Dear neighbors,
State lawmakers continue to move at a fast pace during this year’s Legislative Session.
It has been a busy first few weeks at our state capitol. I feel energized knowing we are on track to help more individuals, families and businesses share in Minnesota’s economic recovery.
Here is a quick look at some of the big priorities lawmakers took on over the past few weeks.
Six consecutive months of job growth:
According to a new report from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Minnesota employers added 600 jobs in January – marking six straight months of job growth. Our total employment is now over 2.8 million, the first time in history. This is another positive sign that our economy is heading in the right direction. The 2014 Session is a good opportunity to build on those gains and put even more people back to work.
Read more: http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2014/03/14/reality-check-gov-daytons-job-numbers/
House unanimously approves additional funding for school lunch program:
I proudly joined my colleagues from both sides of the aisle last week in unanimously approving a bill to fully fund hot school lunches for families who can't afford reduced-price meals. The legislation will benefit over 60,000 children across Minnesota.
Read more: http://kstp.com/news/stories/S3361243.shtml
Entire House approves $500 million middle class tax cut package:
After the House Taxes Committee approved $500 million in tax cuts for middle class Minnesotans and small businesses during just the first week of Session, the entire House promptly followed suit and passed the bill by a near unanimous vote. In addition to repealing three business-to-business taxes, the bill conforms our state tax code to the federal tax code, which simplifies the filing process and cuts taxes for nearly one million Minnesotans.
Read more: http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/248716581.html
‘Unsession” legislation will streamline government, cut red tape:
Lawmakers are moving forward on legislation to simplify and streamline our state government, an initiative Governor Dayton coined as the “Unsession.” Legislative committees have been discussing bills that eliminate outdated laws, clean up language in statute books and streamline environmental permitting, rulemaking and more. I am hopeful we will take some serious steps this year to cut red tape and make our government more effective and efficient.
Read more: http://www.minnpost.com/politics-policy/2014/03/dayton-s-team-outlines-1000-unsession-ideas-updating-streamlining-government
As always, please be in touch with your questions, comments, or concerns. I appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
JoAnn Ward
State Representative, District 53A