Dear Neighbors,
I want to provide an update on some budget bills that are being discussed in the House of Representatives.
The House passed the bipartisan Jobs and Economic Development bill Monday, which invests to grow new jobs and strengthen Minnesota’s economy. One of the largest components of the bill expands the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF). MIF is an established program that helps to attract businesses to Minnesota by providing incentives to businesses that expand or move here from out-of-state. The program brings $33 in private investment for every $1 loaned out and has brought jobs to several communities throughout the state already. This is a great way to bring public and private investment together to create new jobs and economic growth.
Other initiatives include the Minnesota Trade office to help create business relationships that strengthen Minnesota’s economic output and a Fast Trac program to provide training to those looking to start and/or grow their own business. A major provision in the Jobs bill provides a $350 million tax cut to Minnesota’s employers. The average Minnesota employer will save $150 per employee.
The main goal of the Jobs and Economic Development proposal is to attract more private investment in Minnesota. A variety of approaches are used—from job training to investment incentives—but these tools will grow new jobs in our state for years to come and make our state more economically competitive.
In addition to the Jobs legislation, the Health and Human Services bill cuts $150 million from programs in this budget area. These cuts are necessary to make government more efficient and reduce spending. Since 2008, enacted budgets have cut the Health and Human Services General Fund by $4.2 billion. This is a budget area that has grown rapidly and we must be sure that our programs are sustainable and effective. While making these cuts can be difficult, we have done so while protecting Minnesota’s seniors and most vulnerable.
The last piece of legislation that I want to mention is the Public Safety bill, which passed the House floor Friday on a bipartisan vote. I serve as vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee and this bill is the product of much of our committee work. The bill includes funds for sex offender treatment, support for Youth Intervention Programs, improves our forensics labs, trains law enforcement for human trafficking investigations and gives the Department of Corrections resources to avoid employee layoffs and to maintain basic agency operations – including supervision of offenders in the community.
The bill also funds a School Safety Center to assess threats and hazards to Minnesota schools, while providing training, conducting exercises, and assisting schools with safety improvements. In the event of an incident, the center will have an emergency response to assist schools in need. These provisions will help to keep our streets safe.
Lastly, you may have heard recently that the Minnesota Senate voted to increase state legislator salaries. I want to make it clear that I oppose a pay raise for legislators. Additionally, the Minnesota House has no such proposal, making the Senate proposal unlikely to pass into law.
There are many priorities that are much more important than our pay, such as reducing the $627 million deficit and paying back the $854 million owed to schools. Minnesota has a part time legislature, and our pay should reflect this. I want to assure you that I will continue to oppose this raise.
Please contact me with your input on these or any other issues. I appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Paul Rosenthal