Dear Neighbors,
Despite the cold weather over the last couple weeks, the state legislative session has started heating up. Last Tuesday, Governor Dayton released his budget proposal for the 2014-2015 biennium.
Based on my conversations with you over the past year I believe we need to balance the budget with a focus on more opportunities for middle class families, investments in education, property tax relief, and most importantly, we need to truly balance our budget without old-school gimmicks. As your state representative, I want to hear your feedback on the budget and be your voice at the Capitol.
The Governor’s budget recommendations serve a starting point for our work this session to resolve our $1.1 billion deficit and balance our state budget with an eye toward a stronger economic future and a stronger middle class. Some quick highlights of the governor’s proposal are below.
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$118 million in new K-12 funding, including $52 in new money for every student
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$92 million in early learning, and $40 million for optional all-day Kindergarten
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$240 million in new higher education funding.
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Reduces the corporate income tax rate from 9.8 percent to 8.4 percent — the largest corporate tax cut in 26 years. This would move Minnesota’s corporate tax rate from the 3rd highest in the nation to 12th highest.
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$120 million in business property tax relief by freezing the state businesses property tax levy.
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A new E-Fairness tax initiative — supported by the business community — which would help level the playing field for local, Main Street businesses competing with online retailers like Amazon.
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An upfront sales tax exemption for businesses purchasing new capital equipment. Right now, when businesses invest in new equipment, they pay sales tax and get reimbursed later. This change would simplify the process for our businesses.
Governor Dayton’s proposal is just the first step as we work to balance the budget. The legislature will receive an economic forecast in February that will provide more information and guidance. In the meantime, we will examine the governor’s proposals, listen closely to Minnesotans, and work together on a budget that will put Minnesota on a path to progress. Your voice is a vital part of creating a budget that works for all Minnesotans.
Jablonski/Rodreick Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Grant Program
Last week, I introduced legislation with Senator Jeff Hayden for the Jablonski/Rodreick Spinal Cord and Traumatic Brain Injury Grant Program. This legislation would invest $8 million into a grant program that awards grants to publicly funded research institutions for research into spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
More than 10,000 Minnesotans sustain traumatic brain injuries each year and on average, 300 Minnesotans suffer from spinal cord injuries. We need to be supporting vital lives for people with disabilities and this grant money and research can help do just that. We have an opportunity to find breakthroughs that will make an immeasurably positive difference in the lives of thousands of Minnesotans. This bill is coming to us with inspiring grassroots support from the disability community and I’m hopeful we can get it passed this year.
Please feel free to contact me with your ideas, questions, or concerns on the governor’s budget or on any other issue. You can reach me by phone at 651-296-4128, or by email at rep.laurie.halverson@house.mn. You can also follow me on Twitter for updates.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson
State Representative
District 51B