Dear Neighbor,
It was an exciting and busy week at the Capitol as a disaster relief bill was passed and the Governor unveiled his budget proposal.
Governor’s Budget Unveiled
The Governor released the details of his budget proposal on Tuesday. The proposal includes a $6.8 billion dollar increase in all-funds spending over the current biennium and a more than $903 million dollar tax increase. The all-funds budget includes all general fund spending as well as spending from upwards of 35 other dedicated funds or accounts. While there are portions of the Governor’s budget where I think we can find common ground, it ultimately poses more questions than answers. In his recommendations, the Governor proposes nearly $9 billion dollars in new taxes, tax increases, and fee increases to pay for an over inflated transportation plan that puts too much emphasis on light rail projects and bike lanes and not enough focus on real roads and bridges. Included in these increases is an additional 6.5% state gas tax, an increase in the 7-county metro sales tax, and an increase in license tab fees.
While most Minnesotans, including myself, agree that we need to find a solution to our state’s transportation and infrastructure needs, the governor’s proposed plan puts too much burden on taxpayers. There are better ways to address our state’s transportation needs without having to dramatically increase taxes and fees on hardworking Minnesotans. I am eager to be on the front lines of this issue, serving on the Transportation Finance and Policy Committee, as we look for responsible ways to fix our crumbling roads and bridges.
Disaster Relief Aid
On Monday, the House passed Senate File 1. This bill provides nearly $17 million dollars in aid to 47 counties and 3 tribal governments that are still dealing with repairs and cleanup from last summer’s severe storms and will allow our state to receive matching federal funds of $50 million. Also in the bill is a $3 million one-time appropriation from the general fund to match federal aid to repair local roads and bridges that were damaged in the flooding. Anoka County was included in this package.
I am happy that we were able to pass this bill with unanimous bi-partisan support and get it quickly to Governor’s desk so that Anoka and other counties around the state are able to finish the cleanup from last summer’s storms.
Property Tax Listening Session
A reminder that House Property Tax and Local Government Finance Division Chair, Steve Drazkowski and myself will be holding a property tax listening session in Anoka on Monday, February 2 at the Rum River Library, 4201 6th Ave. NW, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
I encourage you to attend and express any concerns you may have about property tax rates and how they affect you, your family, and your business.
Local Events and Staying Connected
The Anoka Winterfest is set to take place this Saturday. I encourage you to join the City in celebrating this wonderful season with outdoor and indoor activities at Green Haven Golf Course & Event Center, 2800 Greenhaven Road. There is a charge for attending the event so please make sure to either purchase your wristband in advance or at the door. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Better Values Liquor Store (809 W. Hwy. 10 or 847 East River Road), at Anoka City Hall (2015 First Ave.), or online at www.ci.anoka.mn.us.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions, comments, or concerns on anything related to state government. It would be an honor to discuss your ideas on how we can make Minnesota better for everyone. I can be reached by phone at 651-296-1729 or via email at rep.abigail.whelan@house.mn. You can also stay up-to-date on everything that is happening in St. Paul by visiting my Facebook page and Twitter account.
Thank you and enjoy your weekend,
Abigail