This week, Governor Dayton released his 2013-2014 budget proposal.
The proposal provides a property tax rebate of up to $500 for Minnesota homeowners and invests in Local Government and County Program Aid. Those of us in Rural Minnesota have been hit hard with rising property taxes and I am very supportive of the measures to reduce local property tax burdens on homeowners and farmers.
The Governor’s budget proposal also improves both K-12 and higher education by increasing funding by $52 per K-12 student, expanding early childhood education (preschool), expanding the Minnesota State Grant program and increasing funding for both the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Our schools are an important part of our community and part of what make our state great. After historic borrowing from the schools it is time that we invest in our classrooms so our children and grandchildren can be successful.
In addition, Governor Dayton included some nursing home improvements in his budget proposal and I am happy that he has opened the door to look at nursing home rates. Most nursing homes have not received rate increases over the last several years and the quality of many long-term care providers is a growing concern. I am putting together a proposal to increase funding to nursing homes and provide quality improvements to both care and facilities. I will keep you updated as we finalize this legislation and work to move it forward.
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
-30-