I am honored and humbled to continue to represent Faribault at the Capitol. I look forward to hearing from you over the next few months as we work to create jobs, improve education, reduce property tax burdens and better our state.
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 is included the shortfall rises to over $2 billion. While this situation is challenging, I am confident that we can balance the budget without borrowing or gimmicks.
This session I have been appointed to serve on the Agriculture Policy, Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy, Health and Human Services Finance and Health and Human Services Policy Committees. I look forward to working on these important issues for our community.
Four high-priority bills have so far been introduced this session. HF 1 would make a $550 million payment towards the $1.1 billion that is owed to our schools due to borrowing from the previous legislature, HF 2 would expand the Renter’s Credit and create the Homestead Credit Refund to provide direct property tax relief to Minnesota homeowners and renters, HF 3 would increase funding for the Minnesota Investment Fund, one of the state’s main tools to attract businesses to Minnesota and HF 4 would expand funding for the Minnesota Trade Office to promote Minnesota’s competitiveness globally. This funding is intended to expand economic opportunities to small and medium-sized Minnesota businesses.
Paying back our schools, providing property tax relief and creating jobs were some of the main priorities I heard in our district over the summer and fall, and they will be my main focus this legislative session.
Please contact me directly with any questions, comments, or concerns on any issue. I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-8237 or by email at rep.patti.fritz@house.mn. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Patti Fritz
State Representative, Faribault