainly poses a challenge, I believe we can put forth a fiscally prudent and responsible budget without borrowing or gimmicks. We need to move past fixing the mistakes of past legislatures and instead govern responsibly to get things done for Minnesotans. I look forward to working with Democrats, Republicans and Independents to balance the budget, create lasting jobs, improve schools and move our state forward.
I have been assigned to serve as Vice Chair of the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee, as well as a member of the Civil Law, Higher Education Finance and Policy and Transportation Policy Committees. I am very excited to get to work on these committees and to address the issues that matter most to Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Minnetonka residents.
Finally, I’m proud to support three high-priority pieces of legislation. The first, HF 1, would make a $550 million “down payment” on the $1.1 billion we owe our K-12 schools, the second would increase funding for the Minnesota Investment Fund, one of the state’s primary tools to encourage businesses to set up shop in Minnesota, and the third would increase funding to the Minnesota Trade Office. The Trade Office works to help Minnesota businesses navigate foreign markets and trade regulations so they can increase their exports and put more Minnesotans to work. These initiatives will improve education and create jobs statewide.
Please contact me directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any issue. I value your input. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-7803 or by email at rep.paul.rosenthal@house.mn. Please contact me anytime I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,
Paul Rosenthal
State Representative
Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina and Minnetonka