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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Clark Johnson (DFL)

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Bonding, Tax Reform Top Legislature’s To-Do List For 2014 Session

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

ST. PAUL –The 2014 Legislative Session began today, with state Representative Clark Johnson (DFL–North Mankato) looking to build on the progress made during the 2013 Legislative Session.

 

“There was a lot accomplished for the people of Minnesota last session — all-day kindergarten, college tuition freeze, job creation measures, and direct property tax relief among them — and we’re ready to add on to that list this spring,” said Rep. Johnson. “We’re moving forward, but we know we have more work to do to assure that all Minnesotans benefit from our increasing prosperity.”

 

The 2013 session began with the legislature facing a $600 million deficit and $800 million in debt to Minnesota schools. The legislature passed a balanced budget, and all of the money owed to schools was been paid back and the state is anticipating a $850 million budget surplus. Additionally, Minnesota created more than 50,000 jobs in 2013 and has fully regained all the jobs lost during the Great Recession.

 

“We’re headed in the right direction,” said Rep. Johnson. “Our aim this year is to build on that momentum. That means keeping our budget balanced and doing the things that will keep our economy growing stronger.”

 

Action began quickly on the first day of session. The House Taxes Committee was meeting to discuss middle-class tax relief through federal tax conformity and the repeal of business-to-business taxes, including the warehouse tax, farm equipment repair tax, and the telecommunications equipment tax.

 

“What we do will be dictated by our budget surplus,” said Rep. Johnson. “If the numbers remain as good as they have – and we’ll know more after Friday’s February forecast – our top priorities should be middle-class tax relief and repealing some business-to-business taxes. Both have broad bipartisan support.”

 

Legislators will also be working to pass a statewide bonding bill. Because bonding bills require a three-fifths majority, the bill will need bipartisan support.

 

“We’ll be working together on a number of important local infrastructure projects, including the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter, the Mankato Civic Center and important projects at South Central College and Minnesota State University, Mankato” added Rep. Johnson. “This bill will make it possible to build and improve the long-term infrastructure our communities and businesses need to be successful.”

 

Another focal point will be an increase in the state’s minimum wage. Minnesota’s current minimum wage is $6.15, while the federal minimum wage is $7.25. Only two states — Georgia and Wyoming — have a lower minimum wage than Minnesota.

 

“Increasing the minimum wage will help our neighbors who earn the minimum wage meet the needs of their families,” said Rep. Johnson. “Much of the evidence and study on this suggests that when more low-income workers have money in their pockets they spend it in their communities, which grows our economy. The increased wages can also help low-income families get off public assistance programs.”

 

Finally, Governor Dayton has deemed the 2014 Session as the “Unsession,” a chance to make state government more efficient and better serve taxpayers.

 

“This is something that most Minnesotans can agree is a good idea,” said Johnson. “I hope we can work together this session to get rid of outdated laws and other reforms that will improve how government works for our communities and the people of Minnesota.”