Dear Neighbors,
Last week, the House of Representatives debated a 450-page “supplemental budget” bill, written by legislative leaders who determined how the state’s $1 billion surplus should be handled.
House File 3172 is 446 pages, weighs 2 lb. 14 oz., contains 149,511 words, 14,785 lines, and 495 sections with 1,029 different provisions.
Here are a few details about the bill:
TOTAL SPENDING
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$323 million: total spending increase for 2014-15
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$892 million: total spending increase for 2016-17
OBAMACARE BAILOUT
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$406 million is allocated to bail out federal Obamacare dollars that didn’t come to the state as expected. Bill language allows this bailout to continue indefinitely and does not reform how government works in order to prevent another funding shortage.
INTERESTING ITEMS
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$10.4 million: Met Council transit development and free public transit service on Election Day
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$150,000 per year: Dept. of Ag. to create a “Pollinator Emergency Response Team”
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Railroads required to light their yards with “Made in Minnesota” solar panels
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$6 million taken from road and bridge-specific funds to pay for a bicycle and pedestrian path
To make the bill responsible to taxpayers, I supported an alternative amendment that would have significantly cut down on all of the spending but still fully funded priorities. Unfortunately, it was defeated by the majority.
Last year, spending grew by a historic $3 billion (10 percent) and taxes were increased by over $2 billion. That is why I could not, in good conscience, vote for even more spending that commits us to long-term government growth on auto-pilot. I believe government needs to be responsible to the hardworking taxpayers it serves.
2014 LEGISLATIVE SURVEY
It’s important that your voices are well-represented when I vote on behalf of District 37B. Click here to take my legislative survey and make your opinions known on important issues facing the state. I welcome and encourage your participation.
VISITORS
Thanks to everyone from Blaine who recently stopped by my office!
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Anoka Conservation district members: Mary Jo Truchon - Board Chair, Chris Lord – District Manager, and Andrew Dotseth - Water Resource Technician
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Pediatrician Day on the Hill: Abby Montague discussed newborn screening issues
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Local arts advocate, Ethan Xiong
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Please let me know if you are ever in St. Paul or if I can be of service to you and your family on matters of state government. I can be reached at rep.tim.sanders@house.mn or 651-296-4226. I look forward to hearing from you!
Have a great week,
Tim
**Encourage your neighbors and friends to sign up for my email updates at www.house.mn/37B