Dear Friends,
Today legislators got an update on Minnesota's budget situation. The February forecast put out by the Minnesota Management and Budget office shows Minnesota has a $1.869 billion surplus for the 2016-2017 budget. It's good to see continued strength in Minnesota's economy, and that families are feeling better about their own financial situations thanks to lower gas prices.
We have to remember: surpluses come from hardworking taxpayers—not government.
Over the coming weeks and months, we will work to craft a budget proposal that puts surplus dollars back in the pockets of Minnesotans and focuses on priorities that Minnesotans sent us here to work on; improving roads and bridges, ensuring a world-class education for Minnesota students, and taking care of our elderly and disabled through improved nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
Please continue to stay in touch as the budget process continues. You can email me your thoughts at rep.roz.peterson@house.mn or call my office at 651-296-5387. You can also connect with me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/reprozpeterson or Twitter @RozPeterson.
Deficiency Bill signed by Governor Dayton
Yesterday Governor Dayton signed into law the Deficiency bill which provides funding to state agencies facing budget shortfalls due to unforeseen expenses, such as expenses preparing for the Ebola crisis last fall.
The bill also included a salary freeze for the commissioners who received exorbitant salary increases last month, and contains an amendment that I authored that removes the Governor's ability to increase pay and puts salary decisions back in the hands of the legislature.
Have a great weekend!
Roz Peterson
State Representative, District 56B