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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Steve Green (R)

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Legislative Update (Feb. 25, 2014)

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Dear neighbor,

The 2014 Legislative Session is now underway. With session scheduled to end by May 19, the DFL-majority only has a few weeks to push their agenda through the legislature. Some of the issues likely to come up for debate include:

Minimum Wage: An irresponsible increase to the minimum wage may be a priority for Democrats but it just isn’t fair to hardworking Minnesotans who are going to lose their jobs. Economic studies show that every 10 percent increase in the minimum wage leads to a 1-3 percent decrease in employment opportunities for low-skill and young workers. Increased labor costs will also lead to higher prices at restaurants and grocery stores, as owners pass the costs on to the customer.

Bullying: We all agree bullying has no place in our schools which is why Minnesota law already requires schools to have anti-bullying policies. School boards are not asking for additional reporting mandates and it is estimated that this new unfunded mandate will cost Minnesota schools $20-25 million each year. Unfortunately, this legislation is being pushed hard by Democrats’ special interests and is unnecessary, expensive and undermines Minnesota parents.

Bonding: Governor Mark Dayton has unveiled a nearly $1 billion capital investment proposal, heavy in local government projects that have no statewide significance and little attention paid to flood control. The state currently has more than $1.5 billion worth of projects in the pipeline from previous bonding years. Any state borrowing should be tied to critical infrastructure needs like repairing deteriorating roads and bridges and not local pet projects.

2nd Amendment Restrictions: Democrats may revisit plans to pass legislation that would limit the 2nd amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners in Minnesota.

Five Percent Campaign: The “5% Campaign” is a proposal to provide a 5% rate increase to home and community based services that serve older adults and people with disabilities. In the next decade, many from the baby boomer generation will need personal care assistance, and this proposal would help retain our current quality staff and entice others to join the field.

With the legislature now in session, I can still be reached via email at rep.steve.green@house.mn. To contact me by phone, call (651) 296-9918. Mail can be sent to Rep. Steve Green, 231 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.

Sincerely,

 

Steve