Dear neighbor,
On Wednesday, Governor Dayton gave his State of the State Address before a joint session of the legislature. He touted the state’s jobs numbers, trumpeted MNsure as a success despite its rocky start and took credit for cutting taxes even though he and fellow Democrat legislators raised them by more than $2 billion in 2013. The governor also took credit for the budget Republicans drafted in 2011, which turned a projected $6 billion budget deficit into a more than $1 billion surplus. Decisions made that year have put wind in our economy’s sails. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait and see how the historic increases in taxes and fees Democrats passed in 2013 will impact our future and our children’s future.
We’re still waiting on the bonding bill to come to the House floor. I remain a strong proponent of keeping the bonding bill at no more than $846 million. That number is based on an agreement made between Republican and Democrat legislative leaders last session. Even if it’s at or below the $846 million cap, it’s still no guarantee I will support the bonding bill. I’m hoping for a strong emphasis on roads, bridges, and infrastructure – particularly in rural areas. We shouldn’t be borrowing money for wasteful projects and have our kids and grandkids pay the bill for it in future years.
As always, I can 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